Triduum

The Latest

The Catholic faithful gathered in the Cenacle in Jerusalem for the Mass of the Lord's Supper that the Franciscan friars celebrated on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024. The Cenacle is at the center of strong tensions and disputes regarding ownership and rights of access and celebration. An ancient tradition places King David’s tomb here and over the centuries Jews and Muslims have leveraged this to first expel the Franciscans and then to prevent Christian worship, which they deemed sacrilegious.

PHOTOS: Friars and faithful gather in Upper Room in Jerusalem to mark the Last Supper

Mar 28, 2024

By Marinella Bandini

On Holy Thursday, the doors of the Cenacle in Jerusalem were opened to welcome the Franciscans of the Custody of... Read more

Pope Francis presides at the Vatican's chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024.

On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis asks priests to weep over their sins

Mar 28, 2024

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis encouraged the priests to turn their gaze upon the crucified Lord and weep over their sins in repentance,... Read more

null

Singing this song on Holy Thursday can purify your soul

Mar 28, 2024

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

The “Tantum Ergo” is the last two verses of a Latin hymn written by St. Thomas Aquinas. Read more

A stripped altar on Holy Thursday 2015 at Mater Dei Parish in Irving, Texas.

What is the ‘sacred triduum’? A CNA explainer

Mar 28, 2024

By JD Flynn

At the end of Lent, right before Easter, the Catholic Church observes the “sacred triduum.” What is it? Read more

Pope Francis at the Easter Vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on April 8, 2023.

Here is Pope Francis’ schedule for Holy Week and Easter 2024 at the Vatican

Feb 29, 2024

By Courtney Mares

The schedule includes five papal liturgies, Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum, and other traditions to mark the most... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims from the pope mobile in St. Peter’s Square on April 5, 2023.

Pope Francis’ advice for Holy Week: Look to the cross, our hope is there

Apr 5, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has offered advice for how to have a fruitful Holy Week, urging people to focus on the essentials... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Square for Easter 2022

Here is Pope Francis’ schedule for Holy Week and Easter 2023

Apr 1, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Holy Week and Easter is one of the busiest liturgical periods at the Vatican. Read more

Crowds pray the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum with Pope Francis on Good Friday 2019.

Beauty, drama and pinpoint silence: Easter Triduum memories from Rome

Apr 11, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

As Christians reflect on the reality of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ during these three momentous days,... Read more

Not sure about 'Triduum at Home'? Here are some CNA Holy Week suggestions

Apr 9, 2020

For many Catholics, this will be the first time the days of Holy Week are spent at home. If you’re... Read more

Pope Francis offers Mass on Easter Sunday April 21, 2019.

Pope Francis will offer Easter liturgies in St. Peter's Basilica and with no public

Mar 27, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis will follow a slightly modified schedule this year for the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter, which will... Read more

For Christians in Syria, Holy Week is a time for renewing faith

Mar 30, 2018

Christians in Syria have suffered greatly in recent years. Between the Syrian civil war and ISIS occupation, many have lost... Read more

Pope Francis during the veneration of the Cross on Good Friday at St. Peter's Basilica on April 3, 2015.

On Good Friday, papal preacher tells youth to run toward love of Christ

Mar 30, 2018

By Elise Harris

Papal preacher Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa dedicated his Good Friday homily to young people, comparing them to the apostle John and... Read more

Bishop James Wall greets young parishioners in the Diocese of Gallup. Courtesy photo

How a Church on the 'peripheries' celebrates Easter

Mar 29, 2018

By Perry West

As the Catholic Church prepares to receive thousands of Catholic converts this Easter, Sacred Heart Cathedral in Gallup, N.M., is... Read more

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims during his March 28, 2018 general audience in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Francis: A person transformed by Christ cannot be corrupt

Mar 28, 2018

By Elise Harris

The Easter Triduum is the most important time of year for Christians, Pope Francis said Wednesday, and stressed that those... Read more

Pope Francis venerating the cross on Good Friday, 2015.

How to get holy during Holy Week

Mar 26, 2018

As Catholics around the world are buying Easter candy and dyeing boiled eggs, two priests have offered suggestions for getting... Read more

Pope Francis prostrates himself before the altar of St. Peter's Basilica at the opening of the Good Friday liturgy, March 25, 2016.

Good Friday papal preacher: In a changing world, the cross remains the same

Apr 14, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

Even as sinful people in a society filled with violence and increasing secularism, we have hope because Christ's cross perdures,... Read more