Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Community: The Holy Week’s “The Triduum”

The Pascal Triduum begins during Holy Week, and consists of the evening of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday up to evening prayers. The word Triduum comes from a Latin word that means “three days.” The Triduum celebrates the heart of the Catholic faith, salvation, and redemption: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thus, the Triduum commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, the Passion, Crucifixion, death of the Lord, His descent to the dead, and finally His glorious Resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. Along with the Ascension, these important events make up the Paschal Mystery.

The Catholic Catechism describes the importance of the Triduum: “Beginning with the Easter Triduum as its source of light, the new age of the Resurrection fills the whole liturgical year with its brilliance. Gradually, on either side of this source, the year is transfigured by the liturgy. It really is a “year of the Lord’s favor.” The economy of salvation is at work within the framework of time, but since its fulfillment in the Passover of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the culmination of history is anticipated “as a foretaste,” and the kingdom of God enters into our time.” (1168)

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Community, 2640 East Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena, (626) 792-1343 or visit www.abvmpasadena.org.