Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper

A video recording was made this evening of the celebration of the Mass of the Lord's Supper within the parameters set by the Congregation of Divine Worship in Rome regarding these celebrations without a congregation. 

According to the Congregation, the faculty to celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, without a congregation, is granted in an exceptional manner this year to all priests. Since only a couple of people should be assisting, there is nonetheless no washing of feet, no procession with the Blessed Sacrament at the end of Mass, and the Blessed Sacrament is to be kept in the tabernacle.

Since one of the principal mysteries that are commemorated in this Mass is institution of the Holy Eucharist and of the priestly order, Father Jim wears his Archdiocesan chasuble that he wears whenever he concelebrates Mass with other priests as sign of unity with the priests and their bishop. Since this evening foreshadows the death of Jesus, the High Priest, it is also fitting to wear this chasuble to foreshadow their own deaths as many priests are buried wearing this chasuble.

Lent ends. The Sacred Triduum begins with this celebration. A paschal fast is observed on Good Friday and, if possible, on Holy Saturday to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus and to prepare ourselves to share more deeply in his resurrection. Perhaps such a fast this year could unite us with the all the suffering inflicted on the world by the pandemic.

Finally, Konstantza Chernov performs for us “Lead Me to Calvary” composed by William J. Kirkpatrick here.