Lent makes way for Easter

The austerity of the Lenten period makes way for the Easter Triduum, a three-day celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ starting today — Holy Thursday — with Masses at Catholic and Anglican Churches commemorating the Last Supper and traditional washing of the feet. Tomorrow is Good Friday, and is followed by Easter Vigil on Saturday and Easter Sunday. Holy Thursday commemorates the great “mandatum” or call to service. This is Jesus’ command to follow his example. It also marks the institution of the Eucharist, in which Jesus gives his body and blood to his disciples.

The faithful share in this gift through consecrated bread and wine. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament also takes place. There is no final blessing or procession to end this Mass because the celebration does not end. Prayer continues at home until the congregation gathers again on Good Friday. This day recalls the death of Jesus on the cross. It is regarded as a “good” day because Jesus  purchased redemption for the faithful by his blood. The Liturgy of this day usually takes place at the traditional death time of Jesus, 3 pm. This is the one day of the Church year in which Mass is not celebrated. The service begins in silence with no procession or greeting because it is a continuation of what began Holy Thursday. The ritual is divided into three parts — the liturgy of the word, veneration of the cross and communion.

The celebration reaches its high point on Saturday with the Easter Vigil. The Liturgy of Holy Saturday is divided into four parts — New fire and light of Christ. The Church is in darkness and the new Paschal Candle is blessed and lit. The candles of the congregation are lit from it, then the Easter Proclamation is done. The next part of the ritual is the Vigil reading from the Old and New Testaments. The readings are from the stories of creation and working of God in the lives of the Israelites. The Sacraments of Initiation takes place in which persons baptised (catechumens) are initiated into the Church with baptism and confirmation. They receive the Eucharist for the first time. The Mass then continues as usual with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Mass on Easter Sunday marks the first celebration of the Lord’s Day when He rose again from the dead after defeating death and sin. Instead of the affirmation of the Creed,  the congregation renews their Baptism Promises. The Easter season continues for another 50 days until Pentecost.