Liturgy in the Fifth Week of Lent
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
In the Fifth Week of Lent (weekdays), it is permitted to use hymns of Holy Week, in the Liturgy of the Hours. I love to sing, and there is a wonderful hymn that applies to Holy Week, “O Sacred Head, surrounded.” The music is from the Passion Chorale. A YouTube Link, beautifully sung by the Daughters of Mary: https://youtu.be/0gHS7a4Okq8?si=jPfu3653fH-8Exae
It is one of my favorite hymns, written by Sir H.W. Baker 1821-1877, music written by Hans Leo Hassler, 1601. There are many hymns that I love but it is difficult to find notes for them.
Lent is over so fast. This week there is a Solemnity of the Annunciation on Wednesday (3/25); the Solemnity of the Annunciation celebrates the coming of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce to her the special mission God had chosen for her in being the mother of His only son. (see Luke 1:26-38). Next week is Holy Week. See https://www.dmfofs2.com/holy-week-and-easter on our website. I hope to attend the services on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. Not owning a car anymore, this is by no means a certainty, but most of the time I make it to Sunday Mass.
Many of you know that I was a Monk for 4-1/2 years, 1998-2002. The monks did not have a resident priest, so in rain/snow or shine, we’d be walking two miles to a nearby Benedictine Monastery Church, where Liturgy and Holy Mass were sung with finesse! Really wonderful. I miss it to this day. That Monastery is still there, see Saint Mary's Monastery, I look at their website periodically and remember these wonderful monks in prayer.
Wishing all of you a very Happy Easter preceded by a very spiritual Annunciation, Palm Sunday and Holy Week.
Peace and Good
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
March 23, 2026