Vatican City, Apr 6, 2004 / 22:00 pm
During Wednesday’s general audience, Pope John Paul explained the importance of the Easter Triduum, which begins tomorrow on Holy Thursday, and called on Catholics to “relive the great mystery of our salvation.”
John Paul II recalled that on Holy Thursday morning the bishop celebrates with his diocesan community the Chrism Mass during which oils are blessed.
In the afternoon, at the Mass of “the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist and the Priesthood, will be commemorated,” during which there is the washing of the feet, a sign of “Jesus’ new commandment of love.” After Mass, it is a customary to adore the Blessed Sacrament throughout the night.
“On Good Friday,” he continued, “the Church commemorates the passion and death of Our Lord. The Christian assembly is invited to meditate on the evil and sin that oppress humanity and on the salvation obtained through Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.” On the same day, the Cross is venerated and the Way of the Cross is usually recited.