Release Date: April 7, 2025
Holy Week Celebrations at Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains & Praying the Steps
Beginning this year, several Holy Week liturgies and prayer opportunities will be led by the new shepherd, Archbishop Robert G. Casey.
- Holy Thursday – April 17
Catholics commemorate the institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated by Archbishop Robert G. Casey at 5:00 P.M. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. - Good Friday – April 18
This solemn day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is an obligatory day of fasting (one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal) and abstinence from meat for Catholics.- The Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion will be celebrated at 12:00 P.M. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains.
- “Pray the Steps” in Mount Adams:
A tradition for more than a century, thousands will gather to pray the steps leading to Holy Cross-Immaculata Church.- Gathering begins at 11:30 P.M. on April 17 at the base of the steps on St. Gregory Street.
- Just before midnight, Archbishop Casey will bless the steps and the first pilgrims will then begin to ascend the steps in prayer.
- On Good Friday, an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 pilgrims will ascend the steps in prayer.
- Good Friday Services at Holy Cross-Immaculata Church:
3:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M.
Confessions will be available throughout the day.
(More information here.)
- Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil – April 19
The Easter Vigil Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains will begin at 8:45 P.M. This Mass celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus and the initiation of new members into the Catholic Church through the O.C.I.A. (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). Many will be baptized and received into the Church during this Mass. - Easter Sunday – April 20
Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati is the 45th largest Catholic diocese in the country, with nearly 440,000 Catholics, and has the fifth largest Catholic school system in terms of enrollment with more than 40,000 students. The 19-county territory includes 199 canonical parishes organized into 57 Families of Parishes, and 108 Catholic primary and secondary schools.
Jennifer Schack
Director of Media Relations
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Office | 513.263.6618
Cell | 859.512.5626
