Brother Deacons,

We have entered into the great mystery of the Holy Triduum and the glory of Easter, let us approach these sacred days not as mere ritual, but as participation in the eternal reality to which they point. As St. Gregory Nazianzen reminds us, (from this past Tuesday's Office of Readings) - what we celebrate is not only a remembrance, but a present, living, divine drama. The Passover of the Lamb is no longer just symbol. Christ, our Paschal Lamb, has been sacrificed, and now we are invited to share in His offering.

This is the time to go beyond the first veil and draw near to the Holy of Holies. The altar we serve is not only wood and stone, it is the Cross. And the sacrifice we offer is not of bulls and goats, but of praise, obedience, mercy, and love poured out in service, in suffering, and in the shedding of our own comforts and control.

We must each become what we celebrate. If you are a Simon of Cyrene, shoulder the weight of the cross in the burdens of the people you serve. If you feel crucified in trials or sorrow, cling to Christ and cry out like the good thief, “Jesus, remember me.” Even in humiliation, draw near to salvation.

Be like Joseph of Arimathea, bold in reverence, fearless in asking for the Body of Christ to care for the broken and the forgotten. Be like Nicodemus, offering dignity and love even in the shadows of suffering. Be like the holy women faithful at the tomb, rising early, seeking the Lord in grief, and receiving joy in the dawn of the Resurrection.

Deacons, you are icons of Christ the Servant in this world. You are ministers of the altar and heralds of the Gospel. So in this Triduum, let the Passion of Christ become your own passion. Let your ministry echo His humility, His courage, His silence, and His victory. Enter with Him into death, so we may rise with Him into glory.

Christ has risen! May He find us at the tomb; watching, waiting, weeping, rejoicing. May He find us faithful.

A very blessed Triduum and a radiant Easter to you, your families and all you serve.

~ Your Brother in Christ's Service

CHRISM MASS - 2025
Cardinal Stafford, Archbishop Aquila, Bishop Rodriguez,
Priests & Deacons of the Archdiocese of Denver

RECEIVE + BELIEVE + TEACH + PRACTICE

Be Bold + Be men of prayer + Pray for your Brothers +
See you in the Eucharist