RTÉ broadcasts of liturgies during Holy Week 2020
Palm Sunday 5 April
11.00–11.50: Mass on Palm Sunday
Rev. Professor Michael Mullaney, President of St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, celebrates Mass in the Kairos chapel studio, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, with music from internationally acclaimed singer Celine Byrne, accompanied by Rónán Murray.
(RTÉ One TV / RTÉ Radio 1 Extra / LW252 / Digital Radio platforms.)
17.35–17.45: A Passover Like No Other
Rabbi Zalman Lent and author and motivational speaker Yanky Fachler face the challenge of celebrating Pesach, the Passover festival, which traditionally brings Jews together, in a time of isolation, sickness and fear. Rabbi Lent has himself had to self-isolate and has learned to preach and connect with his congregation online. They also explore how the story of the first Passover shows that humankind can weather plagues and hardship, if they put their faith in God.
(RTÉ One.)
06.15–06.18: A Living Word
Aidan Mathews continues to curate and, in some cases, deliver a daily reflection to start the day.
Holy Thursday 9 April
16.40–17.35: Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Father Joe Campbell CC, Mullingar, Diocese of Meath, celebrates Mass in commemoration of the Last Supper and Christ’s agony in Gethsemane, from the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar.
(RTÉ One TV and RTÉ Radio 1 Extra / LW252 / Digital Radio platforms. The Mass will air on radio at the later time of 19.00.)
Good Friday 10 April
15.00–16.00: Solemn Liturgy for Good Friday
Live from the Cathedral of Christ the King, Father Derek Darby commemorates the Passion and death of Christ, observing full health and social distancing protocols.
(RTÉ One TV & RTÉ Radio 1 Extra / LW252.)
22.00–22.30: The Leap of Faith
Michael Comyn asks whether and how the Easter story continues to resonate with people in today’s Ireland.
(Radio 1.)
Holy Saturday 11 April
22.00–23.00: Easter Vigil Mass
Bishop Tom Deenihan of Meath celebrates the resurrection of Christ, with a vigil Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King. Beginning with the lighting of the Paschal candle, which signifies the triumph of light over darkness and of life over death.
(RTÉ Two & RTÉ Radio 1 Extra/LW252.)
Easter Sunday 12 April
10.00–11.00: Easter Sunday Mass
A Eurovision Mass, previously planned for Metz Cathedral, takes place instead in the Dominican Convent of Saint Jacques (Saint James the Great) in Paris, due to France’s COVID-related restrictions on indoor gatherings. Translation and commentary are by Fr Thomas McCarthy OP.
(RTÉ One & RTÉ Radio 1 Extra.)
11.00–11.20 Urbi et Orbi: Pope Francis’ Easter Message
Pope Francis will deliver his Easter blessing ‘To the city and the world’ with prayer and encouragement by video link from within the Vatican. Translation and commentary by Fr Thomas McCarthy OP.
(RTÉ One.)