Covid-19 has disrupted all sense of normality. We're locked inside, working from home, and trying to survive this new way of living. This unprecedented world crisis will bring about an extraordinary Holy Week resembling no other in history. The Church of Malta has had to abide by Covid-19 restrictions by closing churches and cancelling all celebrations. This year, jam-packed churches will give way to empty pews, deserted roads will replace the traditional Good Friday processions and Easter lunch gatherings won't be taking place.

Despite these unfortunate circumstances, we can still celebrate the most significant week of the Catholic Church from the safety of our homes and make the most of this sacred week. Technology has opened up boundless opportunities to connect and get into the Easter spirit.

How can you celebrate the Holy Week from home?

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1. Follow the Liturgy Celebrations Online

Despite the closure of all churches in Malta and Gozo, priests and bishops are still celebrating Holy Mass in empty churches and streaming them online. The Holy Week will see a live broadcast of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday liturgical celebrations led by the Archbishop of Malta. You'll be able to watch these live on TV or on social media.

More details on the celebrations and broadcast times can be found on the Archdiocese of Malta website and the Church's Facebook page.

Several parishes will also stream their own Holy Week liturgies, so stay tuned to your respective parish's website or Facebook page.

P.S. Participating actively during the liturgy will further help you get into the spirit so sit, kneel and stand as you usually do.

2. Set a Schedule

It's easy to get caught up in your usual lockdown routine. We suggest you prepare a fixed schedule for this week and set designated times for Scripture readings, prayers, and watching liturgy celebrations online.

3. Create a Designated Prayer Corner

By setting up a sacred space at home, it's easier to get spiritually engaged. A simple table with a Bible, a crucifix or any holy image would suffice in helping you focus your attention and suppress interruptions. Homemade potpourri can also help infuse the scent most associated with the Holy Week around your house.

Interesting fact: The Shroud of Turin will be on a rare display on Easter and you'll be able to view it on social media! Believed to be the burial cloth of Christ, it reminds us of the sufferings of Christ and His subsequent resurrection. Praying in front of the Shroud can serve as a reminder that His love for us is stronger than all the sufferings in the world; it reminds us to have faith and not lose hope.

4. Tone it Down

The Holy Week is the perfect time to tone it down. Hear and sing worship music instead of commercial music, replace your time on social media with personal reflections and meditation sessions, read the Scriptures together as a family and reduce screen time.

5. Catch up with Relatives on the Phone

Although no lunch gatherings or family get-togethers will be taking place this Easter, this is no excuse to stray away from your relatives. A simple call or a video chat will just make their day.

6. Reach out to the needy

Easter should remind us of the sufferings of others and enkindle our desire to help those in need. Explore which organisations and institutions, both local and foreign, are suffering most during this pandemic and reach out to your community to check how you can be of service and help the vulnerable.

One way you can help is through monetary donations. Amongst many others, Pope Francis has introduced an emergency fund for those tragically impacted by Covid-19. The aim is to help mission countries through the Church's institutions around the world.

Another way you can help those in need is by donating unused objects. Being in quarantine or on lockdown makes it so much easier to declutter your home!

As Pope Francis himself said in preparation for the Holy Week: 'Make a gesture of tenderness towards those who suffer, towards children, and towards the elderly.'

How can you further celebrate each individual day?

Maundy Thursday:

• Cook and eat your favourite meal as a family, in remembrance of the Last Supper
• Strip your home from all fancy ornaments and flowers, just as the churches are traditionally stripped from all embellishments to symbolise the bare life we would have without Christ's resurrection. 
• Wash each other's feet as an act of love for each other
• Follow an online streaming of a Eucharistic adoration

Good Friday:

• Fast or eat simple meals
• Stay in the dark in remembrance of the darkness that enveloped the world after Christ's crucifixion. 
• Put away your laptops, tablets and smartphones. Feeling lost and disconnected? That's what those around Christ were feeling when He was crucified.
• Watch the movie 'Passion of the Christ'
• Observe silence from noon till 3pm

Easter Vigil:

• Hand-craft your own paschal candle and light it on Easter Day, and subsequently during meal times and prayer sessions. It represents Christ and the light He brought onto the world with His resurrection. 
• Try your hand at these Easter crafts

Easter Sunday:

• Have a celebratory lunch with your family
• Open those Easter eggs you've long been waiting for!

Despite the current circumstances, celebrating the Holy Week is still possible. All you need is a little determination, a charitable heart, willingness to enhance your faith and hope.

From all of us at Yellow we wish you a happy Easter!