The liturgical cycle of the Church and of our collegiate community reaches its pinnacle during Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum. During this solemn time, all of our efforts combine to render our best gifts of beauty to God. The liturgies, their music, their 
images, and their profound meaning constitute some of the fondest memories of our graduates. It is not uncommon for alumni to return to campus for the Triduum.
Preparations are nearly complete. The altar server team is hard at work. Music is being rehearsed and rehearsed again. The campus is being cleaned and brightened, with plans for flowers and decorations. Food is being planned and ingredients purchased. The entire college unites as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
Magdalen College welcomes all alumni, friends of the college, and visitors to campus throughout Holy Week.
| Date | Liturgy |
|---|---|
| Palm Sunday, April 10 11:00 AM | Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Blessing & Distribution of Palms, Outdoor Procession, & Solemn Sung Mass |
| Spy Wednesday, April 13 7:30 PM | Office of Tenebrae |
| Maundy Thursday, April 14 4:00 PM | Solemn Mass of the Supper of the Lord |
| Good Friday, April 15 3:00 PM | Solemn Commemoration of the Passion of the Lord |
| Holy Saturday, April 16 8:00 PM | The Great Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter |
| Easter Sunday, April 17 11:00 AM | The Resurrection of the Lord: Solemn Sung Mass of Easter Day |
- Palm Sunday begins with the Blessing of Palm Branches followed by an outdoor procession to Our Lady Queen of Apostles Chapel. Gregorian chant, such as the ancient antiphon Pueri Hebraeorum, punctuates the rites preceding the solemn liturgy which culminates in the chanting of the Passion and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
- On Spy Wednesday, the Office of Tenebrae guides us prayerfully into the Triduum. Scripture readings from Isaiah and Lamentations intertwine with Gregorian chant to create a simple, yet exquisite tapestry.
- The Solemn Mass of the Supper of the Lord on Maundy Thursday includes a choral setting of the Ordinary, the Mass of Ste. Cecilie. Following Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is solemnly transferred in procession to the Altar of Repose as the faithful chant the Pange lingua. The college Knights of Columbus council maintains vigil at the Altar of Repose throughout the night.
- After observing three hours of silence on Good Friday, the chanting of the Reproaches turn our hearts and minds to Christ’s sacrifice. Saint John’s Passion is sung and the Holy Cross is venerated. After the Faithful receive the reserved Hosts which were consecrated on Maundy Thursday, they depart in silence.
- The Great Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter begins outside as a newly kindled fire breaks the darkness of night. The Easter Candle is lit and born in procession to the chapel, and the priest proclaims the Exultet. At the Gloria, bells peal and the joyous music begins. Alleluias multiply. After Mass, celebrations continue well into the night with joy and feasting.
- The morning of Easter, students return to the chapel to conclude Holy Week by offering thanksgiving to Christ through song and prayer. Christus Resurrexit! Resurrexit Vere, Alleluia!
Learn more about Spiritual Life at Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts.