Entering the Paschal Triduum

by Deacon José  |  03/29/2026  |  From the Clergy

"Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden."

We now enter the Holy Week liturgical season, leaving behind the Lent season. This means that the fruits of the Lenten sacrifices, prayer, fasting and alms giving, have prepared us for the encounter with the resurrected Christ on Easter. But before this encounter, we must accompany Jesus in his Passion and Death, starting with his triumphal entrance to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

The culmination of this week is what we know as the Paschal Triduum of the Passion and Resurrection of the Lord. Three days in which we will participate and experience the Last Supper, the institution of the Priesthood and the institution of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, the Passion and Death of the Lord on Good Friday, and the Resurrection of Jesus at the Easter Vigil.

The Easter Vigil occupies the first place among all liturgical celebrations of the Catholic Church. The Vigil is filled with ancient rites and prayers that move us from darkness to light. The Elect will receive full Christian Initiation through Baptism, Confirmation and Communion; Candidates will complete their Christian Initiation. As a community we will renew our baptismal promises. But the zenith of this week, is our encounter with the resurrected Christ.

"Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest."

Deacon José