CatholicPhilly.com staff report • Posted March 26, 2021

This Sunday, March 28 begins Holy Week in the church as Christians around the globe mark the most solemn mysteries of the Christian faith.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will lead all the liturgies of the week including the sacred triduum from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday as celebrant and homilist for the Masses at Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.

[hotblock]

As the mother church for Catholics in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, everyone is invited to join in the liturgies while respecting guidelines for appropriate social distancing, safety protocols and wearing facemasks. See the latest guidelines here.

All liturgies will also be livestreamed at the archdiocese’s website ArchPhila.org and on Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page.

See CatholicPhilly.com’s list of parishes livestreaming Masses, and see a list of all archdiocesan parishes to find a Catholic church near you.

Edda Paller from St. Cecilia Parish in Philadelphia holds her palm high during the 2019 Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

Palm Sunday Mass, March 28, 11 a.m.

The Mass commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the Passion of the Lord is proclaimed. Members of the Cathedral Schola will assist with liturgical music. Palm will be distributed at all Masses.

Chrism Mass, Holy Thursday, April 1, 10 a.m.

During this Mass Archbishop Pérez will bless the Oil of Catechumens as well as the Oil of the Sick and consecrate the Oil of Chrism. The oils will be used at parishes throughout the archdiocese during the coming year in the celebration of the sacraments.

Members of the Cathedral Schola will assist with liturgical music.

The Chrism Mass is not open to the public this year due to capacity limitations, but will be streamed live at ArchPhila.org as well as on Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page.

The Sacred Paschal Triduum

Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, April 1, 7:30 p.m.

This Mass commemorates the Last Supper, during which Christ instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist and the sacrament of holy orders, and gave his commandment to love one another. The washing of feet, which is always optional, will not be performed during this celebration.

Members of the Cathedral Schola, accompanied by organ, will assist with liturgical music.

Good Friday Celebration of the Passion of the Lord, April 2, 3 p.m.

The archbishop will preside and preach at the commemoration of the passion and death of Jesus Christ.

Members of the Cathedral Schola will assist with liturgical music.

Easter Vigil Mass, April 3, 8 p.m.

The Easter Vigil celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord will include four parts: Service of Light (Blessing of the Fire and preparation of the Paschal Candle); Liturgy of the Word; Baptismal Liturgy; and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Members of the Cathedral Schola, accompanied by organ, will assist with liturgical music.

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord, April 4, 11 a.m.

At this solemn Mass for Easter, members of the Cathedral Schola will assist with liturgical music.

Masses will also be celebrated in the basilica at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (in English and Spanish). These Masses will not be available via livestream.

Save this page to watch all of the livestreamed liturgies below, or use this link.

(Video by Kearns Media Consulting LLC on Vimeo.)