PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD (YEAR C) 14th April, 2019

We support the endeavours of the Royal Commission to bring healing to the victims of abuse. Church's website: www.facingthetruth.org.au

HOLY WEEK LITURGIES— EASTER TIMETABLE

Holy Thursday, 18th April, 7:30pm—all three churches

Vigilling at St Paul’s till 9:30pm Vigilling at St. Peter’s through the night—

sign-up sheets on sacristy window.

Good Friday, 19th April

10am—Stations of the Cross at St. Catherine’s & St. Paul’s

11:30am - Ecumenical Way of the Cross, Virginia Park, starts at Curtain St. end.

Followed by Soup & Rolls @ St. Peter’s Lighthouse Hall, Bignell Road, Sign-up sheets.

3:00pm—Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion— all three churches

Easter Saturday, Vigil: 7:30pm—Outside around the fire— All three churches.

EASTER SUNDAY: St. Peter’s—8:30am & 10:30am (no 5:30pm Mass)

St. Paul’s—9:30am St. Catherine’s 9:30am

Reflection: This Sunday, Palm or Passion Sunday, is the first day of Holy Week. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil held on Holy Saturday evening make up what is known as the Triduum- the highlight of our Church year. We start with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a procession, a purposeful symbolic representation of his mission, a message of peace, compassion, forgiveness and inclusiveness for all. This is part of a divine plan soon to be revealed. This procession may resonate with us today and not dissimilar to the “Processions against injustice” we will see play out across our major cities this Sunday. Having journeyed through Luke's Gospel we come to understand Jesus' words and actions to be proclaiming the Kingdom of God. A concept his disciples struggle to comprehend. Jesus is trying to show them a particular type of leadership, that which is distinctly different to other forms of leadership in their world. Jesus leadership model is fully demonstrated at the Last Supper in the “washing” of their feet. Models of leadership are something we can easily relate to. People across the world today in all countries are struggling to identify with the models on offer. Jesus reminds us there are always challenges ahead of us and times of change. Today, like never before, we live with constant challenges and something infinitely more stressful- constant change. However, we are gifted by what Jesus offers us in these readings. He mentions that it is through prayer the disciples will be able to meet their challenges. Prayer allows inner quietness to occur, which can have a stabilising affect by proving the space to receive, what we in time will learn, is the Holy Spirit. In Luke’s Gospel, the women are acknowledged as the ones who accompany Jesus on his path to Calvary, and Luke portrays all that has gone before, and all happening now, is part of the divine plan. Jesus is in command until his death whereby he commends his spirit to his Father and takes his last breath. We will reflect on the events of Jesus' passion and death this week and are reminded that the way into Jerusalem is on a donkey, and the way out is carrying a cross .Three days later the people of the city are resurrected. Jesus revealed himself to us as God's Son and brought to fulfillment the Kingdom of God and this gives us Hope. Julie Binstead – Holy Trinity Pastoral Leadership Team

Good Friday Holy Collection Your donation helps to preserve the sacred places & supports Christians who live in the Holy Land.

Holy Thursday Night

Please return Project Compassion boxes & envelopes.

OUR MASS TIMETABLE (Subject to change)

OUR PEOPLE & OUR CONTACT DETAILS

Priests: Jacob MST, Paul Gurry, Clem Cafarella Barry Caldwell & Bill Goldman (supply)

Pastoral Associates: Matilde Chia, Drusilla Gonsalvez, Margaret Pinzone, Carmel Dyt, Delia Donahoe (OLSH), Liz Liston,

Parish Manager: Libby Thomas

St. Peter’s East Bentleigh OFFICE HOURS (Mon - Fri) 9am - 3pm

844 Centre Road, East Bentleigh 3165 Ph: 9579 4255 Fax: 9570 4288 office@holytrinityparish.org.au Pastoral Associates: Carmel Dyt, Delia Donahoe, Liz Liston

Secretaries: Marion Quinn Trish Richards Sacramental Teachers Lidia Boschini Betty DeMarco Stewardship Program: Keith Gonsalvez

St. Peter’s Primary School Michael Hanney - Principal

9575 0909

St. Catherine’s Moorabbin

2 Buchan Street, Moorabbin 3189 Ph: 9555 4242 office@holytrinityparish.org.au Attention: St. Catherine’s

Pastoral Associate: Margaret Pinzone

Primary School Lynda O’Donnell Principal Carmel Donlon - REL Administration: Cate James 9555 7200

Emergency: Please call St. Peter’s and leave a message as we regularly attend this phone—03 9579 4255

St. Paul’s Bentleigh OFFICE HOURS (Mon - Fri) 9am - 3pm

122 Jasper Road, Bentleigh 3204 Ph: 9557 1165 Fax: 9503 4575 stpaulbentleigh@bigpond.com

Pastoral Associates: Matilde Chia, Drusilla Gonsalvez

Secretary: Libby Thomas

Primary School Catherine Tammesild Principal Matilde Chia - REL 9557 7130

RECONCILIATION: 1/2 hr before each mass

HOLY TRINITY PARISH WEB PAGE: www.holytrinityparish.org.au EMAIL: office@holytrinityparish.org.au

Holy Trinity Parish Schools

Principal Co-ordinator: Michael Juliff Mission & Faith Leader: Edward Dooley

Collections: Last weekend 6th & 7th April 2019

Community Stewardship Presbytery

St. Peter’s $2,152.90 $1,900.95

St. Paul’s $982 $622.20

St. Catherine’s $676 $412.75

ST. PAUL’S ADORATION: Thursday 10:45-11:45am

ST. CATHERINE’S: Rosary Saturday mornings after Mass

In the above results St. Peter’s does not include their credit and debit card amounts (to be consistent with St. Paul’s & St. Catherine’s.)

DAY TIME SERVICE COMMUNITY

WEEK COMMENCING 15th April, 2019

Mon

9:30am Communion St. Paul’s

10:00am Mass St. Peter’s

Tues 10:00am Mass St. Paul’s

Wed

9:30am Communion St. Paul’s

10:00am Communion St Peter’s

10:00am Mass St Catherine’s

Holy Thurs.

7:30pm

only Mass All Churches

Good

Friday

10:00am Stations of the Cross

St. Paul’s & St Catherine’s

11:30am Ecumenical Way of the Cross

Virginia Park –Curtin St.

3:00pm Lord’s Passion All Churches

Holy Saturday

7.30pm

only Easter Vigil All Churches

Easter

Sunday

8.30am Mass St. Peter’s

9.30am Mass St. Catherine’s

9.30am Mass St. Paul’s

10.30am Mass St. Peter’s

NO 8am Communion Service at St Peter’s on Saturday, 20th April.

PLEASE NOTE NO 5.30 MASS EASTER SUNDAY

SACRAMENT THIS WEEKEND AT HOLY TRINITY PARISH

Through Baptism: We congratulate Patrick Lally, son of Victoria & Samuel,

Charli Groenewald, daughter of Brooke & Nicholas,

& Alexander Sierra, son of Katarlyna & Jorge and

Archer Cornale, son of Rebecca & David at St. Peter’s

We thank these families for bringing their children to Baptism and

support them as they commence their journey of faith.

CONFIRMATION:

14th May - Family Workshop St Catherine’s 5 or 7pm

18th/19th May-Presentation of Candidates at all Masses

22nd May – Confirmation Rehearsal & Reflection Day

24th May - Confirmation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 7pm.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2019

Sacramental Program Preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist & Confirmation– 2019 (for children not attending Holy Trinity Schools)

1st Reconciliation classes—Wednesdays - St. Peter’s McKenna Centre, 4-5pm

Confirmation classes — Now on Wednesdays— St. Peter’s lounge room, 4-5pm

1st Eucharist classes commencing Wed, 15th May

Parish Office: 9579 4255. Lidia & Betty

PROJECT COMPASSION— “The future does have a name … and its name is hope” Pope France

Project Compassion boxes are to be returned on Holy Thursday night (where possible), otherwise the next mass you come to.

Lives change when you all give 100% Donate at www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or phone (toll free) 1800 024 413

We are asking for donations of the following food/goods in each of our churches (boxes at all

church entrances) during May (4th/5th, 11th/12th, 18th/19th & 25th/26th):

Sugar, flour, cooking oil, cans of fruit, long life milk, tea, coffee, honey, noodles, basmati rice,

dates, jam, gladwrap, tin foil, pegs, biscuits (sweet and savoury), snacks, salt & pepper, spices

(coriander, cinnamon, ginger) shampoo & conditioner, shaving cream & shavers, toothpaste,

soap, deodorant, toilet paper, washing powder, dishwashing detergent, household cleaning

products, vouchers for supermarkets. No tinned soup, beetroot or corn.

Thank you for all your donations, the food gets distributed very quickly.

We have lots of calls. BASP Co-ordinators.

Holy Trinity Parish has an action group that meets to discuss ways of supporting basp. During May we have decided to collect particular groceries for the refugees. Please check the following list. We are asking for your generous support. We will be delivering to basp each week.

GENERAL NOTICES

Next meetings: Moorabbin/Bentleigh: Mon. 15th April-7pm, Sweeney Centre, St. Catherine’s Bentleigh East: Mon. 15th April - 7pm, Green Room, St Peter’s

If you are interested in helping those we assist, you are most welcome to join the friendly groups. Contacts: Bentleigh/Moorabbin- Randolph 0414 440 024, Bentleigh East: Cathie 0402 202 975.

For respectful & confidential assistance with food, bedding, clothing, furniture & bills, in times of need

pls call 1800 305 330.

RCIA - The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

MOONGALA NEWS

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Visiting Holmesglen Hospital:

We would appreciate if parishioners can let us know of anyone needing a

visit or communion at Holmesglen.

Please ring Parish Office 9579 4255 or please speak to your P.A. at your Mass.

ADULT EDUCATION

Moongala Women's Community House is looking for an experienced, motivated and passionate Qualified Early Childhood Educator to coordinate our Moongala Kids Care Sessional Childcare Program. We are a neighbourhood house in East Bentleigh and run a small childcare program two mornings a week for our members. This is a temporary position covering maternity leave, 9.00am - 12.30pm Mon and Fri commencing April 2019 to December 2019 during the school term, with the flexibility to extend if required. This position would suit an applicant with Diploma in Early Childhood Education or higher and all applicants must hold current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis certification (or be willing to obtain). Successful applicants will also be required to undergo safety screening, including Police Checks, Working with Children Checks and reference checks. It would be well suited to an adequately qualified stay at home mum with possible opportunities for their own child (3+) to also participate in the program. For more information and to apply please email your resume and a brief cover letter to manager@moongala.org.au

As we enter into Holy Week let us hold in prayer all who will be baptised and become full members of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. In particular we pray for Nadya Kobal, David Morehouse and Tao Zhang in our local communities. They have journeyed to this Easter with openness and responsiveness to God’s action and call. They have found faith and hope in Jesus Christ and a home in our community. We give thanks for the new life they bring us. We sincerely thank the parishioners who have led them in the Gospel reflection and prayer each week - Kathy Wells, Matt Lovegrove, Sr. Elaine, Sr Delia, Margaret Brennan, Peter Carolan, Mario Mirabile, Joan Kenny, Sr. Liz and Julie Binstead.

Spirituality in the Pub—SIP Jesus & the origins of misogyny in the Catholic Church

Christopher James Geraghty Wednesday, 1st May, 7:30pm

Sandringham Hotel, Cnr Beach Rd & Melrose St. (Mel 76 G9) Booking for meal: 9598 7255—at 6pm or join for presentation and conversation at 7:30pm.

Contact: Frances 9579 3920, Vin 9530 6004.

MEETINGS/FUNCTIONS THIS WEEK

See McKenna Notice Board & Pamphlet Stand

Basp newsletter.

East Bentleigh Village Garden at Moorleigh Community Village: Open Day, 18th May, 10am to 2pm, free BBQ.

Palm Sunday, April 14, Walk for Justice for Refugees.

Unit available– St. John’s Close Retirement Village. 0424 431552

Spirituality Programs at Kardia: enquiries@kardia.com.au

ST. CATHERINE’S NOTICES

ST. V.de P. EASTER RAFFLE

WILL BE DRAWN THIS SUN.14TH APRIL AFTER 10:30AM MASS.

We wish to thank ‘Reynolds Funerals’ for their generous

donations to the Easter Raffle.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word for pre-school and

primary school children.

1st & 2nd Sundays of the month

14th April - 10:30am Mass

PLEASE NOTE: it will now be held in the

MCKENNA CENTRE.

ST. PAUL’S NOTICES ST. PETER’S NOTICES

VOCATION VIEW: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Surrender your life to God. You are promised eternal life. (Luke 22:14-23:1-49)

CRAFTY LADIES The Craft Group will meet tomorrow,

Monday, April 15th

THANK YOU:

Thank you to all who have volunteered to help with our Easter Liturgies. You will be contacted by phone or spoken to at Mass.

SACRAMENT PROGRAM 2019:

For your information, following diary dates:

FIRST RECONCILIATION:

23rd April, Tuesday - Bookings for First

Reconciliations open. CONFIRMATION: 14th May - Family Workshop St Catherine’s 5pm or 7pm

18th/19th May - Presentation of Candidates Mass

22nd May – Confirmation Rehearsal & Reflection Day

24th May - Confirmation Celebration at 7pm.

(Cathedral)

FIRST EUCHARIST:

21st May - Family workshop - St. Peter’s 5pm

or 7pm

14th June - Reflection Day, St Peter’s (9am—3pm)

22nd/23rd June - Presentation Mass of First Eucharist

All Sacramental Celebrations to be booked at

St. Paul’s Church office. Children from other schools

of the community may contact

Matilde Chia (9557 1165)

INFORMATION AVAILABLE

ON NOTICE BOARDS

In the Boxes at the doors:

Catholic Magazine, for April now available, $2.ea.

Australian Catholic Magazine available, free.

School Newsletter can be found on: www.trinityparishschools.catholic.edu.au/aura/

st-pauls/latest/

Project compassion boxes can be brought to

the Church on Holy Thursday. Parishioners will be

invited to come forward during the Mass to place

them in the basket. Boxes are still available from

the stands at the doors for those who wish to

collect one.

HOLY THURSDAY: Next Thursday there will

be NO 10.00am Morning Mass.

ORGAN CHOIR:

Final rehearsal for Holy Week is on Monday,

15th April at 7.30pm in the church.

Congratulations & Best Wishes to Trish Ticca on her 60th Birthday

GENERAL NOTICES

Working With Children Checks Thank you to our volunteers who have completed their Working with Children Checks. Libby Thomas our Manager is away on holidays from 27th April. If you have not completed your WWC you need to do it before then. Libby is at St. Peter’s office on Monday and St. Paul’s office Tuesday, Thursday morning and Friday.

Elizabeth Rocha, a parishioner of St. Peter’s community for over 20 years is also the Director of Glen Eira

Counselling Clinic. She and another colleague are offering Holy Trinity Parish grief and trauma counselling

support. They are both trained in trauma therapy and are more than happy to support parishioners. Please

contact Elizabeth Rocha on 0417 731 199 or clinic 9532 7559

Introduction to Photography Course:

The Caulfield Photographic Society is conducting an Introduction to Photography course over 6 weeks commencing on Thursday May 2nd. For more information go to http://www.caulfieldphoto.org/photography-course/ or contact Mario Mirabile on 0419 042 496. Public Lecture John Bell—

Scottish theologian, musician, hymn writer, pastor and poet,

Monday, 13 May 2019, 7:30pm Philippa Brazil Lecture Theatre, Australian

Catholic University, Fitzroy Tickets: $35/$27.50 (concession). To book, visit https://www.trybooking.com/BAYHU

Fr. Paul is singing again Monday, 15th April

at a Variety Concert at East Malvern RSL.

We wold love you to join us. Show: 7:30pm,

$10. Meal (optional) from 6pm.

Enquiries: Marg B. 9579 5350

Missionary Sisters of Service 75th Anniversary Cookbook Launch: I received an invitation and am

going to attend the launch on Sunday 5th May 2-4

pm at Toolangi. If anyone would like to join me for a

Sunday Drive, pls call me 9557 4741. Carmel Merrey

Fr. Tony’s 50th Anniversary of Priesthood: On 2nd June, 2019 Fr. Tony will be celebrating his 50th Anniversary. He would like to invite anyone from our parish to attend his Mass at 11a.m. which will be celebrated at St. Luke's Church, 45 Orchard Grove, Blackburn South. (His last parish before retirement) There will be a light luncheon in the parish hall following the Mass. For catering purposes you may reply to carolynryan@y7mail.com or 9754 7493 by May 15th 2019

Anzac Day Mass

St. Paul’s, 10am,

Thursday, 25th April

followed by morning tea

Please bring a plate

ALL WELCOME!

ANZAC Day Commemoration Service – Sunday 28 April 2019

The City of Glen Eira will be holding an Anzac Day Service at the McKinnon Memorial Gardens at 2pm on Sunday 28 April 2019.

McKinnon Memorial Gardens are located at the corner of Wattle Grove and McKinnon Road McKinnon. I encourage everybody in the community to take the

opportunity to join us in remembering and paying

tribute to those who have served our country, as well as

those currently serving.

ST. PETER’S ROSTER PARISHIONERS DATE

LECTORS 6.30pm— Volunteers 8.30am— Volunteers 10.30am— Volunteers 5.30pm— Volunteers

Easter weekend

20th & 21st April

PRESBYTERY COUNTERS GRP 1: Tina Virgona, Liz Coyne, Renata Zaia Sun 21st April

THANKSGIVING COUNTERS

GRP 7: Julian Conheady, Tom Fennelly, John Suhr

(Please contact the office as we need more counters on the roster)

Sun 21st April

SACRISTAN GRP 5:Cheryl Allman, Melissa De Luca, Sally Maher, Petronella Kahonde Sat 21st April

FATIMA STATUE Ainsworth Family—Axford Crescent Sun 14th April

Callanan Family—Valkstone Street Sun 21st April

MOORABBIN HOSPITAL VISIT

Michael Hill (Sun) Cecilia Finch (Sun)

14th & 21st April 28th April & 5th May

Lorna Melder (Wed) Marjorie Brady (Wed)

17th & 24th April

1st & 8th May

ST. PAUL’S ROSTER PARISHIONERS DATE

COUNTERS Diana Fernandez Garnet Fernandez Sun 14th April

Frank Poci Brindyl Madhusudan Sun 21st April

VOCATIONS / CHALICE Maureen Borrows (Sun) Marcedo Family (Sat) 13th & 20th April

LECTORS

Martina Bruce (L) Sr. Liz (R) (Sat) Kathy Lillis (L) Rick Balazo (R) (Sun)

13th & 14th April

Claire Stanley (L) Brindyl Madhusudan (R) (Sat) Liz Vinning (L) Teresa Meyer (R) (Sun)

20th & 21st April

COMPUTER OPERATORS: Cavalho Family (Sat) Teresa Meyer (Sun) 13th &14th April

DeLosa Family (Sat) Peter Whitelaw (Sun) 20th & 21st April

GIFTS Davis Family (Sat) Volunteer (Sun) 13th & 14th April

Peres Family (Sat) Volunteer (Sun) 20th & 21st April

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:

Station 1: Maureen Knight, Sr. Liz, Station 2: Jane Dunstone, Brindyl Madhusudan, Raulston Macedo Station 3: Kyle Uytenbogaardt, Leala Uytenbogaardt,

Station 1: Rosa Lettieri, Patricia Baxter, Station 2: Bernie Hoy, Kaye Hoy, Bev Claudius, Station 3: Dom L ’Huillier, Tanya Aquilina.

Saturday April Sunday

MORNING TEA (HALL) Bev & Les Claudius 14th April

No Sunday Cuppa: Easter Sunday 21st April

COMMUNION TO THE SICK 1: Rex & Pam Koch 2: 3: Herbert Saldanha 14th April

ST. CATHERINE’S ROSTER PARISHIONERS DATE

COUNTERS Paul & Rita Humphreys Mon 22nd April

ALTAR SOCIETY Mary Gill Sat 20th April

LECTORS 8:30am: TBA 10:30am: TBA Sun 21st April

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS 8:30am: TBA 10:30am: TBA Sun 21st April

COMPUTER OPERATORS 8:30am: Stephen Caltabiano 10:30am: Pauline Phelan Sun 21st April

O’Connor Family Mon 15th April FATIMA STATUE

Ernst Family Mon 22nd April

BULLETIN NOTICES DEADLINES

St. Peter’s Trish Richards & Marion Quinn, 9579 4255, office@holytrinityparish.org.au Thursday

St. Paul’s Libby Thomas, 9557 1165, stpaulbentleigh@bigpond.com Thursday 9am

St. Catherine’s Grace Tanumihardja, 0481 573 583, grace.tanoe@gmail.comGrace on Wednesday 6pm

If you would like your or your loved ones

name on our Sick List, please ring your

Church Office ASAP!

St. Peter’s: Lynne Bryan, June Morrisey, Cameron Johnston, Naomi Puf, Braxton de Koke, Helen Neal, Alice Sullivan, Kathleen Maxwell, Matthew Grasso, Eddy Bary, George, Francine Strom, Sandra Jones (Qld), Daryl McKenzie, Marek Pereomuper, Randolph Thiedeman, Peter Smythe, Leonie Kerley, Rob Stary, Vince Bezzina, Deirdre Cathcart, Fred Wan, Riley Sinclair, Martin Sheehy, Des Lawler, Marco Paoli, Jakob Deans, Martin Johnson, Mark & Colleen Lewis, Martin, Cheryl & Judy Meehan, Jenny Liston, Kath DeLosa, Joan Fennelly, Darga family members.

St Paul’s: Rena Mollica, Anne Fletcher, Margaret Pereira, Lillian Vella, Fernando, Julie Keatley, Francesco Gregorio, Jeremy Morck, Winston Saldanha, Dorothy McDonald, Delphine Ferreria, Nelson Tapalla, Nicol Graphael, Jill Briody, Tanya Wall, Mercy Miranda, Joanne Le Sueur

St Catherine’s: Tony Mallozzi, Emma Mallozzi, Stasia Underwood, Noreen Davidson, Dolly Hoff, Anne Grounds, Paul Lovegrove, Wilfred Rozario, Peter Wilson, Jeff Rudland, Tracey Campbell, Rosa Virgona, Karen Ogden, Trenna Scanlon, Gerard Rivalland, Daniel Rivalland, Peter Jennings, Sam Pinzone, Eileen Ellerton

Those who are sick:

PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD (YEAR C)

Recently Deceased:

Anniversaries occurring at this time:

St Peter’s: Ron Pearson (Founder of St. Peter’s Boy’s Club)

St. Paul’s: Joan Thomas

St. Catherine’s: Ana Inchausti

St Peter’s: Noah McMahon

St. Paul’s: Allen Ogg,

St Peter’s: Fr. Lou Heriot, Fr. Cyril Blake, Graziella (Nella) Brasacchio, Pat Monegetti, Mirella Dodd (14yrs)

St. Paul’s: Fr. Cyril Blake, Doreen Clarke, Rosemarie Conti, Frank Kennelly, Kevin Burnett, Mena Child, David Casella, Magda Talbot, Siobhan Dodds (nee Green), Nicholas Martin, Kenneth Morgan, Anne Brennan, Josefina Peluso , Lyn De Zilva, Praxede De Bond, Melville Nugara,

St. Catherine’s: Fr. Cyril Blake (2yrs), Christina Crothers, Amiel Morrison, Marie Younes, Giselle Busuttil, Con Gasparini, George Jones, Harry Thomsen, Joyce McGaw, Pat Kelly

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL – Luke 23: 1-49

First Anniversary occurring at this time:

The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke

The elders of the people and the chief priests and scribes rose, and they brought Jesus before Pilate.

They began their accusation by saying, ‘We found this man inciting our people to revolt, opposing payment of tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ, a king.’ Pilate put to him this question, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ ‘It is you who say it’ he replied. Pilate then said to the chief priests and the crowd, ‘I find no case against this man.’ But they persisted, ‘He is inflaming the people with his teaching all over Judaea; it has come all the way from Galilee, where he started, down to here.’ When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man were a Galilean; and finding that he came under Herod’s jurisdiction he passed him over to Herod who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

Herod was delighted to see Jesus; he had heard about him and had been wanting for a long time to set eyes on him; moreover, he was hoping to see some miracle worked by him. So he questioned him at some length; but without getting any reply. Meanwhile the chief priests and the scribes were there, violently pressing their accusations. Then Herod, together with his guards, treated him with contempt and made fun of him; he put a rich cloak on him and sent him back to Pilate. And though Herod and Pilate had been enemies before, they were reconciled that same day.

Pilate then summoned the chief priests and the leading men and the people. ‘You brought this man before me’ he said ‘as a political agitator. Now I have gone into the matter myself in your presence and found no case against the man in respect of all the charges you bring against him. Nor has Herod either, since he has sent him back to us. As you can see, the man has done nothing that deserves death, so I shall have him flogged and then let him go.’ But as one man they howled, ‘Away with him! Give us Barabbas!’ (This man had been thrown into prison for causing a riot in the city and for murder.)

Pilate was anxious to set Jesus free and addressed them again, but they shouted back, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’ And for the third time he spoke to them, ‘Why? What harm has this man done? I have found no case against him that deserves death, so I shall have him punished and then let him go.’ But they kept on shouting at the top of their voices, demanding that he should be crucified. And their shouts were growing louder.

Pilate then gave his verdict: their demand was to be granted. He released the man they asked for, who had been imprisoned for rioting and murder, and handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they pleased.

As they were leading him away they seized on a man, Simon from Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and made him shoulder the cross and carry it behind Jesus. Large numbers of people followed him, and of women too, who mourned and lamented for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children. For the days will surely come when people will say, “Happy are those who are barren, the wombs that have never borne, the breasts that have never suckled!” Then they will begin to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”; to the hills, “Cover us!” For if men use the green wood like this, what will happen when it is dry?’ Now with him they were also leading out two other criminals to be executed.

Monthly Remembrance