The Paschal Triduum Begins

Tomorrow evening we begin the most important celebration of the Church year: the Paschal Triduum or "three days". Beginning on the evening of Holy Thursday, this celebration of the Lord's suffering, death and resurrection extends for three days, finally closing with Vespers on Easter Sunday.

Now for all of you who are shaking your heads and grateful that I am not a math teacher at the choir school, it is important to point out that we use the jewish accounting of time in calculating the three days: from sunset to sunset. So, we count Holy Thursday evening to Good Friday evening, Good Friday evening to Holy Saturday evening, and Holy Saturday evening to Easter Sunday evening.

The entire three day celebration begins with words from St. Paul in the Introit for Thursday night, Nos autem gloriari: We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, by whom we are saved and delivered.

Tomorrow's Mass of the Lord's Supper with Bishop Wester begins at 7:30 PM.