Posted April 8, 2020

Archbishop Nelson Perez will lead the liturgies of holy week and Easter Sunday as they are livestreamed from the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.

The Masses, like those in all the parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, are closed to the public this year because of restrictions on public gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Masses livestreamed will differ in private celebration from the traditional public rituals. See the latest directives from the Archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship regarding Holy Week and Easter celebrations here.

The archbishop will be the celebrant and homilist for the liturgies that will stream live on CatholicPhilly.com, ArchPhila.org and the archbishop’s Facebook page, as following:

The Sacred Paschal Triduum

Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Holy Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m. The archbishop will not wash the feet of seminarians in imitation of Jesus at the Last Supper, as is a Holy Thursday tradition. Also the traditional procession of the Eucharist to an altar of repose will be omitted. The Mass commemorates the institution of the Eucharist. 

Celebration of the Passion of the Lord, Good Friday, April 10, 3 p.m. The customary veneration of a crucifix, often by a kiss, will be observed with a genuflection or bow. The faithful are invited to venerate a cross in their home.

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

Easter Vigil in the Holy Night, Holy Saturday, April 11, 8 p.m. The Service of Light, in which the Easter fire is lit along with candles, is omitted this year. The Paschal candle will be lit prior to Mass. The sacraments of initiation (baptism, communion, confirmation) will not be conferred at the Mass as usual this year, but deferred to a later time. Read the latest directive on these sacraments here.

Solemn Mass, Easter Sunday, April 12, 11 a.m. Faithful are invited to renew their baptismal promises at home, led by Archbishop Perez.