The most important week in the Church began on Sunday morning in the memorial garden beside St Peter’s Cathedral, Adelaide, where parishioners gathered on a perfect early autumn morning, palm fronds in hand.
The Palm Sunday congregation assembled outside before processing along the street and through the cathedral doors, voices rising in song, palms waving in joyful, celebration.
The choir led the way down the nave, the great Gothic arches framing a sanctuary dressed in red and green, fragrant with incense.
The service included a recitation of the Passion by several readers with responses from the congregation.
Service for Holy Week continue on Tuesday when the cathedral hosts the Chrism Mass, a gathering of the whole diocese at which the bishop blesses the oils used in baptism, healing and ordination throughout the coming year. It is a reminder of the priesthood shared by all the baptised.
Maundy Thursday brings the washing of feet and the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Good Friday, the long silence of the Solemn Liturgy. And then, in the dark of Holy Saturday night, the Easter Vigil — fire, water, and the first alleluia of the resurrection.
All are welcome. Check stpeters-cathedral.org.au for service times.
