Faithful from across each county in the Diocese of Trenton gathered together to celebrate annual sacred liturgies and services throughout Holy Week 2019, April 15-19.

The Chrism Mass, one of the most solemn and significant liturgies in the Church year was once again celebrateded by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who was joined by brother priests from around the Diocese. The Chrism Mass was celebrated April 15 at 7:30 p.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine, Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold.

During the Chrism Mass, Bishop O’Connell blessed three separate oils that will be used in parishes throughout the coming year.

The Mass of Chrism is also when all priests of the Diocese stand before the Bishop and recommit themselves to their priestly service and vocation.

Additionally, the Diocesan Tenebrae service was held in St. Catharine Church, 215 Essex Ave, Spring Lake, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. The service was celebrated by Msgr. Harold Cullen, pastor of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake.

Tenebrae service revives an ancient tradition that calls to mind the Passion of Christ in a darkened setting. Tenebrae, which means darkness or shadows, is traditionally held in the evenings of Holy Week, particularly in the Triduum, and portrays Jesus’ Passion with prayed and sung psalms, lessons and chants which express grief.

Both events were live-streamed and links to the live-streams were made available on the Diocese of Trenton Website and TrentonMontior.com, as well as shared on the Diocesan social media accounts. Be sure to like and follow the Diocese of Trenton on Facebook and Twitter as well as like and follow the Trenton Monitor on Facebook and Twitter to see the shared livestream links as well as day-of coverage from each service.

Comprehensive coverage from throughout Holy Week and Easter will be published beginning in the May 2 print-edition of The Monitor. Check back with TrentonMonitor.com in the coming weeks for articles and photo galleries from all of the Holy Week and Easter celebrations.