Easter Triduum 2014 at St. Adalbert's Church

St. Adalbert's Parish commemorated Holy Week in April 2014 with the celebration of the traditional Mass on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

As a Polish personal parish, St. Adalbert's observes the Polish-Catholic tradition of Swieconka, which is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions. Baskets containing a sampling of Easter foods are brought to church to be blessed on Holy Saturday. The basket is traditionally lined with a white linen or lace napkin and decorated with sprigs of boxwood (bukszpan), the typical Easter evergreen. Poles take special pride in preparing a decorative and tasteful basket with crisp linens, occasionally embroidered for the occasion, and just enough boxwood and ribbon woven through the handle. Observing the beautiful foods and creations of other parishioners is one of the special joys of the event. 
Parishoners also visit the church on Holy Saturday, once again praying at the Tomb of the Lord. At St. Adalbert's, the pastor offers a prayer for those gathered, then sprinkles the individual baskets with Holy Water using a straw brush for dispersing the Water