Saturday of the Light is the last day of this Holy Week, and subsequently, the last day of Lent. This day is a non-liturgical day. There is no Divine Liturgy that day before Vigil or Midnight. However, a beautiful ceremony is to be celebrated during that day: “the Prayer of Forgiveness”. It is an old prayer of the Maronite Church and all the Syriac Churches that celebrate the forgiveness won by the death of Jesus Christ. Saturday of the Light is the day of forgiveness par excellence.
O Lord, grant that we may enjoy the fruits of your sacrifice and bury the old man so that the new man may live. Maronite Liturgy
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Good Friday is the greatest day of the year. Jesus was crucified and put to death. He paid the full price of our salvation: His life. Maronite Liturgy
When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. John 19:30 Image by Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P. @ Flickr: Crucifix from the Basilica of St Thérèse in Lisieux. Holy Thursday or Thursday of the Holy Mysteries is the first day of the Easter Triduum. On that day Jesus had his Last Supper with His disciples and washed their feet. He commanded them to love one another and follow His example in serving each other. Maronite Liturgy
"I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do." John 13:15 Image by Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P. @ Flickr: Part of a stained glass from the church of St-Jean-Baptiste in New York City. Wednesday of the Passion Week is also called Wednesday of Ayoub (Job). Job suffered a lot.. but never cursed God and was known for his patience. He represents Christ, who willingly received suffering and death, and committed himself into his Father’s hands. On that day, the Rite of the Lamp is celebrated which is an old rite of the Maronite Church. Dough with seven wicks inserted into it, represent the seven lamps envisioned by the Prophet Jeremiah and by John the Apostle in his Revelation. During the celebration, the oil is blessed and all the faithful receive the anointing.
O Christ, bearing our crosses, may we follow you on the road of salvation and holiness and reach the heavenly glory that you attained. Maronite Liturgy O Christ our Lord, may we worship you in spirit and in truth, and share in your life-giving passion. Maronite Liturgy
The Passion Week, in the Maronite Church, is considered an independent Liturgical Season inside the Season of Lent.
On Monday and Tuesday the Maronite church celebrates the rite of the “Coming to the Harbor”. It reminds us that Jesus is the Harbor of Salvation. The ship or the vessel, which is the Church, and often compared to Mary the New Vessel of life, reaches the Harbor after the safe journey of Lent. O Christ, by your passion we have obtained salvation. Maronite Liturgy "Look, the whole world has gone after him.” John 12:19
O God, we go forth to meet you like the children of Jerusalem and to praise you with hymns in the monasteries and prayers in the churches. Hosanna Sunday Morning, opening prayer, Maronite Liturgy. Saturday of the Light is the last day of Lent. A beautiful ceremony is to be celebrated during that day: “the Prayer of Forgiveness”. It is an old prayer of the Maronite Church that celebrate the forgiveness won by the death of Jesus Christ.
O Lord, Grant that we may enjoy the fruits of your sacrifice and bury the old man that the new man may live. Second prayer, Saturday of the Light Morning, Maronite Liturgy. O Incarnate Word,
Son of Mary and Son of the Father, on this day, the greatest of all history, you appeared before Pilate, you, who are seated at the right hand of the Father. You, remained silent before the judges, you, through whose word everything exists. You walked the path to Golgotha carrying the wood of the cross, you, who were seated on a chariot of cherubim, draped in brilliant jewels. On your head is entwined a crown of thorns, you, whose head the heavens decorate with stars. On the cross you are given vinegar and gall to drink, you, who gave us your blood, the source of life. You die on the cross at the hand of your executioners, you, who give life to all the living. Therefore, O God made man, we ask to share in your humanity and divinity, your death and your life, your scorn and your glory in this world and the next, so that we may glorify you, your Father, and your Holy Spirit, for ever. Amen. Sedro, Great Friday Morning, Maronite Liturgy. O Christ, Before supper, you washed the feet of your disciples, who except for one, were pure. This action was at once a sign of your love,
a law of your gospel, a call for humility in one who leads, an example of service, and a commandment to love. Sedro, Thursday of Mysteries Evening Prayer, Maronite Liturgy. Image by Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P. |
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