The last two seasons of Lent have been difficult. Losing our ability to gather and worship because of COVID-19 has been devastating. People who have been struggling with anxiety and depression over the last year especially come to my mind. I truly hope that Holy Week and the Triduum bring you consolation and peace.
I knew that I needed a little extra something to prepare for Holy Week and the Triduum. The Sacrament of Penance on the Saturday before Palm Sunday was a good start. A visit to St. Walburga Abbey in Virginia Dale, Colorado also seemed like a good idea. I have attended many retreats there, and I have been the presenter of a few retreats there as well. The abbey is a place of immense solitude and blessing. I had not been there for three years (since we left Cheyenne), and I wasn't sure it would be open due to COVID restrictions. My wife and I thought we would visit the chapel and, of course, the gift shop.
As we expected, the doors were locked. My wife and I began to walk back to the car and we heard someone yell, "Can I help you?" I turned around to see one of the sisters standing at the door. As I turned around she said, "Deacon, is that you?" (Being 6'8" tall makes a person memorable, even if nothing else does.) Although the gift shop was closed, we were welcomed to come in and visit the chapel. The Benedictine hospitality continues to be lived out well.
Did you prepare for Holy Week any differently this year?
I knew that I needed a little extra something to prepare for Holy Week and the Triduum. The Sacrament of Penance on the Saturday before Palm Sunday was a good start. A visit to St. Walburga Abbey in Virginia Dale, Colorado also seemed like a good idea. I have attended many retreats there, and I have been the presenter of a few retreats there as well. The abbey is a place of immense solitude and blessing. I had not been there for three years (since we left Cheyenne), and I wasn't sure it would be open due to COVID restrictions. My wife and I thought we would visit the chapel and, of course, the gift shop.
As we expected, the doors were locked. My wife and I began to walk back to the car and we heard someone yell, "Can I help you?" I turned around to see one of the sisters standing at the door. As I turned around she said, "Deacon, is that you?" (Being 6'8" tall makes a person memorable, even if nothing else does.) Although the gift shop was closed, we were welcomed to come in and visit the chapel. The Benedictine hospitality continues to be lived out well.
Did you prepare for Holy Week any differently this year?
How will this Holy Thursday ritual be lived out in your life?
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