Holy Week decoded
by Father Ron Franco, CSP
March 26, 2015

Since 1955, the week beginning on Palm Sunday has been called Holy Week. It celebrates the mysteries of our salvation accomplished by Christ in the last week of his public life, beginning with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which we commemorate on Palm Sunday by carrying blessed palms in procession in honor of Christ’s kingship.

On Tuesday, Catholics gather for the annual Chrism Mass, where the bishop of the diocese will consecrate the sacred chrism and bless the other holy oils (the oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick) to be used in the celebration of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, holy orders, and the anointing of the sick throughout the coming year. Also at this Mass, all the concelebrating priests will solemnly renew their commitment to priestly service.

Lent ends Thursday afternoon, and the Easter Triduum of Christ crucified, buried and risen then begins. The first day of the Triduum (“Christ crucified”) begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday evening and ends with the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Friday afternoon. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins with the joyful ringing of bells, after which all church bells are silenced until the Easter vigil. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper includes the traditional washing of the feet of representative members of the congregation, in imitation of Christ who came “not to be served, but to serve.” At the end of the Mass, the consecrated hosts for Friday’s Holy Communion are carried in procession to the place of reservation, and all are encouraged to spend some time in adoration. The first day of the Triduum ends on Good Friday afternoon with the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, which includes the proclamation of the passion according to John, Intercessory Prayers which signify the universal effect of Christ’s passion, the veneration of the cross, and Holy Communion. 

On Holy Saturday, the second day of the Triduum (“Christ buried”), we meditate on Christ’s descent among the dead and prayerfully await his resurrection. On this day, the church strictly abstains from the celebration of Mass, and Holy Communion may be given only to those in danger of death. The Easter fast was traditionally observed on the first two days of the Triduum. The Second Vatican Council encouraged all who are able to prolong Good Friday’s fast into Holy Saturday. 

The third day of the Triduum (“Christ risen”) is Easter Sunday, “the solemnity of solemnities.” It begins with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night and continues through Easter Sunday. At the Easter Vigil, the bells are rung again at the Gloria, and the acclamation Alleluia makes its triumphant return. The joy of the resurrection is then prolonged through seven weeks of the Easter season – 50 days from Easter to Pentecost, celebrated as one feast day, the “Great Sunday.”

Father Ron Franco, CSP, is the pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville, Tenn.