The pews of Pasadena’s churches will be filled with worshipers today and in the coming days as Christians across the city gather to commemorate the most sacred time of their faith: Holy Week.
From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, the faithful will retrace the final days of Jesus Christ — Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem shortly before his death, his crucifixion, and his resurrection — through a series of solemn rituals, heartfelt reflections, and joyous celebrations.
“This is a moment for us to really reflect on the mystery of our redemption — the mystery of God’s love for us,” said Archbishop José H. Gomez, who will celebrate the 10 a.m. English-language Palm Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.
“Jesus carried his cross for us and he died for us. To set us free to live a new life — to live for God and for the love of our neighbors and families.”
Pasadena churches are weaving disaster Eatin Fire recovery themes into Holy Week observances.
“In some ways, the journey of Holy Week through the devastation of Good Friday and into reclaiming the resurrection promise of Easter is a metaphor for the journey of the Altadena/Pasadena community as we journey together to new life and rebirth,” said Rev. Canon Susan Russell of All Saints Church.
All Saints will take its Good Friday Stations of the Cross through Pasadena streets, while Saint Andrew Catholic Church plans multiple services including processions with the image of Christ.
Father Marcos Gonzalez noted some parishes were affected by the wildfire.
“It’ll be a little bit different, I think, in two of our churches, Saint Elizabeth and Sacred Heart, because they were very much affected by the wildfires,” Gonzalez said.
Despite the challenges, Pasadena’s churches remain steadfast in their commitment to the timeless messages of Holy Week. Through diverse observances, they offer a space for the faithful to confront the reality of death, to find solace in the promise of resurrection, and to renew their commitment to living out their faith in the world.
“Now is the time to come home,” Father Gonzalez said recently. “Now is the time to start all over again.”
Holy Week concludes next Sunday on Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus on the third day after his crucifixion.
