April 2011
Keeping the Paschal Triduum
Fr. Russell Becker, OFM
The great day is upon us when we celebrate our Passover from death to life. It is a day so great that it takes three days to celebrate. That is why it is called the Paschal Triduum. In the first three centuries of the Church’s life the event was celebrated with a single vigil, but from the fourth century a more historical approach was taken which celebrated the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord. The festivals were greatly influenced by the rites which took place in the Holy Land and which were brought back to the Churches by pilgrims. The present Roman Calendar begins the Paschal Triduum with the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on the evening of Holy Thursday.
The Paschal festival continues to Easter Sunday with the celebration of Evening Prayer (often referred to as Paschal Vespers) [Sundown of Holy Thursday to Sundown of Easter Sunday–a super day].
April_2011.pdf
The great day is upon us when we celebrate our Passover from death to life. It is a day so great that it takes three days to celebrate. That is why it is called the Paschal Triduum. In the first three centuries of the Church’s life the event was celebrated with a single vigil, but from the fourth century a more historical approach was taken which celebrated the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord. The festivals were greatly influenced by the rites which took place in the Holy Land and which were brought back to the Churches by pilgrims. The present Roman Calendar begins the Paschal Triduum with the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on the evening of Holy Thursday.
The Paschal festival continues to Easter Sunday with the celebration of Evening Prayer (often referred to as Paschal Vespers) [Sundown of Holy Thursday to Sundown of Easter Sunday–a super day].
April_2011.pdf
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