Pope Benedict XVI

"Beauty... is not mere decoration, but rather an essential element of the liturgical action, since it is an attribute of God Himself and His revelation."
(Pope Benedict XVI, Sacramentum Caritatis, 35)

27 March 2012

Hebdomadae Sanctae/ Holy Week



Hebdomadae Sanctae/ Holy Week
This year, the first time since the introduction of the novus ordo, the ceremonies of the Triduum will be done in Kilkenny in accordance with those in effect in the 1962 Missal. 

All the liturgies will be sung in Gregorian chant. Missalettes will be available in English/Latin.

Holy Week:

1st of April - 2nd Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday) - Blessing of Palms, Procession and Solemn High Mass. 4pm St. Patrick's Church, College Rd., Kilkenny.

The Sacred Triduum:

5th of April - Holy Thursday. Sung Mass, removal of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose, adoration until midnight. 
5pm Foulkstown Church*, Kilkenny. 


6th of April - Good Friday - 3.30pm Foulkstown Church*, Kilkenny.

7th of April - Easter Vigil & Solemn High Mass - 11.30pm St. Patrick's Church, College Rd., Kilkenny.



* Foulkstown Church & cemetery is located just outside the city on the Waterford Rd (N10).




PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO 5pm Low Mass on Easter Sunday.

24 March 2012

Passion Sunday


Image source: Jerome Nadal SJ
Ant. Jesus said * unto the multitudes of the Jews and unto the Chief Priests He that is of God heareth God's words; ye, therefore, hear them not, because ye are not of God. 

Passion tide has begun. The veiled crucifix and statues, the absence of the Gloria in the Mass, the Gloria Patri in the responsories, the suppression of the 'Judica me' psalm at beginning of Mass - all are liturgical signs of mourning by which the Church commemorates Our Lord's Passion.


"In the Cross of Christ, in order that we may also do something which will unite us to what He has done for us, for as the Apostle says, 'if we suffer with Him, we shall be glorified with Him'" (Pope St. Leo). Therefore, we must not only meditate on Jesus' sufferings, but also take part in them; only by bearing His Passion in our heart and in our body(cf. 2 Cor. 4:10) shall we be able to share in its fruits (Extract from the 'Divine Intimacy').

Low Mass at 5pm
St. Patrick's Church College Rd
Kilkenny