What do Catholics observe during Paschal Triduum?

The Paschal Triduum or Easter Triduum is a three-day commemoration of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It marks the end of the Lenten Season and leads to the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.

According to Cotabato Archbishop Emeritus Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, Paschal Triduum is celebrated in four days because, during Jesus's time, a day was determined from sunset to sunset.

"Thus, the first day of the Holy Triduum is from sunset of Holy Thursday to sunset of Good Friday. The second day is from sunset of Good Friday to sunset of Holy Saturday. And the third day is from sunset of Holy Saturday to sunset of Easter Sunday," Quevedo said in an essay entitled "Memories of Holy Week" posted by CBCP News in March 2024.

Here are the traditions done during the Paschal Triduum:

Maundy Thursday

CHRISM MASS

The Chrism Mass is celebrated more often in the morning of Maundy Thursday and considered to be a sign of the close bond between the bishop and priests in his diocese.

The bishop concelebrates with the presbyterium and consecrates the sacred chrism, which is the oil used as a tangible sign of the Holy Spirit during the administration of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and ordination.

The bishop also blesses the oil of the catechumens or Christian convert. This oil is used to anoint those who are to be introduced into the faith, and the oil of the sick, which is used to administer the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Also during Chrism Mass, the priests renew their vows made during their ordination.

They also reaffirm their obedience to their local ordinary and continue living in the priestly state.

WASHING OF THE FEET

The Catholic Church also celebrates the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which is a commemoration of Jesus Christ’s meal with his disciples before his suffering, death, and resurrection.

During this Mass, the reenactment of the Washing of the Feet, which also serves as a reminder of humility, service, and the call to love one another.

This year, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will wash the feet of a priest, nun, teacher, psychometrician, youth representative, parent, charismatic leader, doctor, member of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, youth organization member, and member of the media.

“This act aligns with the spirit of the Jubilee Year of Hope, which calls us to recognize and nurture the hope present in every person we encounter,” the Archdiocese of Manila said.

VISITA IGLESIA

Observed during Holy Week, Visita Iglesia is a Lenten pilgrimage in which the faithful visit seven churches to pray and reflect. Some choose to visit 14 churches, symbolizing each Station of the Cross.

Typically done in groups, the practice is rooted in the belief that with completing the church visits one may have their prayers answered.

The Quezon City government earlier unveiled seven suggested routes to guide the faithful in observing Visita Iglesia this year.

There are also pilgrim sites that Catholics may visit in Batangas, Cavite, and Bohol.

Good Friday

SIETE PALABRAS

Siete Palabras or the Seven Last Words, are read by different speakers last words uttered by Jesus Christ before he died on the cross during Good Friday.

Found in the books of Luke, Matthew, and John, the seven last words are the following:

• Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing
• Today, you will be with me in paradise
• Woman, behold, your son
• My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
• I am thirsty
• It is finished
• Father, into your hands I commit my spirit

With the theme “Krus ni Hesus: Bukal ng Pag-asa,” the Dominican Province of the Philippines will hold its annual Siete Palabras at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Black Saturday

EASTER VIGIL

Concluding the Paschal Triduum, the Catholic Church celebrates the Easter Vigil before daybreak of Easter Sunday.

The Easter Vigil is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and reminds Catholics of the anticipation of His second coming.

During this time, the priest lights the Paschal Candle, which symbolizes Jesus Christ’s light that dispels the darkness in the faithful’s hearts and minds.

Talking to GMA News Online, missionary Dominican priest Fr. Paul Raegan Talavera urged Catholics to participate in the Eucharistic celebration during Easter.

“Huwag natin kakalimutan yung resurrection. Yung ibang mga tao, napapako sa Good Friday at saka sa Visita Iglesia, etc., na kapag Easter Sunday, hindi na nagsisimba. Hindi na nagigising,” Talavera said.

(Let us not forget Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Some people are pinned on Good Friday, Visita Iglesia, etc., that they fall asleep and miss the Eucharistic celebration on Easter Sunday.)

“Kumbaga, namatay ka kasama ni Kristo, kailangan mabuhay ka rin kasama ni Kristo. So, tapusin natin hanggang Easter. We celebrate Easter Sunday," he added.

(If we die along with Jesus Christ, we also need to resurrect with Him. So we have to celebrate until Easter Sunday.)

The Archdiocese of Manila earlier released this year’s schedule for the celebration of the Holy Week and Easter Triduum rites. — BAP, GMA Integrated News