Holy Week, and especially the Easter Triduum, is a deeply significant time for Christians. As the Lenten Season comes to an end, we commemorate Jesus’ final days before His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. The University of St. Thomas Basilian Fathers invite you to join the UST community for Holy Week celebrations beginning with Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday, April 14-21.

Event Schedule for Holy Week at UST / Primary Celebrant: Fr. Christopher Valka, CSB

Palm Sunday, April 14

Palm Sunday Masses, April 13-14 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m., 12 noon (French), Saturday Vigil Mass 5 p.m., Chapel of St. Basil

We honor Jesus’ return to Jerusalem after 40 days in the wilderness with the blessing of palm branches and a reading of the Passion, Luke’s account of Jesus’ suffering and death.

Triduum, April 18-20

Tenebrae, April 18, 6 - 7 a.m. Chapel of St. Basil

Tenebrae, the Matins and Lauds of the Divine Office prayed in darkness, dates back to the 800s and is a Biblical journey in prayer and meditation on the abandonment and redemptive suffering of Christ.

Holy Thursday Mass, April 18, 7 p.m. Chapel of St. Basil

This Mass commemorates the Last Supper with consecration of the sacrificial oils and washing of the feet.

Holy Thursday Eucharistic Adoration, April 18, 8:30 p.m. UST Art Gallery, 3907 Yoakum (UST Campus)

The Blessed Sacrament is adored by the faithful.

Good Friday Procession, April 19, 10:15 a.m., Chapel of St. Basil to Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

Walk the Way of the Cross, a 2.2-mile procession where hundreds of participants join in a reflective walk carrying the Cross from UST’s Chapel of St. Basil to the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. The walk includes five stations, Gospel readings, reflections and choral presentations.

Good Friday, April 19, 3 p.m., Chapel of St. Basil

On the most somber day of the Triduum, the Passion commemorates Jesus’ death on the Cross.

Easter Vigil Mass, April 20, 8:30 p.m. Chapel of St. Basil

Easter Vigil, held in the evening, heralds the end of Lent and the Resurrection of our Lord. Three UST students will also be baptized into the Church.

Easter Sunday Mass, April 21 10:30 a.m. (English) and Noon (French), Chapel of St. Basil

Easter Mass celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord.