The Triduum

In Jewish tradition, the day ends at sunset, and evening is the beginning of the next day. Liturgically, the Church follows this same tradition, which is why Sunday Mass can be on Saturday evening.

Lent ends on Holy Thursday evening (which is the beginning of Friday). The "Triduum" (Latin for three days) begins with the Mass of the Lord's Supper, and ends with evening prayer on Easter Sunday. These are the three holiest days of the year.

Through the centuries, Christians have set these days apart - free from social engagements, entertainment and, if possible, work. It is a time of extraordinary prayer and fasting, and of intense expectation.

The "Triduum" is all one piece - one single celebration of the dying and rising of Christ.

• The Holy Thursday evening Eucharist recalls the Last Supper, the entry-way of the Lord into his suffering, dying and rising.
• The heart of the Good Friday liturgy is the Passion according to John, and the public veneration of the cross.
• Holy Saturday is not like the regular weekend with a "Saturday evening Mass." Instead there is the Easter Vigil during which we experience the "passing over" of Jesus from darkness of death to new life. It begins after dark with the blessing of the new fire.