In this most solemn week of the year, we journey with Christ through the darkness of crucifixion and into the wonderful light of His resurrection. This theme of travelling through darkness into light is what Archbishop Peter A Comensoli speaks of in his 2022 Easter message, ‘The Eternal Dawn’. We also hear from Holy Trinity Parish, an amalgamation of three different parishes, who creatively took up this theme as a way of accompanying their people in coming out of lockdown.

Last Sunday was the Palm Sunday Walk for Justice, and thousands of people marched in Melbourne calling for an end to Australia’s policy of mandatory detention for asylum seekers and refugees. Representatives for many faith traditions were present as they brought attention to Australia’s cruel policies and broken promises towards those who come in need of help.

On Tuesday night, the Melbourne faithful gathered at St Patrick's Cathedral for the annual Chrism Mass, a deeply significant event in the life of the Church. This week we ask: what exactly is the Chrism Mass?

Also, since this week is Holy Week, we thought we might take a look at the way different cultures observe this most solemn week of the liturgical calendar. From Guatemala to Israel to Germany, there are traditions and rituals that are sure to fascinate (and probably shock).

The Passion of Christ is a mystery almost too profound to know what to do with. Fortunately we have the saints, the ones who have surrendered themselves to this mystery and provided us with a glimpse of what the Passion was, why it was necessary, and what it means.

Finally, the second session of the Plenary Council draws ever closer, and in the lead-up, a whole bunch of prayer resources have been released to help us keep the Council in our prayers. These resources will help us as, on Easter Sunday, the “Walking in the Spirit” prayer pilgrimage begins, taking us right up to the start of the Council on 3 July.