Though broken into three days, the Triduum is liturgically one celebration of "the unity of Christ's Paschal Mystery" (USCCB). Faithful Catholics are encouraged to participate in all three days to truly walk in the footsteps of Jesus during his Passion. On Holy Thursday, it means to witness the priest perform the "washing of the feet" as He did, to walk in the solemn procession of Holy Thursday and keep watch with Him as He asked his disciples to do during His agony in the garden.
On Good Friday, the only day where no masses are celebrated in the world, we are invited to experience the bereavement of the apostles. The altar is bare, the tabernacle is empty, and the candle is out. To the world, Jesus is gone. The service takes place at 3 p.m., when Jesus breathed his last. It is a day of fasting, abstinence, and mourning as the world feels the loss of Jesus.
Holy Saturday is the continuation of the remembrance of Jesus in the tomb. It was a time of fearful waiting for the apostles, but for Jesus the catechism teaches that "He descended into hades", where he saved the souls of the righteous who came before him, the Jewish patriarchs for example, to now experience the beatification vision.
The Easter vigil is one of the most beautiful masses of the year. Celebrated after nightfall, it has four main parts 1) the Service of Light, 2) the Liturgy of the Word, 3) the Liturgy of Baptism, and 4) the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It is one of the longest masses, but full of symbolism and rebirth as the Easter candle is lit, the baptismal waters are blessed, and sacraments are celebrated for the adults entering the church that have been preparing all year. Christ is risen! Alleluia!
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