When Is Passover 2025? A Catholic Reflection on Sacred Time and Shared Faith

Apr 16, 2025

Introduction: Sacred Times, Shared Roots

For many Catholics, questions about the Jewish calendar spark curiosity and spiritual reflection. One common query is, “When is Passover 2025?” The answer: Passover begins at sundown on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

But beyond dates and tradition lies a deeper invitation—an opportunity to reflect on the shared spiritual heritage between Judaism and Catholicism. Understanding Passover can enrich our appreciation for the Eucharist, the sacrifice of Christ, and the sacred rhythm of liturgical life.

Understanding Passover: The Jewish Festival of Freedom

Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. Jewish families gather yearly to retell this dramatic rescue story with symbolic foods, readings, and prayers during the Passover Seder.

Key elements of Passover include:

Unleavened Bread (Matzah): Symbolizing haste and obedience.
Lamb: Representing the sacrificial lamb whose blood marked the doors of the faithful.
Bitter Herbs (Maror): A reminder of the suffering in Egypt.
Four Cups of Wine: Representing the four promises of redemption.

When Is Passover 2025?

Start: Saturday, April 12, 2025 (at sundown)
End: Saturday, April 19, 2025 (at nightfall)

These dates align with the Hebrew calendar, in which Passover always begins on the 15th of Nisan.

This timing often coincides with Holy Week or Easter in the Catholic liturgical calendar—an overlap filled with profound theological meaning.

Catholic Connections to Passover

Passover isn’t just a Jewish holiday—it’s a key to understanding our Catholic faith. Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples at the Last Supper, which instituted the Holy Eucharist.

Let’s explore the key Catholic takeaways:

1. The Lamb of God

Jesus is often referred to as the Lamb of God. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from death, Christ’s blood delivers us from sin and eternal death.

2. The Last Supper

The Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, was instituted during a Passover meal. This shows how Jesus transformed a Jewish tradition into a new covenant of salvation.

3. The Journey from Slavery to Freedom

Both Passover and Easter celebrate freedom from physical bondage and from the chains of sin. The Paschal Mystery (Jesus' Passion, Death, and Resurrection) fulfills the story of Exodus for Catholics.

Honoring Passover as Catholics: A Spiritual Invitation

While Catholics don’t celebrate Passover in the traditional Jewish way, we can honor its meaning in several profound ways:

1. Attend Holy Thursday Mass

This liturgy mirrors the Last Supper and reminds us of Christ’s humility and sacrifice.

2. Host a Scriptural Seder

Some Catholic families host a modified Seder to better understand the symbolism. This can be an educational and faith-deepening experience, especially during Holy Week.

3. Reflect on God’s Deliverance

Read Exodus chapters 1–15 and ponder the theme of deliverance. Consider how God continues to set His people free today.

Faith in the Home: Catholic Gifts to Mark the Season

At Guadalupe Gifts, we believe that sacred seasons are a time to celebrate and commemorate. Consider gifting something meaningful to yourself or a loved one during Holy Week or Passover:

✨ Featured Products:

Last Supper Wall Art – A visual reminder of the night Jesus instituted the Eucharist.
Lamb of God Pendant – A beautiful symbol of Jesus' sacrificial love.
Holy Thursday Rosary – Crafted with deep purple tones, perfect for meditative prayer during the Triduum.

Explore our Holy Week collection here.

Conclusion: An Invitation to Deeper Unity

As you mark your calendar with the answer to “when is Passover 2025,” take it as a prompt to reflect. Sacred time unites us across centuries and faith traditions. By honoring the roots of our faith found in the Jewish Passover, we more fully appreciate the depth and richness of our Catholic identity.

Let us approach Holy Week and the Easter season not just as a series of events, but as an unfolding story of deliverance, hope, and eternal love—one that began in the Book of Exodus and finds its fulfillment in Christ’s Resurrection.