The beginnings of a Paschal Triduum

The Paschal Triduum or Easter Triduum is the period of three days that begins with the liturgy on the evening of Maundy Thursday, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil, and closes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday. 

Every year, we welcome a full house of guests to observe together these holy days. They recall the passion, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, as portrayed in the canonical Gospels.

On Maundy Thursday, we recall and enact the Washing of the Feet (from which Maundy Thursday holds its name) and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles which we recall later at the evening eucharist.

The Maundy (washing of the feet). From top left, clockwise: basins, pitchers of water and towels set up for the service; Bros. Josép, Ephrem washing feet (2 pictures); at the end, the washers themselves get their own foot washed; Br. Anthony accompanying the washing to the sound of his mandolin;

At the end of the eucharist on Thursday, we take the remaining consecrated elements (the body and the blood of Christ) down to the crypt (St Michael's Chapel under our church) to an altar of repose. Later, the assembly comes back into the St Augustine Church for the stripping of the altar. The church is then left bereft until the Easter vigil on Sunday morning.

The consecrated elements remain on the alstar of repose until they are recovered for the Good Friday afternoon eucharist which recalls the death of Jesus. Guests and brothers come to pray in front of them through the night.

Triduum sights. From top left, clockwise: icons and statues are veiled until the Easter Vigil and the bell rope is knotted to remind the bellringer to use the clacker instead (2 pictures); praying guest in front of the altar of repose (Br. Robert James did the beautiful flower arrangements with garden blossoms); the consecrated elements (under a linen corporal); Associate John Decker shooting video segments during the Good Friday service (two pictures): John's assistant, Bryan, supervising sound capture (Br. Carl, in the foreground).

On Holy Saturday, we recall Jesus lying in his tomb and we prepare for the Easter vigil on Sunday. It's a very busy day for sacristans and a very quiet and calm days for all the others.

Holy Saturday. Three guests resting quietly in Pilgrim Hall.

Throughout this Triduum, our Associate John Decker continues to shoot videos (as he will throughout this year) with the help of assistants. These will provide material for the "Portrait of a Monastery" which he will produce.