The Triduum Days

 The Triduum of Holy Week is always such a solemn time in our monastery.  Our Holy Thursday ritual begins with a special supper in the dining room with the 11 oldest sisters and the youngest seated in places of honor while the prioress and monastic council members serve them. After dinner, we have the Mass of the Last Supper with the washing of the feet. Just as Jesus washed the feet of the apostles, we have sisters washing the feet of anyone in the congregation who wish to have their feet washed.

On Good Friday, we have a solemn procession with sisters dressed in black who will enact the Passion narrative according to the gospel of St. John. Several sisters also carry in a large wooden cross for the adoration of the cross to remember Jesus’ death. This is followed by prayers for the various peoples of the world, such as our Jewish brothers and sisters, the Muslim community, people of other faiths and even non-believers. The service ends with a simple communion service led by our prioress.

Holy Saturday is a day of silence until the Easter Vigil when we bless the new fire and light a large paschal candle which will lead us into a darkened chapel. As we begin the procession, the congregation’s small candles are lit from large candle representing Christ who brought light into the world. This is followed by nine readings from portions of the Old and New Testament portraying the main events of our salvation history. Some of the readings are dramatized by sisters and representatives from the congregation. I always love the first reading from Genesis describing the creation of the world with dramatic organ accompaniment.

On Easter Sunday, we again sing the Gloria which has been absent during Lent, and children and other attendees carry in a variety of flowers to place around the sanctuary. The austerity of Lent is over, and the joyous Alleluias returns. The chapel is filled with full-throated singing, and organ accompaniment (and sometimes a trumpet) resounds throughout the chapel. 

I know most churches do not have all these rich liturgies with so much beauty and so many talented singers and musicians.  I tend to take them for granted, but I know our Benedictine heritage and emphasis on liturgical prayer is something rare in this day and age. We are blessed and love sharing our worship services with those who join us.