02/04/2026
PASCHAL TRIDUUM 2026
Holy Thursday – April 2
Good Friday – April 3
Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) – April 4
Holy Thursday (April 2, 2026)
Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum—the three-day period leading to Jesus’ Resurrection. Officially called the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, it commemorates the first celebration of the Eucharist. In other Christian traditions, it is also known as Maundy Thursday.
During this liturgy, the Holy Oils—the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Holy Chrism—are presented and carried in procession. These oils, blessed earlier by the local bishop, will be used throughout the year.
A significant part of the celebration is the washing of the feet, where the priest washes the feet of twelve parishioners. This act recalls how Jesus showed his disciples the importance of serving others with humility and love. While this ritual once involved only men, a 2016 decree by Pope Francis allowed the inclusion of all people.
At the end of the Mass, the consecrated hosts remain on the altar while everything else is removed. Amid incense, the priest—wearing a humeral veil—transfers the Blessed Sacrament to a separate place for adoration.
Good Friday (April 3, 2026)
Good Friday, formally known as the Friday of the Lord’s Passion, is the only day of the year when Mass is not celebrated.
It is a solemn day marked by fasting and abstinence. Many observe the Stations of the Cross. The main service includes the reading of the Passion and the distribution of the Eucharist consecrated the previous day.
Other key elements of the liturgy are the veneration of the Cross and the solemn intercessions, a series of universal prayers offered for various needs.
Holy Saturday – Easter Vigil (April 4, 2026)
Holy Saturday is marked by the Easter Vigil, officially referred to as “Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord—At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night.”
This liturgy is one of the most distinctive and important celebrations of the year. It concludes the Triduum and begins the celebration of Easter.
The Vigil starts after sunset. A fire is lit outside the church to light the Paschal candle, and its flame is then shared among the congregation. The Liturgy of the Word follows, typically consisting of several readings proclaimed in a darkened church.
These readings highlight the unity of the Old and New Testaments and how Jesus fulfills Scripture and brings salvation.
The Liturgy of Baptism follows, where catechumens—those preparing to join the Church—are baptized, confirmed, and receive their first Holy Communion.
The Easter Vigil is joyful and celebratory, filled with music and often followed by a gathering or reception, even though it ends late at night.
