Letter from the Pastor
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March 26, 2023We have now entered into the last week of Lent. Previously this Sunday was called "Passion Sunday". Passiontide consists of two weeks, this would be the first Sunday of the Passion, and next week is Palm Sunday of the Passion Sunday. Passiontide is a deeper time in Lent. You will notice that the Crucifix, the statues, the images are now covered in deep purple. As we have bodily fasted for these past 40 days, now our eyes will be denied the beautiful images of our Lord, our Lady and the Saints.
The historical origin of this practice probably derives from a custom in Germany from the ninth century of extending a large purple cloth from the ceiling to the floor, before the altar during Lent. The cloth called the "Hungertuch" (hunger cloth), hid the altar entirely from the faithful during Lent and was not removed until during the reading of the Passion on Holy Wednesday at the words "the veil of the temple was torn in two." Christ was hidden from the people.
Some authors wrote it was for a practical reason insofar as the often-illiterate faithful needed a way to know it was Lent. Others maintain that it was a remnant of the ancient practice of public penance in which the penitents were ritually expelled from the church at the beginning of Lent. After public penances fell into disuse and the entire congregation became penitents on Ash Wednesday; it was no longer practical to expel everyone from church. So the altar or the "Holy of Holies" was hidden from view. Later on in the Middle Ages, the images of crosses and saints were also covered from the start of Lent.
So as we enter into a more solemn part of Lent, preparing for Holy Week, which begins next Sunday, we are urged to continue in our penitential practices, it’s almost over; Easter is just around the corner! Or if your Lent started off great, and has now gotten somewhat off track, or a lot off track, re-start and have a true and prayerful Passion Season. It is never too late.
Congratulations to SMS
I hope all survived St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Our school and parish won the first prize trophy at the Pear River St. Patrick’s Day Parade last Sunday. All the students with their gold sweatshirts and uniforms, the teachers, staff and the parents all looked sharp. I would like to thank our Principal, Mrs. “O’Maldonado” who along with her staff worked very hard and practiced marching with our students. I felt very proud to be marching with them.
Cardinal’s Appeal
We are still conducting the Appeal. Please consider giving to the Appeal. I am hoping we can get at least 50% of the goal. You will be receiving a letter from me asking you to contribute. There is no amount too small, whatever you can give to help our brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese will be greatly appreciated.
