Friends of the Rosary,

Today, April 3, is Friday of the Passion of the Lord. It’s the Celebration of the Lord's Passion, when the Church mourns the death of our Savior — traditionally a day of sadness, spent in fasting and prayer.

The title for this day varies: "Holy Friday" for Latin nations, and "Good Friday", as a derivative of the term "God's Friday”, in English-speaking countries.

Today’s Mass is divided into three parts: Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.

The liturgy starts with the priests and deacons going to the altar in silence and prostrating themselves in silent prayer.

In the readings, we hear the passage of the Suffering Servant from Isaiah (52:13-53:12). The Responsorial Psalm is "Father, I put my life in your hands." The Epistle, or Second Reading, is from the letter to the Hebrews, 4:14-16; 5:7-9. The Gospel reading is the Passion of St. John.

The intercessions, at the conclusion of the Liturgy of the Word, are:

For the Church
For the Pope
For the clergy and laity of the Church
For those preparing for Baptism
For the unity of Christians
For the Jewish people
For those who do not believe in Christ
For those who do not believe in God
For all in public office
For those in special need

Part two is the Veneration of the Cross. A cross is processed through the Church, and then venerated by the congregation. We joyfully venerate and kiss the wooden cross "on which hung the Savior of the world."

Part three, Holy Communion, concludes the Celebration of the Lord's Passion. The Blessed Sacrament is brought to the altar from the place of reposition. The Our Father and the Ecce Agnus Dei ("This is the Lamb of God") are recited.

The congregation receives Holy Communion, then there is a "Prayer After Communion," followed by a "Prayer Over the People," and everyone departs in silence.

Ave Maria!
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
To Jesus through Mary!

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Please give us the grace to respond with joy!

+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York

Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:
Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play

• April 3, 2026, Today’s Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET