‘Solemnity of Solemnities’

By Stacy LaMorte

I have a confession to make: my Holy Week this year was not so holy.  As our children have grown, they have begun to participate in spring break with their friends (and chaperones, of course).

This year was the third year in a row that I have been a part of all of this planning, and it finally got to me. I needed a break, too!  So, my husband and I found a place to rent and even invited my parents to join us. I was so excited when we were leaving on Wednesday.

Once everything was unpacked, we went down to the beach for an evening stroll before dinner. It was glorious! My toes in the sand, the cold surf lapping around our feet, and the hazy sunset enveloping the horizon. I thought to myself, “Maybe this is the best way to spend Holy Week – surrounded by God’s glorious creation!”

While that was partially true, as we got down to the beach in the sunshine the next day, it felt unnatural to be slathering on sunscreen listening to reggae tunes on Holy Thursday and not attending a church service.

Good Friday was even worse!  While we fasted, it just didn’t feel right to be in “vacation mode” on the most solemn day of the liturgical year. We traveled home on Holy Saturday, and it felt good to be home.

At Mass on Sunday, the priest reminded us that Easter Sunday is the “solemnity of solemnities” – the highest holy day of the year. He also reminded us that the Easter season lasts for 50 days – yes, 50 DAYS!!

I am going to try to make this Easter season especially meaningful since my Holy Week was lackluster, but I don’t think I ever have to go on spring break during Holy Week again.

Let us know how you like to spend your Holy Week!