Paul Nwosu
The Easter Triduum, spanning Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, is the most sacred and solemn period in the Catholic liturgical calendar. It commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the central mystery of the Christian faith.
1.Holy Thursday: The Institution of the Eucharist and Priesthood
Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Triduum. It recalls the Last Supper, during which Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated in the evening, featuring the ritual of the Mandatum or Washing of the Feet, symbolizing Christ’s call to serve others in humility. The Eucharist celebrated on this day becomes the spiritual center of Catholic worship and community life.
2.Good Friday: The Passion and Death of Christ
On Good Friday, the Church reflects deeply on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. No Mass is celebrated; instead, a solemn liturgy includes the reading of the Passion narrative, the veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion using hosts consecrated on Holy Thursday. It is a day of fasting and abstinence, inviting Catholics into spiritual solidarity with Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.
3.Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil: Waiting in Hope
Holy Saturday is a day of quiet and contemplation, as the Church waits at the tomb of Christ. The celebration of the Easter Vigil begins at nightfall, symbolizing the transition from darkness to light. The Vigil is rich with symbolism: the blessing of the new fire and the Paschal candle, the proclamation of salvation history in Scripture, the baptism and confirmation of catechumens, and the joyful celebration of the Resurrection.
Theological Significance
The Easter Triduum is not just a series of events—it is one unified liturgical celebration that unfolds the Paschal Mystery: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Catholics are invited to enter more deeply into the mystery of salvation, renewing their baptismal vows and committing again to live in the light of the Resurrection.
The Easter Triduum is a profound spiritual journey that draws Catholics into the heart of their faith. It is a time of intense prayer, reflection, and renewal—a sacred pause in the rhythm of life to remember the love, sacrifice, and victory of Christ over sin and death.
*Sir Paul Nwosu PhD is a fourth degree Knight of St Mulumba
