The Deaf Community as the Easter Celebrations Approach

One of the most important events in the life of every Catholic is the Easter celebration. During this celebration, we recall and participate in the passion and the Salvific mission of Christ. The crux of the Lenten season is the Holy Week, that is, the week before Easter Sunday. It is a week packed with spiritual activities that remind us of our history of salvation.

Here in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, spiritual activities were lined up for the Holy Week. Our Deaf brothers and sisters were once again able to participate with the hearing community during the Chrism Mass held on Tuesday of the Holy Week at the Cathedral of St. Peter in chains in downtown of Cincinnati.

The Easter Tridium, that is, the Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday activities for the Deaf (all in ASL) took place at St. Christopher in Vandalia, while the Easter Sunday mass, be at St. Rita’s School for the Deaf. It was amazing to see a good turnout of the Deaf community at St. Chrisopher’s parish with their Chaplain, Fr. Charles M. Onumaegbu, Lisa Averion, and some interpreters.

One of the most striking moments for the Deaf community was the washing of the feet of Anna Wade by the pastor, Fr. Kyle Schnippel during the Holy Thursday mass. Anna Wade is a Deaf and humble servant and the leader of the Deaf community in Dayton. With her feet washed, it is a gentle reminder of her duty to serve her fellow Deaf and at the same time, continue the mission and responsibility Christ has entrusted to her.

The involvement of the Deaf in this year’s Easter celebration re-echoes the commitment of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to bring every Catholic together and to create room for active participation during the liturgy. May the risen Lord grant us the grace to embrace Him and to be more active in our day-to-day encounters with Him. Happy Easter to all.