As we journey through the current crisis we begin Holy Week this Sunday. Like everything in our lives it will be a Holy Week like no other. Instead of gathering regularly to celebrate the ceremonies that are so special to us, we must continue to remain apart. In a very profound way this can be a year when we celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus with deep faith and hope. RTE has confirmed a schedule of services for the week ahead. Let's tune in and make this journey in solidarity with each other and with our sisters and brothers throughout the world. We unite the suffering in our world with the sufferings of Jesus trusting that he shares new life and hope with us. The schedule is listed below. Please share with family and friends.
RTÉ broadcasting output of liturgies during Holy Week 2020
Palm Sunday 5 April
1100-1150 Mass on Palm Sunday. Rev Professor Michael Mullaney, President of Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, celebrates Mass in the
Kairos chapel studio, Maynooth, Co Kildare, with music from internationally acclaimed singer, Celine Byrne, accompanied by Ronan Murray. (RTÉ One TV / RTÉ Radio 1 Extra / LW252 / Digital Radio platforms.)
1735-1745 A Passover Like No Other. Rabbi Zalman Lent and author and motivational speaker, Yanky Fachler, face the challenge of celebrating Pesach, the Passover festival, which traditionally brings Jews together, in a time of isolation, sickness and fear. Rabbi Lent has, himself, had to self-isolate and has learned to preach and connect with his congregation online. They also explore how the story of the first Passover shows that humankind can weather plagues and hardship, if they put their faith in God (RTÉ One).
0615-0618 A Living Word. Aidan Mathews continues to curate and, in some cases, deliver a daily reflection to start the day.
Holy Thursday 9 April
1640-1735 Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Father Joe Campbell CC, Mullingar, Diocese of Meath, to celebrate Mass in commemoration of the Last Supper and Christ’s agony in Gethsemane, from the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar. (RTÉ One TV and RTÉ Radio 1 Extra / LW252 / Digital Radio platforms. The Mass will air on radio at the later time of 19.00.)
Good Friday 10 April
1500-1600 Solemn Liturgy for Good Friday. Live from the Cathedral of Christ the King, Father Derek Darby commemorates the Passion and death of Christ, observing full health and social distancing protocols. (RTÉ One TV & RTÉ Radio 1Extra/LW252)
22.00-2230 The Leap of Faith. Michael Comyn asks whether and how the Easter story continues to resonate with people in today’s Ireland (Radio 1).
Holy Saturday 11 April
2200-2300 Easter Vigil Mass. Bishop Tom Deenihan of Meath celebrates the resurrection of Christ, with a vigil Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King. Beginning with the lighting of the Paschal candle, the liturgy, which signifies the triumph of light over darkness and of life over death (RTÉ Two & RTÉ Radio 1 Extra/LW252).
Easter Sunday 12 April
1000-1100 Easter Sunday Mass. A Eurovision Mass, previously planned for Metz Cathedral, takes place instead in the Dominican Convent of Saint Jacques (Saint James the Great) in Paris, due to France’s COVID-related restrictions on indoor gatherings. Translation and commentary are by Fr Thomas McCarthy OP (RTÉ One & RTÉ Radio 1 Extra).
1100-1120 Urbi et Orbi: Pope Francis’ Easter Message. Pope Francis will deliver his Easter blessing To the city and the world with prayer and encouragement by video link from within the Vatican. Translation and commentary by Fr Thomas McCarthy OP (RTÉ One).
