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, April 1. 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 Archdiocese of Washington livestream. The Cathedral opens at 4:45pm for the 5:30pm Mass (no reservations; 150-person maximum capacity), and closes immediately after the 7:30pm Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Schedule for Holy Thursday

• 11:30am The Cathedral opens.
• 12:10pm | Mass of the Lord's Supper (English) (The Cathedral closes immediately after Mass.)
• 4:45pm The Cathedral reopens.
• † 5:30pm | Mass of the Lord's Supper (English), Cardinal Wilton Gregory (Schola quartet and organ)
   Cathedral YouTube | Program | Readings
• 7:00pm | Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (main altar)
• 7:30pm | Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament (The Cathedral closes immediately after Reposition.)
  Note: Penn Parking Garage remains open to 8:00pm.

Livestream

Watch the 5:30pm Mass of the Lord's Supper livestream on the Cathedral YouTube channel.

†  Interpreted for the deaf