As the second half of spring semester rolls in, Easter break is rapidly approaching. On Holy Thursday, classes are out and they remain inactive until Tuesday, Apr. 21. The dorms and the Caf will remain open for students who will be staying on campus. Over that time, the sorrows of Good Friday, the waiting of Holy Saturday and the joys of Easter Sunday will spring to life both off-campus and at UD.
On Good Friday, Deacon Ryan Sales and his family will be screening Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”. This movie – not for the faint of heart – captures the agony of Christ’s suffering and death. Though darkly realistic, bloody and sorrowful, it is important to remember it is merely a depiction. Historically, the suffering would have been far worse, and this movie is an attempt at understanding and connecting to Christ’s crucifixion emotionally.
On Holy Saturday, at 2pm, the graduate students will have a walking pilgrimage to various altars of repose, starting from the Church of the Incarnation and ending at Cistercian Abbey’s crypt. This is a beautiful opportunity to deepen your faith, experience the waiting of Christ’s tomb and ensure a properly set heart before the arrival of the Resurrection.
On Easter Sunday, it is time to celebrate with joy! Cast off the Lenten disciplines and feast in the peace of our Lord’s returning.
On Easter Monday, the start of Texas’ spring season, Dcn. Sales will be hosting an Easter brunch for all those still on campus. For those returning on that day, I wish you luck getting the food before it runs out! Save me a plate.
Besides these, there are several important Easter traditions you might take part in! If you’d like to witness some beautiful men and women join the Catholic Church, you can attend Easter Vigil Mass the night before Easter. I would also recommend getting to Confession before Easter arrives. Feasting, calling family if you’re on campus and spending time with your friends are all key to having a blessed Easter celebration.
Easter is a deeply spiritual time. Take moments for quiet prayer and contemplation and ensure that your dedication remains unwavering in your spiritual efforts. Traditions vary across families and peoples, so share them with those close to you! Overall, bring gratitude, renewal and community involvement to the season.
And for those wondering about the bunnies, eggs and Peeps, here are some interesting facts about the history of Easter as a holiday! Easter is primarily a Christian holiday, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus. Its earliest accounts date back to the 2nd century, and it is deeply connected to the Passover. The Passover was a celebration of the Jewish escape from slavery in Egypt.
Some traditions like the symbolism of eggs and rabbits are associated with pagan spring festivals that celebrated renewal and new life. The Easter Bunny, however, is traceable to German Lutherans who introduced the “Osterhase,” a hare that delivered eggs to children.
Finally, the date of Easter was established by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, decreeing it should be observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the Spring equinox.