Easter is fast approaching and as it is the celebration of Christ’s triumph over death, it is therefore the greatest event of the Church’s year. The week leading up to Easter, ‘Holy Week’, is the most important and sacred time in the life of the Church.

During Holy Week, we celebrate the ‘Paschal Triduum’.

This is a single celebration, which unfolds over 3 days. Commemorating the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, the death of our Lord on Good Friday and His Glorious Resurrection at The Easter Vigil.

The Triduum, meaning three days, is measured from sundown on Holy Thursday to sundown on Easter Sunday. This respects the Hebrew origins of the paschal mystery, where a day begins at nightfall.

The Easter Vigil Mass is the most important Liturgy of the Church.

We welcome our new members (those participating in RCIA) during this Mass as they receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and we feel a great spiritual solidarity with them.

Taking place after sundown on Hoy Saturday, the Church waits in darkness. The light of Christ has gone out of the world after His crucifixion and death and darkness covers the earth.

The liturgy begins outside the Church around the fire. The Paschal Candle; representing the risen Christ; is then blessed and lit for the first time. We process with the Paschal Candle into the dark Church that is awaiting Christ’s return.

It is true that this Mass is a little longer but for good reason, the readings that are proclaimed trace out our salvation history, culminating in Jesus’ resurrection.  

The Easter Vigil is the major liturgy of the Easter Triduum and in fact, the whole liturgical year and is a truly moving liturgy and a fitting start to the 50 days of Easter!