The Sacred Triduum
The liturgies of the Triduum are the most solemn of the liturgical year. As Holy Week progresses, we notice an increase in the sacredness of the musical repertoire and style. All of the "old hymns‟ return - “All Glory Laud and Honor,” “Were You There,” “O Sacred Head Surrounded,” “Ubi Caritas,” and “Pange Lingua.” In a sense, the Triduum is a culmination of what we have longed for, worked toward, and hopefully are waiting for after the long sacrificial time of Lent. We longingly await our “alleluias” and the singing of the “Gloria” which returns this week.
On Holy Thursday we witness Christ's humility and love as we watch our celebrant stoop to wash the feet of those he serves. Christ, the humble servant is represented in a noticeable way right in front of our eyes - the Word made manifest.
On Good Friday our worship and music take on a more somber feel as we listen to the Passion reading. We venerate the Cross -- the symbol of our faith -- while the lamentations are sung by the choir in the songs, “All You Who Pass This Way” and “Behold the Savior”
The Easter Vigil, with its rich symbolism and ritual, emerges victorious from a week full of prayer and solemnity. As water and fire mingle in our vigil rites, we close with a resounding “Alleluia, Christ is victorious!”
