(LifeSiteNews) – Pope Leo XIV will commemorate the first Good Friday of his pontificate by carrying the cross for all 14 stations during the customary “Via Crucis” (Way of the Cross) at the Roman Colosseum himself. Pope Leo will notably be the first pontiff since Pope John XXIII revived the practice of celebrating the Via Crucis inside the Colosseum more than 60 years ago to carry the cross himself for each station, per Vatican News. While each pope since Paul VI has continued the custom of leading the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on Good Friday, most have carried the cross for some of the stations, whereas Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, did not carry it at all. The meditations for this year’s Way of the Cross will be written by Father Francesco Patton, OFM, who served as Custodian of the Holy Land from 2016 to 2025 and is known for speaking out on the suffering of the faithful in Gaza. The late Pope Francis had prepared the meditations for the previous two Good Friday services, though he was unable to attend last year’s due to health issues in the final days of his life. Celebrating the Via Crucis in the Colosseum dates back to the 18th century when Pope Benedict XIV approved Saint Leonardo da Porto Maurizio’s request to build stations inside the former arena. The Way of the Cross inside the Colosseum quickly became a popular practice; however, it fell out of favor after the Colosseum’s cross was removed in the 1870s. READ: We cannot follow Christ without sharing in His suffering The practice was restored in the Colosseum in 1959 by Pope John XXIII, and Pope Paul VI made it a custom to pray the stations each Good Friday at sunset. However, recent pontiffs such as Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI would typically only carry the cross themselves at the beginning and end of the Viva Crucis. 🇮🇹 This year will be Pope Leo XIV’s first as pope He will take part in the Via Crucis at the Colosseum, as Pope Benedict XVI can be seen doing in 2006 pic.twitter.com/CQyZa0cHY8 — Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) March 22, 2026 Pope Francis, however, had not carried the cross himself at all during his 12-year pontificate, only presiding over the Good Friday Way of the Cross, making Leo’s decision to carry the cross for all 14 stations a clear contrast from his predecessor’s customs. The late Argentine pontiff was also unable to attend last year’s stations during the final days of his life as he dealt with health issues. Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, the cardinal Vicar of the Diocese of Rome, had presided instead. Pope Leo has made another significant break from his predecessor’s Holy Week customs, restoring the tradition of washing the feet of 12 priests on Holy Thursday in the Basilica of St. John Lateran. READ: Pope Leo XIV restores Holy Thursday tradition of washing priests’ feet after 14-year break Francis had broken with tradition by celebrating the Holy Thursday Mass in alternative locations such as prisons and migrant reception centers, and by regularly washing the feet of laypeople rather than priests. LifeSiteNews has previously reconstructed the full chronology of all the foot‑washing ceremonies performed by Francis.

He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: – Luke 24:6

CALGARY, Alberta (LifeSiteNews) — Organizers behind a petition calling for a referendum to make Alberta its own nation say they now have enough signatures to legally force a vote later next year.  On Wednesday, Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) legal counsel Jeffrey Rath said that 177,000 people have signed a petition that is enough to trigger a referendum under Alberta’s new Citizen Initiative Act. The petition will still need to be approved by Elections Alberta. Alberta’s new Citizen Initiative Act states that at least 10 percent of eligible voters need to sign the petition in order for it to go ahead. The petition needs to be sent to Elections Alberta by May 2. The question on the proposed referendum asks: “Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be part of Canada to become an independent state?” Should enough of the signatures be verified and validated, the above question will be considered but not guaranteed to be put to a province-wide referendum on October 19. The APP bills itself as a sovereignty advocacy group. As reported by LifeSiteNews, about three-in-10 Albertans have said they are open to separating from Canada, with the majority of support coming from young citizens. As reported by LifeSiteNews, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her conservative government will allow but not support a citizen-led referendum on independence. Last year, thousands of Albertans marched on the province’s capital of Edmonton in the “I Am Alberta Rally,” calling for the province to immediately secede from Canada in light of increasing frustration with the Liberal federal government. The calls for Alberta’s independence have grown since Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney defeated Conservative rival Pierre Poilievre, who also lost his seat in Parliament in the 2025 federal election. In Alberta, almost all of the seats except two went to conservatives. Carney, like former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said he is opposed to new pipeline projects that would allow Alberta oil and gas to be unleashed. Also, his green agenda, like Trudeau’s, is at odds with Alberta’s main economic driver, its oil and gas industry.

"I remember there's a point in time when it was East Coast, West Coast, every church, every, name it, and I would be afraid at some point to go to visit churches because right in the middle of the service, they said, Lionel, would you come and join the choir? And I said, you know, 'I'll just sit and listen' because everyone takes it to another level. But to do it on American Idol was such an honor," he told CBN News' Studio 5.    During the event, American Idol Judge Carrie Underwood performed the famous hymn "How Great Thou Art" with 2025 American Idol contestants Filo, Canaan James Hill, and Kolbi Jordan. She described the emotions behind performing it   "I mean, more than anything, it's joyful. It is having that... We get so wrapped up in our day to day and our frustrations and our lives, and I feel like we're really good at getting distracted. And that's a tool. That's a tool of the devil. So just to be able to have a moment to say, 'I think of all the things that You've made, how great Thou art,' how great is that? How wonderful," she told CBN News' Studio 5. American Idol contestant Kyndal Inskeep shared with CBN News' Studio 5 what was happening inside for her during the event.   Kyndal said, "I was weeping every other sentence and every other song, and I really just felt like the Holy Spirit just moved tonight."   American Idol Host Ryan Seacrest shared his thoughts on the event, too. "I look forward to this, starting with the Faith Night. And I look forward to this. My mother looks forward to this... Yes, what a twist. At the end, I was reaching for the results card, and they said, we're going to have to postpone it. With so many votes coming. So, we got to get it right. It's a live show, that's what happens."   The elimination results will be revealed next Monday, April 6th.

By Samantha Kamman, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, April 01, 2026The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception sits adjacent to the campus of Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesCatholic University of America denied a request from a Students Supporting Israel chapter to host two events on campus, citing a lack of balanced perspectives — a requirement the group's leader called “deeply concerning.”Felipe Avila, a nursing student at CUA and president of the school's SSI chapter, maintains that the Washington-based university has "selectively" applied the opposing viewpoints requirement, calling it a "double standard."  “It is deeply concerning that Catholic University selectively applies equal-time policies, uniquely burdening Jewish and pro-Israel students,” Avila told The Christian Post. “When we host programming to discuss our community and its security, we shouldn't be forced to platform competing viewpoints as a condition of participating in campus life.”“It is a double standard no other student group is forced to navigate. Students Supporting Israel will continue to vigorously defend its right to speak out against antisemitism, in the very spirit of the Church's own teachings in Nostra Aetate,” the nursing student added, referencing the Second Vatican Council declaration that transformed Jewish and Catholic relations.Avila requested approval in January to host two events on campus, but CUA rejected the requests “on the basis of its Presentation Policy’s ‘balanced presentation’ requirement." The university invited SSI to “restructure the event and resubmit a request to have speakers representing both sides of this issue.”In a March 18 letter sent to CUA President Peter Kilpatrick, the nonpartisan advocacy group Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression urged the university to approve the events and issue a public statement assuring students “the university will not compel speech as a condition for approval of student-hosted events.”“While CUA is a private university and therefore not bound by the First Amendment, it is legally and morally bound to adhere to the institutional commitments it has voluntarily made to protect students’ freedom of speech,” FIRE’s letter stated.FIRE requested that CUA respond by Wednesday, confirming it will approve the SSI chapter’s event requests and issue a statement assuring student organizations that the administration will allow them to host speakers and events of their choosing.The first event Avila requested permission for would have featured U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., who would have spoken about the documented rise of antisemitism across the United States, “with a specific focus on the complex climate currently facing institutions of higher education,” as the letter noted.Avila also requested permission to host Israel Defense Forces Col. (res.) Dany Tirza, a chief architect of Israel’s security fence in Judea and Samaria. Tirza would have spoken to students about the reason for the fence’s construction and the difficult choices involved in balancing national security with the daily lives of people in the region.Leo Terrell, chair of the U.S. Department of Justice’s task force on combating antisemitism, also commented on the situation in a March 18 X post, writing, “Is this a joke?”In a statement to CP, a spokesperson for CUA said the university “welcomes people of all faiths and stands firmly against antisemitism.”“We take seriously the safety and dignity of our Jewish students and every member of our community,” the spokesperson said. “Antisemitism is repellent and dangerous. We are committed to confronting it in ways consistent with our Catholic mission and belief in the dignity of every human person.”Several recent events at CUA have focused on antisemitism and the Catholic Church’s relationship with the Jewish community.On March 4, Catholic Law’s Center for Religious Liberty hosted a discussion about rising antisemitism on college campuses. Last November, CUA’s School of Theology and Religious Studies also held a dialogue to mark the Second Vatican Council's “Nostra Aetate” declaration.The declaration condemned antisemitism, repudiating the charge of collective Jewish guilt for the death of Christ. It also affirmed the spiritual connection between Christianity and Judaism, as well as God’s enduring covenant with the Jewish people.“We have invited Students Supporting Israel to submit a restructured proposal and to work within university processes to host a thoughtful conversation. As a private, religious institution, Catholic University is well within its rights to approve or deny any speaker request,” the CUA spokesperson continued. “We welcome SSI’s outreach and are confident we’ll reach a resolution quickly through good-faith dialogue.”The situation between CUA and the SSI chapter comes as several Catholic speakers, such as Candace Owens and Carrie Prejean Boller, have recently generated attention for their anti-Israel rhetoric.Avila told CP he believes it is important to distinguish between individuals who happen to be Catholic and those who hold ecclesiastical roles and shape Church teaching.“Every religion has its outliers, but Catholic dogma is clear: antisemitism and any form of racial discrimination are reprehensible. Those who purport to be Catholic while spreading anti-Jewish hatred are not following Church teaching,” the SSI president said.“Antisemitism is undeniably on the rise within Catholic communities, and we are seeing anti-Jewish ideology seep directly into our college campuses,” he continued. “We need university administrators to step up and definitively root out anti-Jewish hatred whenever and wherever it appears.”

By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Wednesday, April 01, 2026Courtesy American IdolHOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The name of Jesus was boldly proclaimed from the stage of "American Idol" on Monday night, as the long-running competition show leaned fully into its second annual “Songs of Faith” night.The live broadcast, timed ahead of Easter, featured the Top 14 contestants performing songs centered on faith and was marked by prayer, gospel music and repeated references to Jesus before a national audience. Judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan opened the show with “Jesus Is Love,” joined by contestants who filled the stage in a choir-like formation. Later, viral child preacher Luke Tillman delivered a prayer, while contestants and the audience alike lifted their hands in worship during performances.By the end of the night, Carrie Underwood closed the show with “How Great Thou Art,” joined by former contestants, a performance that host Ryan Seacrest told The Christian Post “vibrated” through the studio.“I think I felt the Holy Spirit a few times,” Seacrest told CP. “When Carrie had her performance, it really … it vibrated this massive studio. It was incredible.”Underwood, who has been largely credited for the increased visibility of faith themes on the hit reality show, told CP that contestants weren't required to sing explicitly Christian songs, though many chose to. Standout songs of the night included “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus,” “Gratitude,” “I Can Only Imagine” and “At the Cross.”“I respect ABC and 'American Idol' so much for being bold in this theme, because it’s not easy,” she said. “But I love that we were able to … have some moments of just worship in front of the world.”Bryan, who grew up in a Southern Baptist church in Georgia, described the night as a return to something foundational — both for the contestants and for the country — pointing out that many of the night's performers began singing in church.“When you hear people praising Jesus in this light, it’s something that I feel like maybe the country’s gotten away from,” he said. “It’s a great platform.”Keyla Richardson, a pastor’s daughter, music teacher and mother from Pensacola, Florida, opened the night with “Jireh,” Maverick City Music’s worship anthem, which she said was born out of intimate, tearful moments with God.“There were times in my life where I would sit with God in my room … and tears would just fall,” Richardson said. “God has been everything I need Him to be.”The 29-year-old artist told CP that her faith has been the sustaining force throughout the competition. “My faith is the only thing that has kept me this far, and that’s the only thing that’s going to keep me,” she said. “All my help comes from the Lord.”For Kyndal Inskeep, the night carried the weight of personal testimony. After performing a rousing rendition of the classic hymn “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus,” she reflected on a past battle with depression and how her faith saved her.“I almost lost my fight,” the 29-year-old Indiana native told CP, adding that the presence of the Holy Spirit was "overwhelming" during the night's performances. “And He swooped in … and brought me here. Why wouldn’t I want to be a billboard for His kingdom?”She added a message to viewers struggling with anxiety or hopelessness: “Keep going … you are beautifully and wonderfully made. … You’re not what you do, but who He says you are.”Lucas Leon, who performed Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude,” prompting the audience to raise their hands in worship, said his song choice was an act of thanksgiving to God.“I’ve got a roof over my head, food to eat, breath in my lungs every morning,” he said. “How could I not be thankful? … I love that we’re able to get out here and sing about Jesus.”For Jordan McCullough, worship director of Zeal Church in Nashville, the moment felt like a return home. He emphasized that faith isn’t something confined to church buildings, but is something active and outward.“I definitely felt like home again,” said McCullough, a pastor’s son, describing the night as a "full-on worship service." “I do this every week. … We can wait for people to go to church all day. But if I am the church, I can go and bring it to them.”“Faith is going forth in things that may look scary … doing it scared.”Jesse Findling, who performed “Bless the Broken Road,” pointed to the universality of faith themes. “That lyric — ‘God bless the broken road that led me straight to you’ — I feel like no matter what your definition of faith is, people can connect to that,” he said.Other contestants spoke about the communal aspect of the night. Singer Raye, whose rendition of Patty Griffin’s "    Up to the Mountain" earned high praise from the judges, spoke of castmates praying together backstage: “We’ve had them pray over me. We’ve prayed together,” she told CP. “This night just brought us all closer.”Philmon Lee connected his performance of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” to biblical lessons instilled by his family.“It’s about staying humble, staying grounded and leaning on your faith in troubled times,” he said. “I rely on faith every single day. … I lay awake at night praying.”Daniel Stallworth, who performed Blessing Offor’s “Brighter Days,” said his goal was to encourage viewers.“I’ve had some tough moments in my life, and I was searching for a brighter day,” he said. “If you’re going through it right now … keep holding on. You’ll get to the other side.”Braden Rumfelt described faith as something forged through struggle.“I’ve had setbacks that made it hard to have faith,” he said. “It’s fighting through that and trusting Him anyway, that’s what faith is.”For Julian Kalel, a 19-year-old artist from El Paso, Texas, the theme of faith and God's sovereignty intersected with mental health.“I can look back on times when I felt lost and broken … just calling out to God, ‘help me, fix me,’” he said. “If it weren’t for my faith, I wouldn’t have been able to continue.”He added that he hopes to use his platform to raise awareness. “That’s not my work … that’s all Him.”Hannah Harper, who has been involved in ministry since childhood and consistently used her time on “Idol” to point viewers to Jesus, was visibly moved throughout the night. She told CP she “cried the whole time,” with makeup artists stepping in repeatedly as she struggled to compose herself.“Getting to be this open about my relationship with the Lord on a platform like this is an incredible honor to me,” she said.Harper, who performed Chris Tomlin’s “At the Cross (Love Ran Red),” said she saw the moment as an “opportunity to give an invitation.”“At the cross, at the cross/ I surrender my life/ I’m in awe of you/ I’m in awe of you,” she sang. “Where your love ran red/ And my sin washed white/ I owe all to you/ I owe all to you, Jesus.”“From the beginning, you’ve been one of my absolute favorites,” Underwood told Harper after her performance. “I loved your version of that. I could feel your heart in it, and I was right there with ya.”Harper told CP that while she feels “spiritual warfare” in Hollywood, her faith has kept her grounded. “Every single day … we’ve been in a dressing room having Bible study,” she said. “The entire competition is scary, and there’s a lot of spiritual warfare … so it’s been really nice to have somebody like-minded.”“I think it’s important for people to know you’re never too far gone,” Harper said. “He can meet you anywhere … no matter what walk of life you’re in.”Jake Thistle, reflecting on the broader meaning of the night, called faith “a connector.”“It’s such a divided world,” he said. “Anything that can bring people together and create a common thread … that’s powerful.”Chris Tungseth, who performed “By Your Grace,” described the opportunity to sing openly about faith on national television as deeply personal.“I never knew if I’d get a chance to sing a song like this on the show,” he said. “To spread the Gospel in front of millions … that’s such a cool opportunity.”Richie told CP he hopes that after watching the "Songs of Faith" broadcast, viewers will be inspired to reach out to God in prayer for healing and hope: “We are in need of prayer. We are in need of power,” he said. “We’re all God’s children … let’s treat each other like our family ... God is in control."

(LifeSiteNews) — Bishop Robert Barron published an article advocating for the view that Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus Christ, is not in hell. On March 29, Barron’s article, entitled “Even Judas? Rethinking sin, despair and divine mercy this Palm Sunday,” appeared on the Fox News website. While acknowledging that Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Thomas Aquinas, and “most theologians” have believed Judas went to hell either for betraying Christ or for self-murder, Barron presented a “counter-view”: a 12th century carving apparently showing the Good Shepherd carrying the dead Judas over his shoulders. “Pope Francis was so fond of this image that he had a reproduction of it over his desk in his papal office. It showed, for him, the hope that even Judas might have been saved by the overwhelming mercy of the Lord,” Barron wrote. The bishop asked readers not to send him letters, as he knows “that we cannot embrace a simple-minded universalism, which says that we are perfectly confident that all people will be saved. We do indeed have to admit to the very real possibility of an eternal rejection of God.” The rest of Barron’s article focuses on the topic of people who commit suicide and how we need not despair for them but “pray for them and commend them to God’s mercy” instead. Barron’s initial argument for the possibility that Judas has been spared damnation was his clear contrition, as witnessed by the Gospel of Matthew. However, the bishop does not address the fact that the Gospel does not state that Judas repented of his despair. In response to Barron’s article, pundit Matt Gaspers pointed out that the traditional teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, found in the Catechism of the Council of Trent, is that Judas “lost soul and body.” Respectfully, Your Excellency, the Roman Catechism teaches that Judas “lost soul and body” (full quote below), not to mention Our Lord’s own words: “The Son of man goes as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for… — Matt Gaspers (@MattGaspers) March 30, 2026 Canon lawyer Ed Peters observed, “Acknowledgment of having sinned, and repentance for having sinned, are two different things.” Acknowledgment of having sinned, and repentance for having sinned, are two different things. — Edward Peters (@canonlaw) March 30, 2026 Barron has previously faced criticism for suggesting that hell may be empty, a theological speculation popularised by theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar in his 1988 work Dare We Hope ‘That All Men Be Saved’?  Barron also scandalized faithful Catholics by describing Jesus as the “privileged route” – rather than the only way (Acts 4:12) – to salvation, praising a book by notorious LGBT activist Father James Martin, S.J., and telling a “married” homosexual commentator that he would not seek to reverse homosexual “marriage,” among other incidents. “I don’t think I want to press it further,” Barron told Dave Rubin about homosexual “marriage” in a 2017 interview. “I think it would probably cause much more problems and dissension and difficulty if we keep pressing it.”

JOS, Nigeria (LifeSiteNews) — Gunmen killed more than ten people in a Palm Sunday attack in northern Nigeria, prompting authorities to impose a curfew to restore order. On March 29, Palm Sunday, gunmen attacked the Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, within Jos North Local Government Area in Plateau State, Nigeria. The assault targeted civilians in an area served by the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos and, although the motives and the perpetrators of the attack, as well as the exact number of victims, remain uncertain to this day, the likelihood that it was an Islamist‑inspired terrorist attack is high. Archbishop Matthew Ishaya Audu has urged people not to turn it into “a matter of religions.” “There were talks … that after [Ramadan] fasting, they are going to attack us, the Christians. Is it one that they are carrying? Is it even a community clash? I don’t know what it is,” he said. Audu, the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Jos, has urged people not to believe all the information circulating online that assigns responsibility for the massacre to various actors, fueled in part by the many ethno-religious tensions tearing the region apart. “I think the details are not there. If I make a statement, I should do so with conviction and provide a clearer position,” he said. The exact number of victims is still unknown, but according to Audu, “the reports are saying about 11 people were killed.” Verification has been made difficult by the fact that the Plateau State Government imposed a curfew across the affected area immediately after the attack. Several sources, however, suggest that the death toll is between 11 and 30. Some witnesses point to the Nigerian jihadist group Boko Haram as the direct perpetrator, but so far there has been no official claim of responsibility for the attack. The victims are largely Christians, targeted on Palm Sunday in an area that has been struck before by Islamist‑inspired groups. Audu warned that the curfew could create more problems than it solves. “There is heavy restriction, not even movement of anybody, except maybe the police. They don’t even want to see you walking. As a result, if they don’t manage the curfew well, others may take advantage of the situation and then more killings will occur, and more innocent people will die,” he cautioned. In response, the archbishop called on the faithful to pray amid the uncertainty, framing the situation within the spiritual context of Holy Week. “Let them pray: that is what we need now. The Cross is only a way to the resurrection,” he added. “We believe all the challenges of life, including what we are facing now, will become a thing of the past

(LifeSiteNews) — The head of the German Bishops’ Conference (DBK) has handed over the statutes of a proposed “Synodal Conference,” a body that would enable Catholic laity to share in the bishops’ authority, to the Vatican for approval. Bishop Heiner Wilmer submitted the statutes for a future Synodal Conference of the Catholic Church in Germany for recognition by the Vatican on Tuesday. These statutes were first adopted by the General Assembly of the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK) and by the General Assembly of the German Bishops’ Conference. The Synodal Conference was conceived as a continuation of the heretical Synodal Way that seeks to change Church doctrine. In the conference, bishops, other clergy, and laity will discuss and decide on ecclesiastical matters together. According to the statutes, the Synodal Conference will consist of the 27 diocesan bishops of Germany, 27 lay members of the ZdK, and 27 other Catholics (potentially clergy or laity) voted for by the Synodal Assembly. This structure, which grants the laity authority in ecclesiastical matters, clearly violates the hierarchical and sacramental nature of the Catholic Church. Some conservative German bishops, like Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer, and Bishop Stefan Oster, have therefore decided not to participate in the Synodal Assemblies anymore. READ: German bishops adopt text of ‘Synodal Conference’ seeking to give Church authority to laity “In my discussion with Archbishop Filippo Iannone, O.Carm., prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, I explained the statutes, building on the work of my predecessor, Bishop Dr. Georg Bätzing, as well as the numerous preliminary discussions conducted by Bishop Dr. Franz-Josef Overbeck,” Wilmer said after handing over the statutes. “Recognition is requested so that we may apply the statutes and establish a synodal conference for the Church in Germany. I am glad and grateful that today we have taken another step forward on this long journey of the Synodal Path. I am equally grateful for how closely this process in Germany has been integrated with the global synodal movement over the past months,” he continued. The Vatican needs to approve the statutes in order for the Synodal Conference to move forward. However, Vatican officials have expressed concerns about the plan, stating that the authority for a diocese must remain solely with the diocesan bishop.

COLOGNE (LifeSiteNews) — Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki has criticized the increasing replacement of the sacrifice of the Holy Mass with a liturgy of the Word. In his homily at the Chrism Mass in the Cologne Cathedral, German Cardinal Woelki emphasized the central importance of the Eucharist for priests and the Church. The daily celebration of Mass is “constitutive of our priestly being and ministry” and spiritually “absolutely vital,” he said during the homily on Monday evening, addressing in particular the assembled priests of the Archdiocese of Cologne, who also renewed their ordination vows as part of the celebration. “If the liturgy, as the Second Vatican Council put it, is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed and at the same time the source from which all her strength flows, then for us priests, too, the celebration of the Mass is the summit toward which all our other activities are directed and the source from which all our strength must flow,” the cardinal said. “The Church therefore strongly recommends the daily celebration of Holy Mass, especially to us priests.” “Even if only a few faithful, or even none at all, should come to join in the celebration, its daily celebration is meaningful for us priests and, spiritually speaking, essential for our survival,” Cardinal Woelki stressed. “The daily celebration of Holy Mass is constitutive of our priestly being and ministry,” he stated. Cardinal Woelki said that it fills him with great concern that “more and more frequently on Sundays, services of the Word – often with the distribution of Holy Communion – are replacing the celebration of the Eucharist.” “I therefore wish to share my deep concern with you once again today, emphatically and urgently, that through such a practice we are in danger of losing our Catholic identity more and more.” “From places where this practice is already in place, I hear that some faithful travel on Sundays to where Holy Mass is celebrated… while others simply stay away. And still others say that it is enough for them, in any case, to simply participate in a Liturgy of the Word.” “Yes, it seems there are even places now where they say they are doing everything to become independent of the priest for the future, so that they no longer need him or his ministry,” the German cardinal said. “That, dear confreres, dear sisters and brothers, is quite simply no longer Catholic. And I urge you to counteract this from the very beginning.” “The celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday is ultimately irreplaceable and non-interchangeable,” he concluded.

ROME (LifeSiteNews) — Pope Leo XIV has restored the tradition of washing the feet of 12 priests on Holy Thursday following a 14-year hiatus of the practice. On April 1, the Vicariate of Rome published the names of the 12 priests whose feet will be washed by the Pope during the Holy Thursday liturgy in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. They are 11 priests ordained by Leo himself last year, plus the rector of the Major Seminary of Rome, Father Renzo Chiesa. “The full list includes Fr. Andrea Alessi, Fr. Gabriele Di Menno Di Bucchianico, Fr. Renzo Chiesa, Fr. Francesco Melone, Fr. Clody Merfalen, Fr. Federico Pelosio, Fr. Marco Petrolo, Fr. Pietro Hieu Nguyen Huai, Fr. Matteo Renzi, Fr. Giuseppe Terranova, Fr. Simone Troilo, and Fr. Enrico Maria Trusiani,” the Vicariate announced. READ: German bishops submit lay governance proposals to Vatican On January 15, the Prefecture of the Papal Household already announced Pope Leo’s intention to celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. This tradition, too, had been interrupted by Pope Francis, who chose to celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass in alternative locations such as prisons and migrant reception centers. LifeSiteNews has previously reconstructed the full chronology of all the foot‑washing ceremonies performed by Francis. Pope Leo has therefore chosen to restore not only the traditional setting of the Holy Thursday papal Mass, but also the practice of washing the feet of 12 men – specifically 12 priests – in keeping with the most ancient liturgical custom. The Missa in Coena Domini commemorates the Last Supper of Christ with His apostles and includes the Mandatum, the ritual washing of feet, recalling the gesture of Our Lord described in the Gospel of John. The Catholic Church teaches, in accordance with Sacred Scripture and Tradition, that at the Last Supper the Lord instituted the sacrament of Holy Orders. For this reason, over the centuries a custom developed whereby bishops in their dioceses performed this gesture exclusively for the clergy of his diocese – subdeacons, deacons, and priests – rather than for laypeople. This gesture is meant to symbolize Christ’s love for His Church – a love that the bishop is called to exercise toward the people through the ministry of priests, just as Christ loved and served the Church through the apostles, the first bishops. Pius XII officially allowed for the first time the rite to be carried out publicly during Mass and directed toward 12 laymen, with the 1955-56 reform of Holy Week. The reform sparked controversy in those years, since it was unclear why the reformers chose to reverse the chronological order indicated in the Gospels. John 13:2 states that the Lord performed the washing of the feet after the Supper, not before, and this was also the practice in the traditional liturgy, at least until the reform of Pius XII, when the rite was celebrated at the end of Mass. Already in the first year of his pontificate, however, on December 20, 2014, Pope Francis instructed Cardinal Robert Sarah, then prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, to revise the rite of the washing of the feet. His aim was to shift the focus from a gesture tied to the priestly mandate to one that emphasized service toward “those on the margins.” Acting on this directive, the congregation – now a dicastery – later issued a decree updating the rubrics of the Mandatum, removing the requirement that participants be male and allowing the feet of women and, more broadly, of “members of the People of God” to be washed during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

By Samantha Kamman, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, April 01, 2026Joe Exotic, who gained national attention in the Netflix series "Tiger King," is seeking the Democratic nomination for president in the 2024 presidential election. | Screenshot: YouTube/WGN News The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the criminal case of Joseph Maldonado-Passage, also known as Joe Exotic, the "Tiger King" who is serving a 21-year prison sentence for a murder-for-hire plot.On Monday, the justices declined the petition to review the case, meaning Maldonado-Passage’s conviction will stand. The decision marks the latest development in the 63-year-old’s ongoing legal efforts to overturn his conviction tied to a murder-for-hire plot against animal welfare activist Carole Baskin. Baskin and Maldonado-Passage’s rivalry gained public attention in 2020 after the airing of the Netflix documentary "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness." The series highlighted their feud, as Baskin accused Maldonado-Passage of abusing and exploiting wild animals.In April 2019, an Oklahoma jury found Maldonado-Passage guilty on two counts of hiring people to kill Baskin. Maldonado-Passage was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2020.In addition to the conviction for the murder plot, jurors also found the former zookeeper guilty of multiple wildlife-related offenses, including killing five tiger cubs, selling tiger cubs in violation of federal law and falsifying wildlife records.The "Tiger King" claimed in his appeal to the Supreme Court that the government’s case on the murder-for-hire counts rested almost entirely on three cooperating witnesses — Allen Glover, James Garretson and Jeff and Lauren Lowe — whose testimony supplied virtually all evidence of criminal intent and interstate agreement. He further argued that no independent evidence demonstrated a completed murder-for-hire plot or actual interstate travel to carry out a killing.Maldonado-Passage alleged that the tigers he was accused of killing were "aged" and "diseased," asserting that prosecutors mischaracterized what he described as "humane euthanasia" as criminal conduct.Prosecutors said Maldonado-Passage offered $10,000 to an undercover FBI agent posing as a hitman to kill Baskin, according to The Associated Press. During a recorded meeting in December 2017, authorities say he told the agent, "Just like follow her into a mall parking lot and just cap her and drive off."Defense attorneys argued that Maldonado-Passage wasn’t serious about killing Baskin.In 2022, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the trial court had improperly treated the two murder-for-hire counts as separate offenses during sentencing.The appellate court determined that the counts should have been grouped together, warranting a reduced sentence. A federal judge subsequently resentenced Maldonado-Passage to 21 years in prison.During the proceedings, Maldonado-Passage said to the judge, "Please don't make me die in prison waiting for a chance to be free."At the time, he had begun treatment for early-stage cancer. His attorneys told the court that he was particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to his diagnosis of stage-one prostate cancer and an additional condition that compromised his immune system.Amy Hanna, an attorney for Maldonado-Passage, told the court that her client was not receiving proper medical care inside the federal prison system, arguing that a lengthy prison sentence is a "death sentence for Joe that he doesn't deserve," according to The Associated Press.Baskin, who attended the proceedings with her husband, told the judge that Maldonado-Passage "continues to harbor intense feelings of ill will" toward her. She claimed that, even though the former zookeeper is serving a prison sentence, she continued to receive "vile, abusive and threatening communications."The animal welfare activist also argued that the notoriety of the "Tiger King" due to the Netflix series made her more concerned about the potential threat he posed to her safety.

By Anugrah Kumar, Christian Post Contributor Wednesday, April 01, 2026Funeral of Christians killed on Aug. 28, 2025, in Kauru County, Kaduna state, Nigeria. | Iliya Tata for Christian Daily International-Morning Star NewsGunmen killed at least a dozen people at a bar in the city of Jos in Nigeria on Palm Sunday and a retaliatory mob killed at least 10 others, as attacks on Christian communities across the country’s Middle Belt and north intensified through the week.The shooting took place around 8 p.m. local time on Sunday in the Anguwan Rukuba neighborhood of Jos North district, Plateau State, when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a popular bar-cum-restaurant, Open Doors U.K. reported, citing the Plateau State Red Cross. Plateau State Red Cross Secretary Nurudeen Hussaini Magaji confirmed at least 12 people died at the scene.Local youth leader Mangalle Idris told AFP that a mob then formed and “attacked people that were either passing or doing business,” killing an estimated 10 individuals. Jos North Deputy Council leader Kabiru Sani put the combined toll at 27.Open Doors reported that 14 died at the scene and 13 others died at a local hospital, for a total of 27, while Arise TV cited a figure of at least 40 killed in Anguwan Rukuba. The state government, which ordered a 48-hour curfew in Jos North through Wednesday, said investigations were ongoing without confirming a death toll or naming suspects.Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Muftwang condemned the “barbaric and unprovoked attack,” saying all necessary measures were being taken to apprehend those responsible.No group has claimed responsibility, while social media posts blamed Fulani Muslim herders or rural criminal gangs.Truth Nigeria attributed the attack to the Boko Haram terrorist group; the claim had not been verified by the Nigerian military as of Wednesday.The same night, gunmen raided a wedding in Kahir village in Kagarko County, southern Kaduna State, killing at least 13 people and abducting several guests around 11:47 p.m., according to Truth Nigeria.Kagarko is a predominantly Christian area of southern Kaduna.Earlier in the week, radical Fulani militia attacked St. James the Great Catholic Church in Adu, Takum District, Taraba State, breaking windows, ransacking parish buildings and damaging the rectory.Judd Saul, founder of Equipping The Persecuted, was quoted as saying that more than 90,000 Christians in Takum District fled as militants pushed further into southern Taraba.Truth Nigeria said it had issued threat advisories on March 10 and March 21, both of which authorities ignored.Last Monday, a bomb blast believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive device struck a village near Woro in Kaiama district, Kwara State, killing at least one person and injuring several others.The state had already suffered a February massacre that killed more than 160 people.Last Tuesday, terrorists from Lakurawa, a jihadist militia that now allegedly controls more than half of Kebbi State’s 21 counties, lured troops responding to a distress call into an ambush in Kebbi State, killing nine soldiers, a police officer and a civilian.Also last Tuesday, armed Fulani militia killed six residents and burned homes in a community in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, less than 20 miles from Abuja. Security experts were quoted as saying that the assault likely points to coordination between Fulani militia and insurgents such as the Islamic State of West Africa.Nigeria now ranks fourth on the Global Terrorism Index and recorded the largest increase in terrorism-related deaths of any country globally in 2025, with fatalities rising 46%.

Imagine a young father lying on a hospital bed as his children bound into the room. He is counting down the days the doctor has given him to live. But when he sees his children, he greets them warmly and expresses his love aloud. He tells them to always listen to their mother, be faithful at their work, and follow Jesus. He is a teacher to the end.Likewise, Jesus continues teaching disciples though he faces an impending death (Luke 21:37-38). Out of love, he tells three parables to prepare them for his return.A Hope That Waits (Matthew 25:1-13)His first parable is about ten lantern-bearing virgins who will light the path as the wedding party travels to the banquet (v. 1). Five of them, though, foolishly forget to bring extra oil for their lamps (vv. 2-4). So, when the bridegroom suddenly arrives, they’re unprepared. They ask the others, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” Yet there was not enough to share (vv. 5-9).So also, at Christ’s second coming, we are each responsible for our spiritual readiness (vv. 10-12). “Watch therefore,” Jesus teaches, “for you know neither the day nor the hour” (v. 13). You can’t save the date on your calendar or write it in your daily planner. So, remain always vigilant! Look forward with hope to Christ’s return. That’s a party you will not want to miss because the greatest joy of all is to be forever with our Savior—the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:23).As a pastor, I’ve prayed with many people near the end of their life to encourage them with hope. And there’s one question I inevitably ask in some form or another: “Are you ready to stand before the Lord?” I want them to know the living hope of Christ’s resurrection (1 Pet. 1:3-9)—that Jesus is the Son of God who died on a cross to pay the penalty for their sins—that after he rose again, he promised one day to return (1 Cor. 15:3-4).Even if today we are young and healthy, every one of us is on our deathbed. For each life is but a speck of time in relation to eternity. So, are you ready for Christ’s return? Do you have a hope that waits?A Faith That Works (Matthew 25:14-30)The second parable describes a master who entrusted three servants with a great deal of money based on each man’s proven ability (Matt. 25:14-15). For in Christ’s kingdom, we don’t all receive the same amount, but we’re all expected to be faithful.The man given five talents doubles what he received, while the man given two talents produces two more (vv. 16-17). They receive the same commendation, though, based on faithfulness, not results (vv. 19-23). For Christ does not compare you to others; Rather he compares you to you: What have you done with the gifts he has entrusted?The third servant does nothing with the one talent he received. Instead, he hides it in the ground out of fear (v. 18). He plays it safe and gives no chance of return on investment. He even disparages his master as cruel and dishonest (vv. 24-25). He makes excuses as he thrusts the talent into his master’s face: “Here! Take back what belongs to you.” Thus, the master rebukes him as wicked lazy (vv. 26-30).So too, we must not excuse ourselves by accusing Christ. For we fail to trust in him if we do not truly know him. Don’t seek to save your life or to keep your possessions in mint condition. Instead, go all out for the kingdom and run from “do-nothing” Christianity! Invest your every talent to store up your treasures in heaven. For though we are not saved by works, we must possess a faith that works (Eph. 2:8-10).What talents has Christ, your Master, given you? Is it time, knowledge, health, strength, intellect, relationships, opportunities, natural abilities, or spiritual gifts to serve in ministry? Are you employing them to serve your Master? Do you have a faith that works?A Love That Serves (Matthew 25:31-46)Christ’s final parable teaches us to love the unloved—the ones society has neglected (Matt. 25:31-39). For when we serve each other, we serve the King himself: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (v. 40). “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).Jesus calls us to do what may seem small: Feed the hungry; Offer a drink to those who thirst; Show hospitality to one another; clothe and care for those exposed to the elements; visit the sick and friends in prison. The King’s command is not to stare into the sky, but to actively serve. Therefore, our preparation for his coming requires us to see him present in the church today.Then, when Christ returns, he will divide the sheep from goats—the righteous from the wicked. And he will do so based on how we loved him (Matt. 25:41-46). There is no middle ground—not one goat will be left among the sheep nor sheep among the goats. For the Good Shepherd marks us by our love for him—by the way we serve the helpless and the hopeless. So, does your life reveal Christ’s love? Do you have a love that serves?Eternal RewardChrist felt so strongly about these truths that he taught them to his disciples just days before he died. Therefore, we also should treasure them in our hearts, so that when Christ returns as Judge, he will reward us with his precious commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” When he finds us to be faithful stewards, we will delight in greater kingdom responsibilities: “For to everyone who has will more be given.” And for this reason, we anticipate our glorious future hope: “Enter now into the joy of your Master!” Faith, hope, and love bear the fruit of eternal reward.

(LifeSiteNews) — The chief priests and the ancients of the people are met today in one of the rooms adjoining the temple, for the purpose of deliberating on the best means of putting Jesus to death. Several plans are discussed. Would it be prudent to lay hands upon Him at this season of the feast of the Pasch, when the city is filled with strangers, who have received a favorable impression of Jesus from the solemn ovation given to Him three days back? Then, too, are there not a great number of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who took part in that triumph, and whose enthusiastic admiration of Jesus might excite them to rise up in His defense? These considerations persuade them not to have recourse to any violent measure, at least for the present, as a sedition among the people might be the consequence, and its promoters, even were they to escape being ill-treated by the people, would be brought before the tribunal of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. They, therefore, come to the resolution of letting the feast pass quietly over, before apprehending Jesus. But these bloodthirsty men are making all these calculations as though they were the masters. They are, if they will, shrewd assassins, who put off their murder to a more convenient day, but the divine decrees, which from all eternity have prepared a sacrifice for the world’s salvation, have fixed this very year’s Pasch as the day of the sacrifice, and, tomorrow evening, the holy city will re-echo with the trumpets, which proclaim the opening of the feast. The figurative lamb is now to make way for the true one; the Pasch of this year will substitute the reality for the type; and Jesus’ Blood, shed by the hands of wicked priests, is soon to flow simultaneously with that of victims, which have only been hitherto acceptable to God because they prefigured the sacrifice of Calvary. The Jewish priesthood is about to be its own executioner, by immolating Him, whose Blood is to abrogate the ancient alliance, and perpetuate the new one. But how are Jesus’ enemies to get possession of their Divine Victim, so as to avoid a disturbance in the city? There is only one plan that could succeed, and they have not thought of it: it is treachery. Just at the close of their deliberations, they are told that one of Jesus’ disciples seeks admission. They admit him, and he says to them, “What will you give one, and I will deliver him unto you?” (Matthew 26:15) They are delighted at this proposition and yet, how is it, that they, doctors of the law, forget that this infamous bargain between themselves and Judas has all been foretold by David, in the 108th Psalm? They know the Scriptures from beginning to end – how comes it, that they forget the words of the prophet, who even mentions the sum of thirty pieces of silver? (Matthew 27:9, Zechariah 11:12) Judas asks them what they will give him; and they give him thirty pieces of silver! All is arranged tomorrow, Jesus will be in Jerusalem, eating the Pasch with his disciples. In the evening, he will go, as usual, to the garden on Mount Olivet. But how shall they, who are sent to seize him, be able to distinguish him from his disciples? Judas will lead the way; he will show them which is Jesus, by going up to him and kissing him! Such is the impious scheme devised on this day, within the precincts of the temple of Jerusalem. O testify her detestation at it, and to make atonement to the Son of God for the outrage thus offered in the Holy Church, from the earliest ages, consecrated the Wednesday of every week to penance. In our own times, the fast of Lent begins on a Wednesday and when the Church ordained that we should commence each of the four seasons of the year with fasting, Wednesday was chosen to be one of the three days thus consecrated to bodily mortification. On this day, in the Roman Church, was held the sixth scrutiny, for the admission of catechumens to baptism. Those upon whom there had been previous doubts were now added to the number of the chosen ones, if they were found worthy. There were two Lessons read in the Mass, as on the day of the great scrutiny, the Wednesday of the fourth week of Lent. As usual, the catechumens left the church after the Gospel; but as soon as the holy sacrifice was over, they were brought back by the door keeper, and one of the priests addressed them in these words: On Saturday next, the eve of Easter, at such an hour, you will assemble in the Lateran Basilica, for the seventh scrutiny; you will then recite the symbol, which you must have learned and lastly, you will receive, by God’s help, the sacred laver of regeneration. Prepare yourselves zealously and humbly, by persevering fasts and prayers, in order that, having been buried, by this holy baptism, together with Jesus Christ, you may rise again with him, unto life everlasting. Amen. At Rome, the station for today is in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Let us compassionate with our Holy Mother, whose Heart is filled with poignant grief at the foresight of the sacrifice, which is preparing. MASS The Church commences her chants with one to the glory of the Holy Name of Jesus, outraged as it is, on this day, by them that plot His death. This name, which was given Him by heaven, and signifies that He is our Savior, is now being blasphemed by His enemies: in a few hours, their crime will bring its full meaning before us, for His death will have worked the Salvation of the world. INTROIT At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; because the Lord became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross: therefore the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father. Ps. O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come unto thee. At the name, etc. In the first Collect, the Church acknowledges to God that Her children have sinned against Him: but she reminds Him of the Passion, endured for their sakes, by His only begotten Son, and this revives Her hope. COLLECT LET US PRAY ℣. Let us kneel down. ℟. Stand up again. Grant, we beseech thee, O Almighty God, that we, who continually are punished for our excesses, may be delivered by the Passion of thy Only Begotten Son. Who liveth, etc. EPISTLE Lesson from the Prophet Isaiah 62:11-63:7 Thus saith the Lord God: Tell the daughter of Sion: Behold thy Savior cometh. Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bosra, this beautiful one in his robe, walking in the greatness of his strength? I, that speak justice, and am a defender to save. Why then is thy apparel red, and thy garments like them that tread in the wine-press? I have trodden the wine-press alone, and of the Gentiles there is not a man with me; I have trampled on them in my indignation, and have trodden them down in my wrath, and their blood is sprinkled upon my garments, and I have stained all my apparel. For the day of vengeance is in my heart, the year of my redemption is come. I looked about, and there was none to help; I sought, and there was none to give aid; and my own arm hath saved me, and my indignation itself hath helped me. And I have trodden down the people in my wrath, and made them drunk in my indignation, and have brought down their strength to the earth. I will remember the tender mercies of the Lord, the praise of the Lord, for all the things that the Lord hath bestowed on me. How terrible is this our Defender, who tramples His enemies beneath His feet, as they that tread in the wine press; so that their blood is sprinkled upon His garments! But is not this the fittest time for us to proclaim His power, now that He is being treated with ignominy, and sold to His enemies by one of His disciples? These humiliations will soon pass away; He will rise in glory, and His might will be shown by the chastisements, wherewith He will crush them that now persecute Him. Jerusalem will stone them that shall preach in His name; she will be a cruel stepmother to those true Israelites who, docile to the teaching of the prophets, have recognized Jesus as the promised Messias. The Synagogue will seek to stifle the Church in Her infancy; but no sooner shall the Church, shaking the dust from Her feet, turn from Jerusalem to the gentiles, than the vengeance of Christ will fall on the city, which bought, betrayed, and crucified him. Her citizens will have to pay dearly for these crimes. We learn from the Jewish historian Josephus (who was an eyewitness to the siege) that the fire which was raging in one of the streets, was quenched by the torrents of their blood. Thus were fulfilled the threats pronounced by our Lord against this faithless city, as He sat on Mount Olivet, the day after His triumphant entry. And yet the destruction of Jerusalem was but a faint image of the terrible destruction which is to befall the world at the last day. Jesus, who is now despised and insulted by sinners, will then appear on the clouds of heaven, and reparation will be made for all these outrages. Now He suffers Himself to be betrayed, scoffed at, and spit upon; but when the day of vengeance is come, happy they that have served Him and have compassionated with Him in His humiliations and sufferings! Woe to them that have treated Him with contempt! Woe to them who, not content with their own refusing to bear His yoke, have led others to rebel against Him! For He is king; He came into this world that He might reign over it; and they that despise His mercy shall not escape His justice. The Gradual, which immediately follows upon this sublime passage from Isaias, is a prayer addressed by Jesus to His Eternal Father: the words are taken from one of the psalms. GRADUAL Turn not away thy face from thy servant, for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. ℣. Save me, O God, for the waters are come in even unto my soul; I stick fast in the mire of the deep, and there is no sure standing. In the second Collect, the Church again reminds our Heavenly Father of the death which His Divine Son deigned to suffer, in order to set us free from the yoke of Satan; She prays that we may have a share in the glorious resurrection of this our Redeemer. COLLECT O God, who wouldst have thy Son suffer on the Cross, to deliver us from the power of the enemy; grant that we thy servants, may obtain the grace of his resurrection. Through the same, etc. For the other Collects, see the Mass for Monday in Holy Week. EPISTLE Lesson from the Prophet Isaiah 53 In those days: Isaias said: Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? And he shall grow up as a tender plant before him, and as a root out of a thirsty ground. There is no beauty in him, nor comeliness. And we have seen him, and there was no sightliness that we should be desirous of him; despised, and the most abject of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with infirmity. And his look was as it were hidden and despised; whereupon we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our infirmities, and carried our sorrows. And we have thought him as it were a leper, and as one struck by God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our iniquities, he was bruised for our sins; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his bruises we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, every one hath turned aside into his own way; and the Lord hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all. He was offered because it was his own will, and he opened not his mouth. He shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter, and shall be dumb as a lamb before his shearer; and he shall not open his mouth. He was taken away from distress, and from judgment. Who shall declare his generation? because he is cut off out of the land of the living. For the wickedness of my people have I struck him. And he shall give the ungodly for his burial, and the rich for his death; because he hath done no iniquity, neither was there deceit in his mouth. And the Lord was pleased to bruise him in infirmity. If he shall lay down his life for sin, he shall see a long-lived seed, and the will of the lord shall be prosperous in his hand. Because his soul hath labored, he shall see and be filled; by his knowledge shall this my just servant justify many, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I distribute to him very many, and he shall divide the spoils of the strong, because he hath delivered his soul unto death, and was reputed with the wicked; and he hath borne the sins of many, and hath prayed for the transgressors. Again it is Isaias that instructs us, not indeed upon the triumph which our Emmanuel is to win over his enemies, but upon the sufferings of the Man of Sorrows. So explicit is his description of our Lord’s Passion that the holy Fathers have called him the fifth evangelist. What could be more sublimely plaintive than the language here used by the son of Amos? And we, after hearing both the Old and New Testament upon the sufferings which Jesus went through for our sins – how shall we sufficiently love this dear Redeemer, who bore our infirmities and carried our Sorrows, so as to look as a leper, and as one struck by God, and afflicted? We are healed by his bruises! O Heavenly Physician, that takes upon Himself the sufferings of them He comes to cure! But not only was He bruised for our sins; He was also slaughtered as a lamb: and this not merely as a victim submitting to the inflexible justice of His Father who hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all, but (as the prophet here assures us) because it was his own will. His love for us, as well as His submission to His Father, led Him to the great sacrifice. Observe too how He refuses to defend Himself before Pilate, who could so easily deliver Him from His enemies: “He shall be dumb as a lamb before his shearers, and he shall not open his mouth.” Let us love and adore this divine silence, which works our salvation. Let us not pass over an iota of the devotedness which Jesus shows us – a devotedness which never could have existed, save in the heart of a God. Oh! how much He has loved us – His children, the purchase of His Blood, His seed, as the prophet here calls us. O Holy Church! thou long-lived seed of Jesus, that laid down his life! – thou art dear to Him, for He bought thee at a great price. Faithful Souls! give Him love for love! sinners! be converted to this your Savior; His Blood will restore you to life, for if we have all gone astray like sheep, remember what is added: “The Lord hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all.” There is no sinner, however great may be his crimes; there is no heretic, or infidel, who has not his share in this precious Blood, whose infinite merit is such that it could redeem a million worlds, more guilty even than our own. The Tract, which follows this Lesson, is taken from the 101st psalm, in which the Royal Prophet expresses the sufferings of body and mind endured by Jesus, in His human nature. TRACT Hear, O Lord, my prayer, and let my cry come unto thee. ℣. Turn not away thy face from me, in the day when I am in trouble, incline thine ear to me. ℣. In what day soever I shall call upon thee, hear me speedily. ℣. For my days are vanished like smoke: and my bones are as if they were fried in a frying-pan. ℣. I am smitten as grass, and my heart is withered, because I forgot to eat my bread. ℣. Thou, O Lord, arising, wilt have mercy on Sion, for the time to have mercy on her is come. The Church then gives us the history of the Passion according to St. Luke. This evangelist mentions several details not given by Sts. Matthew and Mark, which will assist us to a fuller understanding of the divine mystery of the sufferings and sacrifice of the Man-God. THE PASSION AND GOSPEL The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke 22:1-23:53 At that time: The feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Pasch, was at hand. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put Jesus to death; but they feared the people. and Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, one of the twelve; and he went, and discoursed with the chief priests and the magistrates, how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. And he promised; and he sought opportunity to betray him in the absence of the multitude. And the day of the unleavened bread came, on which it was necessary that the Pasch should be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying: Go and prepare us the Pasch, that we may eat. But they said: Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said to them: Behold, as you go into the city, there shall meet you a man carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in, and you shall say to the good man of the house: The Master saith to thee: Where is the guest-chamber, where I may eat the Pasch with my disciples? and he will show you a large dining-room furnished; and there prepare. And they going, found as he had said to them, and they made ready the Pasch; and when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said to them: With desire I have desired to eat this Pasch with you before I suffer. For I say to you that from this time I will not eat it, till it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And having taken the chalice he gave thanks, and said: Take and divide it among you. For I say to you, that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, till the kingdom of God come. And taking bread, he gave thanks, and brake, and gave to them, saying: This is my Body, which is given to you: do this for a commemoration of me. In like manner the chalice also, after he had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament of my Blood, which shall be shed for you. But yet behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And the Son of Man indeed goeth according to that which is determined; but yet woe to that man by whom he shall be betrayed. And they began to enquire among themselves which of them it was that should do this thing. And there was also a strife amongst them, which of them should seem to be the greater. And he said to them: The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them, are called beneficent. But you not so; but he that is the greater among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is the leader, as he that serveth. For which is greater, he that sitteth at the table, or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth; and you are they who have continued with me in my temptations. And I dispose to you, as my Father hath disposed to me, a kingdom: that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and may sit upon thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not: and thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren. Who said to him: Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said: I say to thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, till thou thrice deniest that knowest me. And he said to them: When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, did you want anything? But they said: Nothing. Then he said to them: But now he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his coat, and buy one. For I say to you, that this that is written must yet be fulfilled in me, “And he was reckoned among the wicked:” for the things concerning me have an end. But they said: Lord, here are two swords. And he said to them: It is enough. And going out, he went according to his custom to the Mount of Olives. And his disciples also followed him. And when he was come to the place, he said to them: Pray, lest you enter into temptation. And he was withdrawn away from them a stone’s cast; and kneeling down he prayed, saying: Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done. And there appeared to him an Angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood trickling down upon the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow. And he said to them: Why sleep you? Arise, pray, lest you enter into temptation. As he was yet speaking, behold a multitude; and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near to Jesus to kiss him. And Jesus said to him: Judas, dost thou betray the Son of Man with a kiss? And they that were about him, seeing what would follow, said to him: Lord, shall we strike with the sword? And one of them struck the servant of the High Priest, and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answering, said: Suffer ye thus far. And when he had touched his ear, he healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests and magistrates of the temple, and the ancients that were come to him: Are you come out, as it were against a thief, with swords and clubs? When I was daily with you in the temple, you did not stretch forth your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness. And apprehending him, they led him to the High Priest’s house: but Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them. Whom when a certain servant maid had been sitting at the light, and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man also was with him. But he denied, saying: Woman, I know him not. And after a little while, another seeing him, said: Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not. And after the space as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth this man was also with him: for he is also a Galilean. And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately as he was yet speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord turning looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, as he had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter going out wept bitterly. And the men that held him, mocked him, and struck him. And they blindfolded him, and smote him on the face. And they asked him, saying: Prophesy, who is it that struck thee? And blaspheming, many other things they said against him. And as soon as it was day, the ancients of the people, and the chief priests, and scribes came together, and they brought him into their council, saying: If thou be the Christ, tell us. And he said to them: If I shall tell you, you will not believe me; and if I shall also ask you, you will not answer me, nor let me go. But hereafter the Son of man shall be sitting on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all: Art thou the Son of God? And he said: You say that I am. And they said: What need we any further testimony? For ourselves have heard it from his own mouth. And the whole multitude of them rose up, and led him away to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying: We have found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, and saying that he is Christ the King. And Pilate asked him, saying: Art thou the King of the Jews? But he answering, said: Thou sayest it. But Pilate said to the chief priests and to the multitude: I find no cause in this man. But they were more earnest, saying: He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place. But Pilate hearing Galilee, asked if the man were of Galilee? And when he understood that he was of Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him away to Herod, who himself was also at Jerusalem in those days. And Herod seeing Jesus was very glad, for he was desirous of a long time to see him, because he had heard many things of him: and he hoped to see some sign wrought by him. And he questioned him with many words. But he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and the scribes stood by, earnestly accusing him. And Herod with his army set him at naught, and mocked him, putting on him a white garment, and sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate were made friends that same day; for before they were enemies to one another. Then Pilate calling together the chief priests, and the magistrates, and the people, said to them: You have brought this man to me as one that perverteth the people: and, behold I, having examined him before you, find no cause in this man touching those things wherein you accuse him. No, nor Herod neither. For I sent you to him, and behold, nothing worthy of death is done to him. I will chastise him therefore and release him. Now of necessity he was to release unto them one upon the feast day. But the whole multitude together cried out at once, saying: Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas. Who, for a certain sedition made in the city, and for a murder, was cast into prison. And Pilate again spoke to them, desiring to release Jesus. But they cried out again, saying: Crucify him, crucify him. And he said to them the third time: Why, what evil hath this man done? I find no cause of death in him. I will chastise him therefore, and let him go. But they were instant with loud voices requiring that he might be crucified; and their voices prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him who for murder and sedition had been cast into prison, whom they had desired: but Jesus he delivered up to their will. And as they led him away, they laid hold on one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country: and they laid the cross on him to carry after Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of people, and of women, who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them, said: Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not over me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. for behold the days shall come, wherein they will say, Blessed are the children, and the wombs that have not born, and the paps that have not given suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains: Fall upon us; and to the hills: Cover us. For if in the green wood they do these things, what shall be done in the dry? And there were also two other malefactors led with him, to be put to death. And when they sere come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified him there; and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. And Jesus said: Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. But they dividing his garments, cast lots. And the people stood beholding, and the rulers with them derided him, saying: He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the elect of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, and saying: If thou be the King of the Jews, save thyself. And there was also a superscription written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew: This is the King of the Jews. And one of the robbers who were hanged, blasphemed him, saying: If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering, rebuked him, saying: Neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art under the same condemnation. And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath done no evil. And he said to Jesus: Lord, remember me when thou shalt come into thy kingdom. And Jesus said to him: Amen I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with me in paradise. And it was almost the sixth hour; and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened; and the veil of the Temple was rent in the midst. And Jesus crying with a loud voice, said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And saying this, he gave up the ghost. Here, a pause is made, as on Palm Sunday. All kneel down, and if such be the custom of the place, they prostrate and kiss the ground. Now the centurion seeing what was done, glorified God, saying: Indeed this was a just man. And all the multitude of them that were come together to that sight, and saw the things that were done, returned striking their breast. And all his acquaintance, and the women that had followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. Here, the Deacon offers the incense to the priest, that he may bless it; and, having himself received a blessing, he concludes the history of the Passion, observing the ceremonies used for singing the Gospel at High Mass. And behold there was a man named Joseph, who was a counselor, a good and just man (the same had not consented to their counsel and doing), of Arimathea, a city of Judea, who also himself looked for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. And taking him down he wrapped him in fine linen, and laid him in a sepulcher that was hewed in stone, wherein never yet any man had been laid. The words of the Offertory are those of Jesus, suppliantly beseeching His Eternal Father not to turn His face from His own Son, who is a prey to every suffering, both of body and mind. OFFERTORY Hear, O Lord, my prayer; and let my cry come to thee: turn not away thy face from me. In the Secret, the Church prays that we may have a tender devotion for the holy sacrifice of the Mass, in which the Passion of our Savior is daily commemorated. SECRET Accept, O Lord, we beseech thee, the offerings we have made; and mercifully grant that we may receive, with pious sentiments, what we celebrate in the mystery of the Passion of our Lord. Through the same, etc. For the other Secrets, see the Mass for Monday in Holy Week. COMMUNION I mingled my drink with weeping; for having lifted me up, thou hast thrown me down, and I am withered like grass; but thou, O Lord, endurest forever: thou shalt arise, and have mercy on Sion; because the time to have mercy on her is come. The death of Jesus should be to us an unceasing motive for confidence in the divine mercy. This confidence is one of the first conditions of our salvation. The Church asks it for us in the Postcommunion. POSTCOMMUNION Grant, O Almighty God, that we may have a lively hope, that thou hast given us eternal life by the temporal death of thy Son, represented in these adorable mysteries. Through the same, etc. For the other Postcommunions, see the Mass for Monday in Holy Week. LET US PRAY Bow down your heads to God. Look down, O Lord, we beseech thee, on this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ hesitated not to be delivered into the hands of wicked men, and undergo the punishment of the Cross. Who liveth, etc. As an appropriate exercise for the close of this day, we offer our readers the following stanzas from a hymn of the Greek Liturgy: they allude to the mysteries we have been explaining. HYMN (In Parasceve) On this day, Judas leaves his Master, and takes the devil for his guide. The love of money blinds him. He fell from the light, he became darkened; for how could he be said to see, who sold the Light for thirty pieces of silver? But to us he has risen, that he suffered for the world: let us thus cry out unto him: Glory be to thee, that didst endure thy Passion, and hadst compassion, for mankind! What was it, O Judas! that led thee to betray Jesus? Had he cut thee off from the number of his Apostles? Had he deprived thee of the gift of healing the sick? When he supped with his Apostles, did he drive thee from table? When he washed their feet, did he pass thee by? And yet, thou wast unmindful of these great favors! Thy ungrateful plot has branded thee with infamy: but his incomparable patience and great mercy are worthy of praise. Say, O ye unjust ones! what is it ye have heard from our Savior? Did he not expound unto you the Law and the Prophets? Why, therefore, have ye plotted how to deliver up to Pilate the Word that is from God, and that came to redeem our souls? They that had enjoyed thy unceasing gifts cried out: Let him be crucified! These murderers of such as were innocent, sought thee, that they might treat thee, their benefactor, as an evil-doer. But thou, O Christ! didst bear their wickedness with silence, for thou being the lover of mankind, didst desire to suffer for and save us. We are prevented from speaking by the multitude of our sins: do thou, O Virgin-Mother of God! pray for us to Him that was born of thee, for the Mother’s prayer avails much with the mercy of our Lord. Despise not, O most pure Virgin! the prayers of sinners, for he that refused not even to suffer for us, is merciful, and is able to save us. We subjoin the following beautiful Preface from the Ambrosian Missal: it expresses, in a most touching manner, the sentiments which a Christian should have within him on this vigil of our Lord’s Supper. PREFACE It is meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should ever, here and in all places, give thanks to thee, O Holy Lord, Almighty Father, Eternal God, through Christ our Lord: who, being innocent, willed to suffer for sinners, and be unjustly condemned for the guilty. His Death wiped away our crimes, and his Resurrection opened for us the gates of heaven. Through him we beseech thy clemency, that, today, thou cleanse us from our sins, and, tomorrow, feed us on the banquet of the venerable Supper; that, today, thou receive the confession of our faults, and tomorrow, grant us the increase of spiritual gifts; that, today, thou receive the offering of our fasts, but, tomorrow, introduce us to the feast of the most holy Supper. Through the same Christ our Lord. This text is taken from The Liturgical Year, authored by Dom Prosper Guéranger (1841-1875). LifeSiteNews is grateful to The Ecu-Men website for making this classic work easily available online.