The Hours of Easter Sunday: Articulating a Full Day of the Paschal Triduum

Abstract

The Easter Triduum has become the high point of the liturgical year for communities throughout the Roman Church thanks to the reforms of Pope Pius XII and those following the Second Vatican Council. Sometimes forgotten, however, is the establishment of a three-day Triduum of Easter rather than the previous Triduum before Easter, now beginning with evening Mass on Holy Thursday and comprising Good Friday, Holy Saturday and all of Easter Sunday. The post-conciliar reform of the liturgy of Easter Sunday is overlooked, especially the changes to Lauds and Vespers, which have made of Easter Sunday a full third day of the Paschal Triduum in three distinct parts reflecting three moments in the day of the Lord's resurrection. The articulated liturgical celebrations of Easter Sunday, especially due to the revised offices of Lauds and Vespers, are presented here. Considerations regarding future changes in the Triduum are also suggested such as restoring distinct elements of Tenebrae for Friday and Saturday, Baptismal Vespers, and emphasizing the ambo as the empty tomb.