Local
Cardinal celebrates Easter Triduum at cathedral

By Gregory L. Tracy Pilot Staff
Posted: 4/26/2019

Holy Thursday -- During the Mass on Holy Thursday, Cardinal O'Malley washes the feet of members of the congregation, following the example of Christ who washed the feet of his disciples as a symbol of service. Pilot photo/Jacqueline Tetrault

---

With the renovations of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross complete, Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley once again led services for the Easter Triduum in the upper church of the cathedral.

The Triduum consists of Holy Thursday, when Christ washed the feet of his Apostles and instituted the Eucharist; Good Friday, the day of Jesus' crucifixion and death for the sins of the world; and Easter, which begins with the Easter Vigil on the night of Holy Saturday and in which the Church celebrates Christ's Resurrection from the dead.

The Easter Vigil includes the blessing of the Easter fire, lighting of the Paschal Candle and the Liturgy of the Word, which includes readings from the Old Testament highlighting salvation history, the first chanting of the Alleluia since the beginning of Lent and the Easter Gospel.

Following the Liturgy of the Word, catechumens and candidates are fully received into the Church through reception of the sacraments of baptism, the Eucharist and confirmation.