The stories of so many saints intertwine with the Story of Salvation during the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord. As we enter into Holy Week, let us learn from these holy men and women and invite them to walk with us on our own journey with Christ.
Saint Peter
St. Peter plays a prominent but inglorious role in the story of Holy Week. While with our Lord during the Last Supper and in the Garden, Peter’s passion gets the better of him–professing his willingness to die for Christ and cutting off the ear of a servant during Jesus’ arrest.
Yet, as Christ was led away, Peter only “followed at a distance” and denied knowing Christ three times. He was not there for his friend during the Passion.
However, this was not the end of Peter’s story. He wept bitterly at the denial and later ran to the tomb without hesitation to see proof of the Resurrection.
Peter’s response to the Lord during the drama of the Passion is relatable in many ways; we so often fail to live up to our duties as disciples of Jesus. We can learn from Peter’s contrite heart how to repent from our sins and continually turn back to Christ.
Saint John the Apostle
Not only did St. John the Beloved sit close enough to Christ during the Last Supper to rest his head on the Lord’s breast, but he also prayed alongside him during the Agony in the Garden and was the only one of the Twelve who stood by Jesus during His passion.
Most importantly, in His final moments, Jesus entrusted his Blessed Mother to Saint John, and him to her. Through His words spoken to John, Christ speaks to every member of the Church throughout time: “Behold your Mother.”
We should seek to emulate Saint John’s faithfulness and devotion both to Jesus and His Immaculate Mother.
Saint Veronica
As Jesus carried his cross, a woman named Veronica pushed past the crowd and soldiers to wipe the sweat and blood from Christ’s face with her veil. An image of Jesus’ face remained on the cloth–a treasured relic housed in the Vatican.
Before and after her brief entrance into the Passion Narrative, St. Veronica’s life remains a mystery. One legend says that Veronica took the relic away from the Holy Land, and used it to cure the Emperor Tiberius of illness.
Her act of charity is commemorated in the Stations of the Cross; take time to reflect on St. Veronica’s courage and compassion, and see how God might be calling you to follow her example.
Saint Simon of Cyrene
Three out of the four Gospels mention St. Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled by the Roman soldiers to help Jesus carry His cross for a bit of arduous walk to Golgotha.
The Passion Narrative in the Gospel of Mark identifies Simon as "the father of Alexander and Rufus." Tradition states that they became missionaries and very possibly among the leaders of the Early Christian community in Rome.
Whether or not Simon’s actions during the Via Dolorosa were rooted in charity or in fear of retaliation remains unclear from the text, but tradition generally holds that Simon’s heart–at first begrudging the task at hand–is softened on his journey with Christ.
Saint Mary Magdalene
St. Mary Magdalene appears many times during the story of Holy Week; her steadfastness and her love shining among the darkness.
Traditionally, the Western Church conflates Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany who broke an alabaster flask of ointment and anointed the feet of the Lord before the Passover–symbolic of his forthcoming burial.
Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of Christ’s cross alongside the Blessed Mother, St. John, and the other women as Jesus died. She also goes to the tomb early on the third day to anoint His body, proving that not even death could stop her love of the Savior.
Mary Magdalene is one of the first (and in some accounts the first witness) of the Resurrection and is often called “the Apostle to the Apostles” as she became the first to proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ triumph over sin and death.
Saints Mary and Salome
St. Mary, wife of Clopas, stood beside the Blessed Mother alongside the others during the Crucifiction. St. Salome is also included in the Gospel of Mark as a witness of the Crucifiction. Tradition identifies her as the wife of Zebeedee and the mother of James and John.
Both women are believed to have gone to the tomb to anoint Christ’s body, becoming some of the first witnesses of the Resurrection.
Not much else is known for certain about these holy women, but their devotion and care of both Jesus and his mother can serve as a model for the Church on how to love and serve God in others.
Saint Dismas
The Gospel of Luke contains an account of the penitent thief who died next to Jesus.
On Good Friday, two thieves were crucified next to Jesus. One of the thieves taunted Jesus, demanding that Jesus prove his power by saving them all. The other–who tradition tells us was named Dismas–rebuked the thief and said to Christ: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus responded: “This day you will be with me in paradise.”
Having been the first receiver of Jesus’ forgiveness and salvation during the hour of Mercy, the Church remembers St. Dismas as an example of a sincere and penitent heart.
Saint Longinus
After Jesus’s death, a soldier unnamed in the Gospel but in tradition called Longinus or Cassius, pierced the side of Christ from which blood and water poured forth.
Legend holds that he had been going blind but miraculously regained his eyesight when Jesus’ blood and water splashed on to him causing him to cry out: “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
After his conversion, it is said that he left the army, was instructed in the faith by the apostles, and became a monk. He later died a martyr.
Saint Joseph of Arimathea
In all four Gospels, we hear about St. Joseph of Arimathea and his role in the story of Holy Week.
Joseph was "a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God…” The Gospel of Luke adds that although he was a member of the Sandhedrin, Joseph “... had not agreed to their plan and action.”
After Jesus’ death, Joseph approached Pilate for permission to take the body and then helped lay the body of Christ in Joseph’s own tomb.
Saint Nicodemus
Similarly, St. Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin and a secret follower of Jesus. He often visited with Jesus at night so that the other members would not see him.
After a failed attempt to arrest Jesus, Nicodemus reminded the other Pharisees about Jesus’ right to a fair trial.
Nicodemus is also mentioned alongside Joseph of Arimathea to help bury Jesus. Scripture says that Nicodemus brought “...a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds” to prepare the body of Jesus for burial.
Our Lady of Sorrows
Throughout Jesus’ life, Mary shared in both His joys and sorrows and Holy Week is no different. During the Passion, Mary stays by Jesus’ side and she cradles His body when He is taken down from the cross.
Although she trusted God in His plan for the Salvation of the world, she suffered with her son for our sins.
The Church honors the Blessed Mother with the titles of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Mater Dolorosa, both of which have been depicted in religious art throughout the centuries.
Bring your heart and sorrow to Our Lady who has felt your pain. Ask her to be with you in times of difficulty and to help show you the Lord’s light even in the darkest moments.
The Saints of Holy Week: Walking with Those Who Walked with Jesus
The stories of so many saints intertwine with the Story of Salvation during the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord.
Becoming the cathedral God created you to be begins with a solid foundation. By combining stretching and strengthening exercises with Christian prayer and meditation, Pietra Fitness workouts enrich your body, mind, and soul so you can glorify God with your entire being.
"God created mankind in his image." - Gen 1:27
As living cathedrals, we invite you to take part in our Pietra Fitness community as we unite for the glory of God’s kingdom. Let us rebuild the City of God, beginning with the Cathedral of YouTM.
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This Sunday is Laetare Sunday! This is the Fourth Sunday of Lent and signifies we are more than halfway through Lent. "Laetare" means to Rejoice! This Sunday gets its name from the introit at the beginning of Mass :"Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult and be filled from the breasts of your consolation." The priests are permitted to wear a rose colored vestment to signify the day. There may also be more music and flowers on the altar in contrast to other Masses during Lent. While at Mass this weekend we encourage you to thank God for all He has done for you during this Lenten season so far and focus on the Resurrection that is to come!
Find some ideas below to celebrate this day!
1. Wear Pink to Mass.
The priests will be in rose colored vestments so pull out your pink and wear liturgical colors.
2. Review your Lenten resolutions
Laetare Sunday signifies we are halfway through Lent. Come back to your resolutions and see which have been neglected, if any. If you are feeling on top of your resolutions. is there anything else God is calling you to? What about another resolution for Holy Week? Begin to pray about this.
3. Listen to music and Rejoice!
Sundays are not included in the 40 days of Lent. Especially on Laetare Sunday, let’s be joy filled and rejoice!
4. Spring is coming. Enjoy a nice walk outside or plan to enjoy a Pietra Fitness class outside this
week.
We are praying for you as we round out this Lenten season!
4th Sunday of Lent: Laetare Sunday.
This Sunday is Laetare Sunday! This is the Fourth Sunday of Lent and signifies we are more than halfway through Lent.
If you suffer from constant fatigue, disrupted sleep/difficulty waking, or sweet and salty cravings, overstressed adrenals might be the cause.
Although they are small, adrenal glands are mighty players in determining your body’s overall health.
Your adrenal glands, or suprarenal glands, are small, triangular-shaped glands on top of each of your kidneys. They produce hormones that allow your body to perform many essential functions.
When you experience physical, mental, or emotional stress, your adrenal glands release cortisol, responsible for effectively using your body’s fats, proteins and carbohydrates, as well as regulating your blood pressure, blood sugar, and sleep-wake cycle.
When your adrenal glands continually release this stress-hormone during prolonged periods of stress, you may experience HPA axis dysregulation, commonly referred to as “adrenal fatigue.”
The HPA axis, of which your adrenals are a part, is the body’s main stress response system. When it functions as it should, your body responds appropriately to stressors.
However, chronic stress can lead to “inappropriate” responses to stress like depression/anxiety, cardiovascular problems, low energy, sleep disturbances, weight changes, concentration and memory issues, and more.
How can you nourish your adrenal glands to make them happy and healthy, especially in the high-stress landscape that is the modern world? Check out these tips:
Cut back on caffeine
When you feel exhausted all the time, it may feel difficult to turn down that third cup of coffee. However, coffee will most likely only add to the problem rather than fix it.
As a stimulant, coffee activates your central nervous system, adding stress to your adrenals.
So rather than consuming cup after cup of coffee, reach for a glass of water or herbal/low caffeine tea instead.
Focus on Nutrition
Nutrition plays an important role in adrenal recovery as it provides your body with the vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients that make recovery possible.
It’s easy to skip meals when you’re feeling stressed, but then your adrenals have to release more cortisol to keep your body functioning as normal. It also increases your chance of binging on unhealthy, processed foods.
Eating nutrient-dense, whole foods for three meals and regular snacks is ideal for helping your adrenal glands do their job.
Healthy proteins, as well as foods rich in vitamins C, E and all B, magnesium, and calcium are key to adrenal health.
Drink an Adrenal Cocktail
An adrenal cocktail is a mix of freshly squeezed juice from an orange (or another citrus fruit), coconut water, and sea salt. It provides your body with much needed vitamins and minerals that
encourages your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, energy, and fight fatigue.
Gentle exercises
Exercise, especially high-intensity workouts, can be considered a “stressor” on your body (though of course not all stressors are negative!) However, when you're experiencing chronic stress or HPA dysregulation, adding more stressors can exacerbate the problems..
Focus on Low-intensity and restorative movements to help. We offer several restorative workout classes in our Online Studio.
Prioritize rest
“Adrenal Fatigue” occurs when you can’t physically and mentally recover from stress. Good sleep is necessary for recovery.
You should get at least 7 hours of sleep a night, and avoid blue light before bed to help your body produce the right amount of melatonin for a good night’s rest.
You should also prioritize other opportunities for rest in your daily schedule. Filling your day with running around and checking off items on your to-do list is not sustainable long-term. You need mental and physical breaks from personal and professional responsibilities.
Taking time and care to limit your physical, mental, and emotional stress–whether that’s through a change of diet or lifestyle–will truly change your life for the better. Your body, especially those hard-working adrenal glands, will thank you.
*The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms, especially if they persist as there many be an underlying health issue causing the problem.
Five Simple Ways to Nourish Your Adrenal Glands + Why they are Important
If you suffer from constant fatigue, disrupted sleep/difficulty waking, or sweet and salty cravings, overstressed adrenals might be the cause.
Not only does the Church honor Saint Joseph with special devotion every Wednesday but it also dedicates the entire month of March to him, leading up to the Solemnity of St. Joseph in March. The Solemnity is usually celebrated on March 19; however, this year the feast has been transferred to March 20 since the Lenten Sunday liturgy takes precedence.
People all around the world–from Italy and Spain all the way to New Orleans– celebrate St. Joseph’s Day with special feasts and elaborate traditions.
You can celebrate the earthly father of Jesus and spouse of the Virgin Mary by incorporating one or more of these suggestions in your Domestic Church:
Pray the Litany of Saint Joseph
As the earthly father of Jesus and spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph is a powerful intercessor for those who place themselves in his care. There are many prayers we can offer to him (including the St. Joseph novena featured on the Pietra Fitness Online studio) but the Litany of St. Joseph, despite its simplicity, is one of the most profound.
The Litany of St. Joseph calls upon this holy man using his many titles including Terror of Demons and Protector of the Holy Church; praying it not only glorifies God in recognizing the great works done through Joseph but also invites us to gain a deeper understanding and love of this saint.
Meditate on the life of St. Joseph
While we don’t see (or hear) too much of St. Joseph in the Bible, he plays a powerful role in the Story of Salvation. Spend some time reflecting on his life and learning from his example of humility and trust.
Try some Ignatian Meditation or Lectio Divina with Sacred Scripture that features Joseph, or spend some time meditating on the Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph.
Make a Saint Joseph Altar
The tradition of a St. Joseph Altar began in Sicily. The people of Sicily asked for the prayers of their patron St. Joseph for the end to a drought that had ravished their crops and brought famine.
When the rain finally came and they could harvest food once more, they set up a little altar of food to offer their gratitude to St. Joseph. This long-standing tradition still exists today and centers on the feast of St. Joseph.
To set up your own altar, place a statue or image of St. Joseph on a table. You can add candles or other religious items, as well as food to share with family and friends.
Eat Some Traditional Food
While this feast day always takes place during Lent, its status as a Solemnity overrides the obligation of fasting and abstinence, so you can enjoy a special meal or treat traditionally associated with St. Joseph’s Day such as artisan breads, pasta, fava beans, and zeppole.
Make a Pilgrimage
Many people think you need to go somewhere internationally to take a pilgrimage, but you don’t have to go far to get that spiritually-edifying experience. Consider making a local pilgrimage in honor of St. Joseph.
You can go to a Cathedral named for St. Joseph or even to the St. Joseph statue your home parish for mass and prayer.
Consecrate Yourself to St. Joseph
Similar to Total Consecration to Our Lady, you can also consecrate yourself to St. Joseph. This act of consecration means you entrust yourself to the paternal care of Joseph so that he can help you grow in virtue and lead you closer to God.
Father Donald Calloway, MIC wrote a wonderful book that helps you prepare and make this consecration.
Perform a Work of Mercy
The Litany of St. Joseph calls him the Hope of the Sick, and patron of the poor, afflicted, and the dying because he has a special care and concern for the suffering.
Perform one or more of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy to honor him during this month. For more ideas on how to practice these works, check out this archived post from our blog.
St. Joseph, patron of the Universal Church and of Pietra Fitness– pray for us!
7 Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph
Not only does the Church honor Saint Joseph with special devotion every Wednesday but it also dedicates the entire month of March to him.
Do you always feel too tired to workout?
Do you have a hard time waking up for your morning workout or struggle to find the motivation to do it when the afternoon slump hits? Maybe you feel too exhausted after a day at work or chasing after kids?
Well, you aren’t alone.
Not enough energy is one of the most common reasons people avoid exercising; however, regular movement and exercise actually boosts our energy levels. The less we work out, the more tired we feel.
So what do you do when fatigue hits and you haven’t moved your body in an intentional way?
While caffeinated beverages or sugary snacks might give you an initial boost of energy, a crash will inevitably follow. So instead of chugging your third cup of coffee, give these tips a try!
Hydrate
Dehydration can make you feel tired and sluggish; it can also cause brain fog and confusion, so make sure you are drinking the right amount of water during your day. However, excessive water intake can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes in the body and make you feel drowsy.
Help truly hydrate your body by adding a couple of pinches of sea salt to your glass of water. Sea salt contains the necessary minerals for producing energy –Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, and Sodium. It’ll help keep your electrolytes in balance, regulate your adrenal glands, and keep your energy steady throughout the day.
Snack Wisely
The average American diet consists primarily of highly processed foods, especially when it comes to snacks. Ultra-Processed foods can pose some serious risks to your health, and can make you feel drained.
However, strategic snacking can help stabilize your blood sugar and keep your energy levels consistent throughout the day. The combo of protein, fat, and a complex carb/fiber will fill you up and give you a boost of energy when you start to feel tired.
Reduce your stress
Stress elevates your cortisol levels, triggering the “fight-or-flight” response in your body. Chronic stress can exhaust your adrenals, affect your sleep, and cause overall feelings of fatigue.
Reducing stress is crucial to your mental health and maintaining your energy levels. Take some slow deep breaths and some time to pray each day, especially during seasons of high stress. Even just taking a few quiet minutes during the day can really help energize you.
Our Release, Restore, Recover series offers gentle exercises to help your body release tension and restore balance in your nervous system.
Move your body
If you don’t feel like you have enough energy for a full workout, easy movements like a simple walk or a few gentle stretches will do the trick!
If you need some motivation to get moving, try having an accountability partner. You can even ask a friend or your spouse to take a walk with you so you don’t find yourself laying on the couch and scrolling on your phone instead.
Get more sleep
Of course, if you’re not getting enough sleep at night, you’ll feel more tired during the day. A short nap (10-20 minutes) can really help boost your energy when you’re feeling sluggish.
If you don’t have time to catch some z’s before bedtime, you can still make choices to help improve your sleep quality when it’s time to hit the hay. Check out these 33 tips for improving your sleep from our blog archives.
We know that it can feel challenging to make time for exercising everyday, especially when you feel tired, but a consistent workout routine will help you feel better (and more energized!) in the long run.
If you are looking for workouts you can do from the comfort of your own home, check out the classes in our Pietra Fitness Online Studio! Your body will thank you.
Too Tired to Workout? Here's How You Can Get A Much-Needed Energy Boost
Do you always feel too tired to workout?
We at Pietra Fitness love the Blessed Mother and this month we have an opportunity to honor with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Below you’ll find some easy liturgical living ideas to celebrate this special feast.
Who is Our Lady of Lourdes?
On February 11, 1858 while gathering firewood with her sister and friend, 14-year old Bernadette Soubirous had an extraordinary vision. A Lady clothed in white, with a blue sash around her waist and yellow roses on her feet appeared in a small cave in a grotto.
This was the first of 18 visits the Blessed Mother would make to young Bernadette.
During her visits, Our Lady of Lourdes encouraged prayer and penitence for the conversion of sinners. She also asked Bernadette to dig in the ground and drink from the spring that emerged. This water brought about many miraculous cures in those who bathed in it.
When asked for her name, Our Lady answered: “I am the Immaculate Conception.”
Only four years prior, Pope Pius IX dogmatically declared the Immaculate Conception a truth of the Catholic faith. With her education and station in life, young Bernadette could not have been familiar with the title so it helped to prove the legitimacy of the apparition.
Our Lady asked for a chapel to be built on the apparition site. Today, Millions of pilgrims visit the spring today and countless healings and graces have been poured out.
The Church celebrates the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11 and invokes her intercession especially for the sick and suffering.
Celebrating Our Lady of Lourdes
Plan a Marian Garden
Many flowers and herbs–like roses, lilies, and rosemary– also hold a uniquely Marian significance and during the Middle Ages monks and nuns began to gather these flowers together in a garden to honor our Lady.
Despite the colder weather, February is the perfect time to plan your Marian garden for the spring. You can even start seeds inside on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes to plant outside when the ground thaws.
If you want to honor our Lady of Lourdes specifically, consider planting yellow roses or plan to make your own little “grotto” for a Mary statue.
Enjoy some French treats
What’s a feast without food? To honor our Lady of Lourdes try to include some French cuisine.
Keep it simple with a croissant or other pastry from a local bakery or host a more elaborate dinner of crepes or veggie-filled Ratatouille.
Family Movie Night
Several movies tell the miraculous story of Saint Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes, like the 1943 movie The Song of Bernadette or CCC’s Bernadette: The Princess of Lourdes.
Invite your family or friends to join you for a movie night on February 11.
The hymn Immaculate Mary is closely associated with Lourdes.
The earliest version of the hymn written in 1873 by French priest Jean Gaignet was set to a traditional French tune. Gaignet wrote it specifically for pilgrims to Lourdes.
Take some time today to sing the Lourdes Hymn to honor Our Lady.
Pray with Our Lady
Since so many great saints have recognized and encouraged Marian devotion as a way to grow closer to her Son Our Lord Jesus Christ, you have no shortage of Marian prayers from which to choose.
Pope John Paul II declared the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes as World Day of the Sick so you can pray to the Blessed Mother especially for healing or comfort for someone in your life. Send them a card or a text to let them know of your prayers.
Pray a Rosary (with some Ignatian Meditation) or some Lectio Divina on Marian passages of scripture. You can also pray a novena or a Litany of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Simple Liturgical Living Ideas to Honor Our Lady of Lourdes on Her Feast Day
We at Pietra Fitness love the Blessed Mother and this month we have an opportunity to honor with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Is living more liturgically on your list of resolutions for the new year?
Incorporating liturgical living into your home doesn’t need to look like extravagant meals, Pinterest-worthy crafts, or parties; when it comes to growing in holiness, small acts of devotions are often the most effective.
And in fact, the Church even gives us simple suggestions on devotions for every day of the week.
Christ sits at the very heart of the Christian life; He calls us daily into a deeper relationship with Him. But how can we do this wholeheartedly and consistently amidst the busyness of our everyday lives?
Thankfully, the Church offers guidance on how to structure our lives to keep Christ at the center.
Not only does the Church dedicates each month to a particular devotion, but she also invites you to devote yourself to a different theme each day of the week. This practice was written about by spiritual master, Saint Josemaria Escriva.
Committing yourself to this practice will not only bring you closer to our Lord, but to His Mother, the angels, and the saints all of whom will help you on your spiritual journey.
Below, you can read about the traditional devotion for each day and ideas for how to meditate on it.
Sunday
The Christian week begins with the Church remembering the Most Holy Trinity.
The Trinity is a fundamental tenet of our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “[The Trinity] is the mystery of God in himself… therefore [it is] the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them.”
On Sundays, we come together to worship the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit at Mass and this act alone helps us orient the rest of our week toward God.
However, in addition to attending Sunday Mass, spending time with family and resting from work can help call to mind the Trinity, in whose image we were made.
Monday
On Mondays, we remember the Holy Souls in Purgatory–our brothers and sisters who have gone before us and long to enter into full union with God. The Holy Souls need the prayers of the Church still on earth to finally reach their eternal home.
If you have time today, stop by a cemetery on your way home from work or your child’s dance class for a quick prayer. You can also offer mass or quick prayer before your meals for the Holy Souls.
Tuesday
Tuesdays are the day on which we honor the Angels
We often forget about these unseen beings but they play an important role both in the Story of Salvation, as God entrusts us to their care. The Angels, especially our Guardian Angels, want to help us know, love, and serve God so we can one day meet Him face to face.
Start your day with a quick prayer to your Guardian Angel or to Saint Michael the Archangel. Thank them for their guidance, and ask for their help and protection.
Wednesday
Devotion to Saint Joseph is the focus for the middle of the week.
David Clayton in his book The Little Oratory writes: “[Wednesday] is the day the week turns on. It’s no wonder that the wisdom of popular piety put St. Joseph here, in the center of daily life. St. Joseph represents fatherhood, care, protection, a happy death, and sanctified work. He has been called the Shadow of the Father.”
Honor him by lighting a candle in front of the St. Joseph statue at your home or you parish, or by praying the Litany of St. Joseph.
Thursday
Since Christ celebrated the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the Church saw it fitting for Thursdays throughout the year to honor the Most Holy Eucharist.
If you can’t make it to mass on this day, you can make a spiritual communion or an act of reparation to the Blessed Sacrament to honor the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. You can also spend time (even a few minutes) in Adoration if available to honor this great gift.
Friday
Again, since Good Friday is the day we remember Christ’s Passion and Death, the Church uses all other Fridays to call to mind the sacrifice Jesus made to bring about our salvation.
Abstaining from meat, even outside of Lent, is a long-standing Catholic tradition that lets you unite your suffering to the Cross. Praying the Stations of the Cross or the Sorrowful Mysteries also allows you to meditate on this
The Church also remembers the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on this day of the week. You can find ideas on how to honor the Sacred Heart here.
Saturday
Finally, the Church honors the Blessed Mother and her Immaculate Heart every Saturday.
Theologians like St. Bernard and St. Bonaventure explained the origin of the Saturday Marian devotion goes back to the first Holy Saturday when everyone else had abandoned Christ after His death, Mary alone believed.
The Church gives us so many ways to honor the Blessed Mother and her Immaculate Heart. You could pray the Rosary or the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You can also begin the First Saturday devotion by attending Mass on the first Saturday of the month.
Living liturgically, and participating in the traditions of the Church like praying the daily devotions, helps sanctify your ordinary life.
Living a Catholic Week: Daily Significance and Easy-to-Do Devotions
Is living more liturgically on your list of resolutions for the new year?