Catholicism: What is the Easter Triduum?

Even if you're a cradle Catholic, you might not find the expression Easter Triduum exactly rolling off your tongue. This period of time-the three days from Holy Thursday to the Saturday Easter Vigil-is also sometimes called the Paschal Triduum or the Holy Triduum.

History

Many consider the Easter Triduum the high point of the liturgical year and definitely the most important period of the church calendar. As a matter of fact, the Roman Catholic Church once prohibited weddings during the entire season of Lent. Some liturgical Protestant denominations still discourage marriages during the Triduum and the remainder of Holy Week.

The Triduum observance starts with the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday and ends with the Easter Vigil on Saturday night, when converts typically enter the Church, according to the University of Notre Dame. Different cultures and ethnic groups observe variations of the Easter Triduum. One popular Eastern European custom occurs on Saturday, when families bring baskets of food to be served at Easter dinner for a blessing.

The Easter Triduum has such a special place in the Catholic liturgical calendar because it's the most dramatic point in the yearly celebration that proclaims Christ's Passion and Resurrection, IgnatiusInsight explains. Triduum is a Latin word that refers to a span of three days. Historically, it has frequently described observances lasting three days in preparation for a feast day. The practice of using the term to refer to Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil is a fairly modern one.

The Three Days

The Eastern Triduum is in many respects a drama that ends with a huge celebration. It consists of the following:

Holy Thursday. Also known as Maundy Thursday, it commemorates the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. In addition, either on Holy Thursday or earlier in Holy Week, each bishop celebrates a Chrism Mass, which emphasizes the ordained priesthood and gives priests the opportunity to publicly renew their promises regarding carrying out their offices.

On the evening of Holy Thursday, a priest in each parish, acting in the place of Christ, washes the feet of some of the parishioners. Often the individuals are among those about to enter the Catholic Church. The act is a reminder of Christ's last meal with his disciples, God's love for his people, the importance of the priesthood and the dangers of turning away from God.

Good Friday. Its role is marking the Passion, cross and death of Christ. For Roman Catholics, it's both a day of abstinence (reduced meals) and fasting (no meat). The liturgy observed in parish churches is not considered a mass even though it includes communion. It begins with silence, then the liturgy of the Word. Several individuals take the parts of Peter, Caiaphas, Pilate and Roman soldiers as they read of Christ's Passion in the Gospel of John. After demonstrating their willingness to take up their own crosses and follow Christ, parishioners receive Communion, then leave the church in silence.

Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil. Holy Saturday is a very somber time. During the daylight hours, a Catholic church is largely deserted except for individuals who visit to pray there.

While the Easter Vigil marks a joyous time for the reception of converts, it had its beginning as an all-night event in which early Christians observed strict fasting until the Easter celebration. The original vigil ran from sundown until individuals were baptized and took part in the Eucharist at daybreak.

Today's Easter Vigil also begins at night but finishes significantly before dawn, so the entire ceremony occurs in the dark. The service consists of four parts: the Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word, Christian Initiation and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The observance normally begins outdoors or, in the case of inclimate weather, in an area outside the main sanctuary. The priest lights a fire from which the Paschal candle-representing the light of Christ-is lit. The congregation follows a procession into the church, which is illuminated only by candles, after which converts are received into the Catholic Church.

The fact that the Roman Catholic year resembles a drama marked by the liturgical seasons and specific events within them makes a huge impression on most converts. The Easter Triduum represents the full range of Catholic spiritual observance, from solemnity to the profound joy welcoming new members into the faith.

Sources:

http://campusministry.nd.edu/liturgy-worship/lent/easter-triduum/

http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2006/colson_triduum_apr06.asp