Holy Week Programme 2026
Beginning on Ash Wednesday, 18th February, Lent is a period of preparation for Easter, which celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes calls us to rejoice at this time when peace is under threat. Let us ask the Lord, through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, to restore our confidence, hope and peace of heart.
Sunday, 29 March / Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week, which ends with Easter Sunday. Christians celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem for the Jewish Passover. The religious celebration is marked by the blessing of the palm branches, still green and a sign of life.
Programme
9:30a.m.: Blessing of the palms on the esplanade of the Rosary Basilica
10:00 a.m.: Mass at St. Pius X Basilica
3:00 p.m.: Rosary at the Grotto in English
6:30 p.m.: Vespers at the Rosary Basilica
8:30p.m.: Torchlight Rosary
On the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week, the 5pm Eucharistic procession starts at the podium on the prairie and ends at the Rosary square (or at the church of Saint Bernadette if it’s raining).
Holy Thursday, 2 April – Maundy Thursday, the institution of the Eucharist
Jesus instituted the Eucharist when he voiced the words, “Take, eat; this is my body” (Mt 26:26) as he shared the bread. Then, as he gave them the cup of wine, he said, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
During a solemn Mass, the gesture of washing the feet is repeated as a sign of forgiveness and service. Jesus invites us to follow him by doing good in the service of others.
Programme
8:30 a.m.: Office of Tenebrae at the Rosary Basilica
3:00 p.m.: Rosary at the Grotto (in English)
4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.: International penitential celebration at St. Pius X Basilica (confessional chapel closed)
10:00 p.m.: Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Basilica of St. Pius
Good Friday, 3 April / Good Friday Passion
Christians are called to fast, a process of penance and conversion, an expression of waiting for Christ. The office of Good Friday, known as the “celebration of the Lord’s Passion”, is centred on the proclamation of the Passion narrative.
Programme
8:30 a.m.: Office of Tenebrae in the Rosary Basilica
10:00 a.m. to 12 noon.: International Penitential Celebration at the Basilica of Saint Pius X
3:00 p.m.: Office of the Passion at the Basilica of Saint Pius X
3:00 p.m.: Rosary at the Grotto (in English)
8:30 p.m.: Torchlight Stations of the Cross on the esplanade
Holy Saturday, 4 April / Experience the Easter Vigil in Lourdes
On Holy Saturday, the Church remains at the tomb of her Lord. She meditates on Christ’s passion and death, as well as his descent into hell, while awaiting his resurrection with fasting and prayer.
The Church spends this great Sabbath close to Mary.
The celebration of the night of Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday is “a vigil in honour of the Lord” during which Catholics celebrate Easter, the passage from darkness to light, Christ’s victory over death.
Programme
8:30 a.m.: Office of Tenebrae at the Rosary Basilica
10:00 a.m. to 12 noon.: International Penitential Celebration at the Basilica of Saint Pius X
3:00 p.m.: Rosary at the Grotto (in English)
9:00 p.m.: Easter Vigil
Blessing of the new fire followed by Mass at St. Pius X Basilica
Easter Sunday, 5 April / We celebrate Christ's Resurrection
Easter is at the heart of Christian faith and hope. Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the fulfilment of the Old Testament promises and confirms Jesus’ divinity.
Programme
9:30 a.m.: International Mass at St. Pius X Basilica, followed by the Angelus at the Grotto
3:00 p.m.: Rosary at the Grotto (in English)
5:00 p.m.: Eucharistic Procession, ending in front of the Rosary Basilica
9:00 p.m.: Marian Torchlight Procession
