Easter Triduum: Celebrating the heart of Christian faith, life

MANILA, Philippines—The Catholic Church is set to celebrate the “greatest mysteries of the redemption” on Thursday (April 14) to Sunday (April 17)—the Easter Triduum.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said in 2020 that the “Triduum of the crucified, buried and risen” is a celebration of the Paschal Mystery—the passing of Jesus Christ from this world to his Father.

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As explained in Paschales Solemnitatis No. 38, the Easter Triduum starts with Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday and ends on the Vespers of Easter Sunday.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said the Triduum is the “summit” of the Liturgical Year, saying that though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day “unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery”.

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The Triduum is the end of the Lenten Season. The USCCB said it leads to the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord on Saturday evening, when the Easter Vigil is held. Here are the liturgical services that will take place:

• Mass of the Lord’s Supper
• Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
• Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord

Find time

Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad asked the faithful on Tuesday (April 12) to find time to reflect and take part in liturgical services this Holy Week, especially now COVID-19 restrictions are already eased.

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“If we have time to go to the beach, to go on vacation, let us find time this Paschal Triduum on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday to go to church,” Jumoad said over Radio Veritas.

He stressed that people should give importance to strengthening faith this Holy Week, especially this Paschal Triduum: “Let us reflect on the passion, death and resurrection of Christ that saved man from eternal damnation.”

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Last Feb. 22, the CBCP released these guidelines for the liturgical services to find balance between the celebrations of the heart of the Christian faith and life, and the call of the government to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:

• Mass of the Lord’s Supper

1. A simplified form of the washing of the feet may be done in this celebration. The number of persons whose feet are to be washed need not be 12. There can be less than 12 but not more than 12.
2. The altar of repose may be set outside the church if the Church is small and will not be able to accommodate many people for the “Visita Iglesia”. Careful organization of the conduct of “Visita Iglesia” will depend so much on the planning and preparation of the parish.

• Good Friday

1. The presider alone will do the kissing in the veneration of the cross. The faithful will do the veneration of the cross by making a genuflection or making a profound bow to the cross.
2. A special intention for COVID-19 victims, health workers, essential workers and those who have died may be added to the Prayers of the Faithful. An intention may also be added for the national and local elections.

• Easter Vigil:

1. The “Lucernarium” is done within the church. The faithful, however, will remain in their places. The priest with some ministers will represent the assembly in the act of procession.
2. The Baptismal liturgy this time can be done either to adults or children. The blessing of water and the “Renewal of Baptism Promises” are retained.

If processions will be held, the CBCP said there should be coordination with the local government and that the route should be limited on streets that will allow greater possibility for physical distancing.

Here are the schedule of activities in some of the churches in Metro Manila:

• Manila Cathedral

(Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Intramuros, Manila)

Holy Thursday

1. Mass of the Lord’s Supper (5 p.m.)

Good Friday

1. Stations of the Cross (9 a.m)
2. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion (3 p.m.)

Holy Saturday

1. Easter Vigil (8 p.m.)

Easter Sunday

1. Masses (8 a.m., 10 a.m., 6 p.m.)

• Quiapo Church

(Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, Quiapo, Manila)

Holy Thursday

1. Mass of the Lord’s Supper (5 p.m.)

Good Friday

1. Seven Last Words (12 p.m.)
2. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion (3 p.m.)
3. Procession of the Sto. Entierro and Our Lady of Sorrows (4 p.m.

Holy Saturday

1. Easter Vigil (7 p.m.)
2. Easter Procession (8:30 p.m.)

Easter Sunday

1. Masses (Every hour fro 5 a.m. to 12:15 nn and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

• Baclaran Church

(National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Baclaran, Parañaque City)

Holy Thursday

1. Mass of the Lord’s Supper (6 p.m.)

Good Friday

1. Stations of the Cross (9 a.m.)
2. Seven Last Words (1 p.m.)
3. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion (3 p.m.)

Holy Saturday

1. Easter Vigil and Easter Procession (8 p.m.)

• Sto. Domingo Church

(National Shrine of the Most Holy Rosary La Naval de Manila, Quezon City)

Holy Thursday

1. Mass of the Lord’s Supper (5 p.m.)

Good Friday

1. Celebration of the Lord’s Passion and Solemn Procession (3 p.m.)

Holy Saturday

1. Easter Vigil (8:30 p.m.)

Easter Sunday

1. Masses (6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 nn, 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m.)

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