PALM SUNDAY - APRIL 16, 2000 - 10:45 A.M.
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

In celebration of the Lord's entrance into Jerusalem, Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua will bless the palms to be distributed to the faithful. Following the blessing of the palms, the Cardinal will be the celebrant and homilist at the Mass of Passion (Palm) Sunday.

HOLY THURSDAY CHRISM MASS - APRIL 20, 2000 - 10:00 A.M.
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua will be the main celebrant and homilist at the Holy Thursday Chrism Mass, which commemorates the day on which the priesthood was established. Approximately 500 priests of the Archdiocese will be in attendance at this mass. During the Mass, Cardinal Bevilacqua will bless the three oils used in the Sacraments: the Oil of Catechumens, used in Baptism; the Oil of the Sick, used in anointing of the sick; and Chrism Oil, used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders.

HOLY THURSDAY MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER - APRIL 20, 2000 - 5:00 P.M.
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua will be the main celebrant and homilist. This mass commemorates the Last Supper, during which Christ instituted the sacrament of Holy Eucharist, and is one of the most solemn celebrations of the Church year. After the homily, following the example of Christ who washed the feet of the apostles at the Last Supper, the Cardinal will wash the feet of twelve seminarians from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. This ceremony, known as the "mandatum," symbolizes the humility of Jesus.


GOOD FRIDAY - APRIL 21, 2000 - 3:00 P.M.
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Solemn Liturgy of the Passion and Death of Christ- Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua is the celebrant and homilist. Following the example of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Bevilacqua will make a "Statement of Forgiveness" during his homily.

GOOD FRIDAY - APRIL 21,2000 - 3:00 P.M.
St. John the Evangelist Church, 13th Street between Market and Chestnut Street - 3:00 P.M.

"The Way of the Cross" -a special dramatic presentation of "Via Crucis" (The Way of the Cross). Under the direction of Dr. Annette DiMedio, students from the University of the Arts will perform this dramatic presentation based on the musical score, Via Crucis, composed by Franz Liszt.

HOLY SATURDAY - APRIL 22, 2000 - 8:00 P.M.
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua is the celebrant and homilist at the Easter Vigil Mass. The special ceremonies that take place during this Mass are all related to the Resurrection. The ceremonies include: the Blessing of the Fire, the lighting of the Paschal Candle, and the Blessing of the Easter Water. During the Mass, after the homily, Cardinal Bevilacqua will baptize and receive new members of the faith into the church.

EASTER SUNDAY - APRIL 23, 2000 - 9:30 A.M.
Resurrection of Our Lord Church, Castor Avenue and Vista Street, Philadelphia

Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua will be the celebrant and homilist at the Mass of the Resurrection.