Maundy Thursday, March 28 8 a.m. Morning Prayer: St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St. 9 a.m. Morning Prayer: St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 1427 Sixth St.

I make a pilgrimage each year during Holy Week, not to Rome, but to San Francisco. This year will be special. The Catholics have a new pope — just in time for Easter. The fact that the new pontiff hails from the New World surprised me.

Unity of Alameda held its first church service last Palm Sunday. Spiritual Director Rev. John Niec leads the group of like-minded Islanders.

8 a.m. Morning Prayer: St. Joseph Basilica, 1109 Chestnut St. 9 a.m. Morning Prayer: St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 1427 Sixth St. 6 p.m. Agape Dinner and Holy Eucharist: Christ Episcopal Church, 1700 Santa Clara Ave.

Many Christians remember Mary Magdalene as the repentant prostitute who followed Jesus Christ while he was still alive. Traditions also say that she was present at Christ's death on the cross and was the first to meet him after he rose from the dead.