As this edition of In the Word is published, we are about to immerse ourselves once again in the extraordinary experience that is Holy Week.

Of course for many of us, perhaps especially those of us who are priests, this is a busy time with all the various Masses, liturgies and commitments.

But this Lent, as I have found myself busier than ever before, I have felt a strong call to find extra time in my schedule for times of silence, prayer and reflection.

Holy Week, even with all its commitments, is a perfect time to enter into that deep, inner stillness. As we walk the steps of the Lord’s Supper, his passion and death, the liturgies themselves lead us into contemplation.

This Holy Week, as I contemplate the Lord’s Passion, I will be especially holding the people of Vanuatu in my thoughts and prayers. They have walked their own path to Calvary in recent weeks, first enduring the terror of Cyclone Pam and then trying to begin the task of rebuilding their shattered lives, even while living without adequate food, water and power.

As I contemplate the good people who accompanied Jesus on his walk to Calvary, such as Simon of Cyrene, I recognise that we too, are called to accompany the people of Vanuatu in whatever way we can. It is for us, through our prayers and practical assistance, to accompany them through this death and destruction and into the Easter light of new life that will surely come.

In response to the great need of our Pacific neighbours, the SVD AUS Province has launched a disaster appeal for the people of Vanuatu. We will be taking donations by mail, phone or online. If you wish to donate securely online, please click here. Thankyou.

May your Holy Week and Easter be a time of deep blessing. I pray that as we emerge from these special days, we will find ourselves recharged, renewed and recommitted to living out the mission of Christ crucified … and risen.

Yours in the Word,
Fr Henry Adler SVD
Provincial