Easter Triduum 2023
The Easter Triduum is an important time for all believers. This is the central period of the entire liturgical year. During these days, the mystery of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated. In 2023, the Easter Triduum will fall between April 6 and 8.
What is the Paschal Triduum? Why is it so important?
What is the Paschal Triduum? We already know that this is a special time in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church. It directly precedes the Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord, which is the most important celebration for all believers. Its celebrations are confirmed as far back as the 4th century, and a hundred years ago it was called Triduum Sacrum. This special time consists of three extremely important and symbolic days:
- Maundy Thursday;
- Good Friday;
- Holy Saturday.
See also:
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is a day that is associated with the institution of two sacraments – the Eucharist and the priesthood. Therefore, on this day it is customary to wish priests. It is characteristic that on this day only one mass can be celebrated in each church. It is the evening liturgy. the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The exceptions are cathedral churches – in them the Chrism Mass takes place before noon, during which the oils are blessed. The evening liturgy refers to the last supper, Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Olives and handing him over to the torturers. For the first time since the beginning of Lent, the hymn sounds Glory to God in the highest. Then the sounds of bells and organs fall silent, replaced by singing without instruments and knockers. The Blessed Sacrament is carried to a place called ”the darkroom”. The altar is symbolically stripped as a sign of Jesus’ betrayal, desolation and abandonment.
Is there fasting on Maundy Thursday?
Is there fasting on Maundy Thursday? Although this day begins the Paschal Triduum, there are no restrictions on eating meals.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the only day of the year when Mass cannot be celebrated. The faithful approach the Eucharist only during the evening service. It is preceded by the Way of the Cross. Good Friday celebrates the passion and death of Jesus. The Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion is always held in the afternoon – at 3 pm or later.
On this day, the celebrant is dressed in a red chasuble, the color of which symbolizes martyrdom. The liturgy begins with the entrance of the procession along the longer route and prostration, i.e. the priest falling on his face in front of the altar. After the prayer, the liturgy of the word begins. During it, the description of the Passion of Jesus from the Gospel according to St. John. After a special prayer of the faithful, the adoration of the cross takes place. The faithful join it in procession. Later, there is only a procession to the Lord’s Sepulchre. The Blessed Sacrament exposed there is adored until late in the evening.
On Good Friday there is a strict fast, i.e. qualitative and quantitative fasting. You can eat three meals, including one to fill you up.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is a day of waiting. The Church remains at the tomb, contemplating the Passion of Jesus. In the temples, food is blessed in the morning, and individual prayer continues. From a formal point of view, the night liturgy of the Easter supper belongs to Easter Sunday.
After dark, the liturgy begins, which is a ”vigil in honor of the Lord”. A solemn liturgy of light is celebrated here with the blessing of fire and the lighting of the paschal candle. There is also an extensive liturgy of the word and a baptismal liturgy. The priest announces to the faithful the Exsultet, which is an ancient song that is the Message. The Eucharistic liturgy is followed by a solemn resurrection procession combined with the ringing of bells and the announcement of the joyful news of the Resurrection of Jesus.
Is there fasting on Holy Saturday?
Is there fasting on Holy Saturday? In the past, it was customary to fast until the resurrection procession. However, there is currently no such requirement. Therefore, on this day there is neither quantitative nor qualitative fasting.
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Source: Gazeta
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