This week we enter into the high point of the Liturgical Year of the Catholic Church--the Easter Triduum. It begins on the Thursday evening and ends Sunday evening. Throughout this time, we can see Christ's Paschal Mystery unfold through ceremonies and practice across the globe.
Usually, Catholic and Christian churches hold beautiful services this week: the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Thursday; the Veneration of the Cross and Passion of the Lord on Friday; the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord on Sunday. This year, however, we must stay away from the church buildings and remain safe in our homes to limit the spread of Covid-19.
If you're interested in "attending" mass virtually, you can find a service here. I'm sure your local parishes and/or diocese are also offering online mass as well. I wish you all a blessed and healthy Holy Week!
The Easter Vigil is considered the pinnacle of the Easter Triduum, especially for Catholics, and is usually celebrated with a devotion equal to that bestowed on Easter itself.
Love, Patty
Holy Thursday
The Triduum begins for Catholics with the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper, during which bells are rung and the organ played. The bells and organ will then remain silent until the Easter Vigil Mass. The Mass of the Lord's Supper includes a ritual washing of feet in most Catholic congregations. The altars are stripped of ornamentation, leaving only the cross and candlesticks.Good Friday
For Catholics and many Protestants, the Good Friday church ceremony is marked by a ritual unveiling of the main cross near the altar. This is the day that marks the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Catholic worship service does not include Communion on this day. Catholics may ritually kiss the feet of the Jesus figure upon the cross; for some Protestants, a similar devotion has them simply touching the cross.Holy Saturday
After nightfall on Holy Saturday, Catholics hold an Easter vigil service, which represents the faithful awaiting the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his burial. In some congregations, this vigil service is held before dawn on Easter Sunday. This service includes a ceremony of light and darkness, in which a paschal candle is lit to represent the resurrection of Christ; members of the congregation form a solemn procession to the altar.The Easter Vigil is considered the pinnacle of the Easter Triduum, especially for Catholics, and is usually celebrated with a devotion equal to that bestowed on Easter itself.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday marks the end of the Triduum and the beginning of the seven-week Easter season that will end with Pentecost Sunday. Easter Sunday church services for Catholics as well as Protestants is a joyous celebration of resurrection and rebirth of Jesus and mankind. Popular Easter symbolism includes many images of rebirth as found in the world of nature and from religious traditions through history, including fragrant lilies, newborn animals, and spring plant growth
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