Reflection

Holy Week

This week is Holy Week which is the last week of Lent. It is the week leading up to Easter Sunday. Some of the key days are Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday. Most importantly, there is the Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday where the Resurrection of Jesus is celebrated.

What does Holy Week 2026 mean for us? Pope Leo points us in the right direction. He made some points that are valuable for us to reflect on.

Marking the start of Holy Week, Pope Leo XIV used his first Palm Sunday Mass to issue a forceful plea for peace, urging an end to war as he reflected on Christ’s Passion.

During his homily opening Holy Week at St Peter’s Square, the pope said the faithful must follow Jesus, as he embraced humanity “even as others raise swords and clubs.”

“We turn our gaze to Jesus, who reveals himself as King of Peace, even as war looms around him,” he said on 29 March. “He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence.”

“Above all, we hear the painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war,” he said. “Christ, King of Peace, cries out again from his cross: God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your weapons! Remember that you are brothers and sisters!”

In his appeal at the close of the Mass, he went on further to press for peace, especially in the Middle East. 

May we take up the Pope’s message in our lives this Holy Week and may we be peacemakers and bring the peace of Christ into our families, school, workplace and in the wider community.

Holy Family of Nazareth – Be our inspiration and our guide.

Jesus of Nazareth – Help us to grow in faith, wisdom and knowledge.

For the full article on Pope Leo’s thoughts on Holy week in 2026, see the link below:

https://catholicweekly.com.au/palm-sunday-message-from-pope/

Mr Peter Stewart

Director of Faith and Mission