Sacred Triduum
The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ
What Is the Sacred Triduum?
The Sacred Triduum is the holiest period of the Church year. It begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday and continues through Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and the Easter Vigil.
During these sacred days, the Church enters deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death, burial, and Resurrection.
The Three Sacred Days
- Holy Thursday: the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood.
- Good Friday: the Passion and Death of Our Lord.
- Holy Saturday and Easter Vigil: Christ in the tomb and the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection.
The Heart of the Liturgical Year
The Sacred Triduum is not simply preparation for Easter. It is one continuous celebration of the saving work of Jesus Christ.
In these days, the Church contemplates the Cross, waits at the tomb, and rejoices in the victory of Christ over sin and death.
Living the Triduum
Catholics can enter the Sacred Triduum through prayer, silence, fasting, confession, attending the liturgies, meditating on the Passion, and remaining close to Christ in His suffering and victory.
These days invite the faithful to pass with Christ from death to life.