The Paschal Triduum (Easter Triduum)
The summit of the liturgical year is the Easter Triduum, which begins on the evening of Holy Thursday and ends on the evening of Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ's Paschal Mystery. The single celebration of the Triduum marks the end of the Lenten season, and leads to the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil.
Mass of the Lord's Supper with Washing of the Feet, followed by Adoration
Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, celebrates the Solemn Mass of the Lord's Supper with Washing of the Feet at 5:30pm on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024. This rite, the Washing of the Feet, also is known as the Mandatum, from Jesus' words at the Last Supper (Jn 13:14) and the first word of one of the antiphons that may be heard during the ceremony: "Mandatum novum do vobis…" (I give you a new commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you, says the Lord). At the end of Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will remain on the main altar for a brief period of Adoration, followed by Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 7:30pm.
Join us in the Cathedral as we enter into the Easter Triduum, or participate via the livestream.
Holy Thursday, March 28
The Cathedral opens at 8:00am and closes immediately after Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
- 9:00am | Morning Prayer in the St. Anthony Chapel
- 11:00am - 12 Noon | Confessions
- 12:10pm | Mass of the Lord's Supper (Contemporary Choir)
Program - † 5:30pm | Mass of the Lord's Supper with Washing of the Feet, Cardinal Wilton Gregory (bilingual in English & Spanish) (Schola Cantorum)
ADW Livestream | Program - 7:00pm | Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the St. Anthony Chapel
- 9:45pm | Night Prayer in the St. Anthony Chapel
- 10:00pm | Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament