Holy Week concluded April 9 across the Diocese of Evansville and around the world with Easter Sunday Masses announcing Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. In this issue of The Message, you will find coverage from Palm Sunday through the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night, including the Chrism Mass, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord.
After processing into a dark sanctuary, lit only by the pascal candle and the candles carried by the faithful, a portion of the altar are was lit for the singing of the Exsultet. Singers John Michael O’Leary, Jeremy Korba and Matt Abele, at right, sang the Exsultet, including this portion: This is the night when Christ broke the prison-bars of death and rose victorious from the underworld.” The Message photos by Tim Lilley
Bishop Joseph M. Siegel lights the Paschal Candle as he opens the Easter Vigil of the Holy Night, April 8 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville. As he lit the candle, he prayed, ‘may the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.”
After blessing the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens, Bishop Siegel, second from right, blesses the Sacred Chrism. Standing with him are seminarian Nathan Folz, left, seminarian and Deacon Stephen McGinnis, Director of the Office of Worship Matt Miller, who served as Master of Ceremonies, and seminarian Philip Rogier.
Bishop Siegel, left, leads priest of the Diocese of Evansville in the renewal of their priestly vows.
Bishop Siegel washes the feet of 12 people who attended the April 6 Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Benedict Cathedral.
Bishop Joseph M. Siegel carries palm branches as he processes into St. Benedict Cathedral during the 10:30 a.m. Mass April 2, Palm Sunday.
Bishop Siegel, center, prostrates himself before the altar of St. Benedict Cathedral April 7 at the opening of the Good Friday Celebration of the Passion of the Lord. Kneeling are Deacon David Rice, left, and St. Benedict Cathedral Rector Father Alex Zenthoefer.
Bishop Siegel begins unveiling the Crucifix in preparation for Veneration.
After the Gospel, Bishop Siegel blesses the faithful with the Book of the Gospels.
Father Alex Zentohoefer, Rector of St. Benedict Cathedral, served as homilist. He said that Jesus’ invitation to us was, “come with me out of the tomb, out of the darkness, out of the sadness, out of the bondage of sin, and experience the life you were made for.”
