Easter Triduum

 The Easter Triduum Masses are the most holy Masses of the Catholic church. They begin with the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Thursday evening, followed by the Celebration of the Lord's Passion on Friday evening, and end with the "feast of feasts" of all Masses, The Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday night. What a glorious weekend it was! Adults who are entering the Catholic faith and have spent the year studying and preparing will receive their Baptism (if not already baptized) and their first Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil Mass. This takes place in every Catholic church, on this night, around the world. It is deeply meaningful, a powerful witness, and a joy to behold. 

Steve and I have participated in the Easter Triduum Masses since our return to the Catholic faith in 2018. (Steve and I chose to worship in the Protestant faith for thirty-five years prior to our return to the Catholic church. Both of our backgrounds are fully Catholic.) This year was especially meaningful for us because our youngest daughter, Tess, made the decision to join the Catholic church. She was raised in the Christian faith but now made the decision, as an adult, to fully embrace the Catholic faith. 

 To add to the joy, I was able to get to know all four of our candidates throughout the past year and to share in their journey as one of their OCIA teachers. It was a time of learning, many questions, moments of discernment, and personal examinations of the mind and soul. In the end, I saw their faces filled with joy and excitement during the Holy Rite of Full Acceptance into the Catholic Church. They were anointed with the Chrism oil,  prayed over, and received their First Holy Eucharist. It was truly a celebration!

Our four candidates (Tess on the right) with their sponsors and Monsignor McCellan.

 

The Easter Vigil Mass is long. It is two hours for our parish and longer in larger cathedrals. But every  part of it is worth it. It begins after sunset and everyone stands outside near a small fire. After a prayer, the large Paschal candle is lit from the fire and the priest begins to lead everyone in procession into the church. The lights are off, it is dark and everyone is carrying an unlit candle. The priest stops three times along the way and sings, "The Light of Christ". All in the procession stop and respond in song, "Thanks be to God". When we stop for the third time, which is in the center of the church aisle, the priest turns to those who are joining the church this year and are positioned right behind him. He uses the Paschal candle to light their specially decorated candles. They, in turn, light the candles of those behind them and the flame is passed down throughout the entire procession. Everyone then slowly enters the sanctuary by this candlelight and takes a seat. 

The Mass proceeds with readings from the Old Testament with the telling of creation, man's first sin and the need of a Savior. The readings are alternated with responsorial songs from the Psalms. And then comes the moment that I anticipate every year. After the last Old Testament reading, the altar candles are lit and the priest begins to sing the "Gloria". At this precise moment, all the lights of the church come on, the sanctuary is filled with light and music and bells ringing throughout the entire singing of the "Gloria".  This year in particular, Tess was seated next to me in the front pew. We turned to each other in wide-eyed happiness and our eyes filled with tears. I turned back to the front and caught the eye of Monsignor McCellan who was watching us. He nodded and gently smiled a knowing smile. There is that much joy and meaning in that moment of light and song. To know in our hearts what it means for us and for all mankind. It is indescribable.