On Thursday of Holy Week we enter into a very significant three days called the Triduum (Latin for three days). It is a celebration of the priesthood because it was this night that our Lord instituted the Eucharist and gave of His own body and blood to nourish us. We are also reminded of the fact that the Lord came to serve, not to be served. Jesus washed the feet of His apostles at the Last Supper as a reminder that if we want to be spiritual leaders, we must serve our neighbor. At the Mass on Holy Thursday evening, the celebrant washes the feet of 12 members of the congregation.
Toward the end of Mass, the main tabernacle is emptied and there is a procession. The Eucharist from the procession is reposed at a different altar. One of the most striking things about the Mass is that it does not end that night. There is no blessing and dismissal. This is to help us remember that the Last Supper, the death and the Resurrection are all moments of the same action of salvation. This Mass concludes at the end of the Easter Vigil, making it clear that the Last Supper, Good Friday and Easter are all part of the same work of our salvation.
It is sobering when we leave the church on Holy Thursday. It is quiet and people really don’t talk as they leave. We trickle out of church as opposed to moving quickly to the doors.
Good Friday is a day of fasting and abstinence. Adults under the age of 60 are required to eat no more than 1 regular meal and 2 smaller meals during the day which are meatless. Good Friday is the only day of the year that Mass is not celebrated. You will find a service that includes venerating the cross and reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. Some parishes will offer Stations of the Cross. Often there will also be communion within one of those services where Eucharist that was consecrated on Holy Thursday is distributed to the faithful.
This brings us to the Easter Vigil. It is an ancient tradition to begin Mass in the evening and keep vigil awaiting the Resurrection. We don’t really keep vigil all night anymore, but the Easter Vigil Mass is an absolutely beautiful liturgy that begins after sunset.
It begins outside with a new fire. The Paschal Candle is lit from that fire and is then shared from person to person. The church becomes bathed in soft candlelight as the congregation processes into the church with their lit candles. A soloist, often a priest or deacon, sings a hymn of exaltation which recaps salvation history and reminds us of the sin of Adam and Eve which precipitated the Incarnation.
O Happy Fault!
It is at this Mass that we sing the “Gloria” for the first time after the season of Lent. As the Gloria begins, all of the lights are turned on and all of the candles are lit, it is truly glorious.
It is very uplifting to see the new Catholics come fully into communion with Christ and His Church.
If there are any people to be baptized that occurs during this Mass. It is also a time for those who were baptized in another Christian denomination to enter the Church.
The rich symbolism at the Easter Vigil is very moving. It is a bit longer than a typical Sunday Mass. If you have never been to the Easter Vigil or any of the other liturgies during the Triduum, I strongly encourage you to attend. I think you will find it spiritually enriching.
Happy Easter and may the peace and joy of the Risen Lord reign in all our hearts.
— Pat Arensberg is the Director of the Office for Evangelization and Family Life. Email him at [email protected]