(April 04, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI initiates on Thursday the Easter Triduum,
the three most Holy days that prepares for Christ’s triumphant rising from the dead
on Easter, Christianity’s greatest feast. On Holy Thursday, the German Pontiff
who turns 85 on April 16, will celebrate a morning Chrism Mass with the clergy of
Rome’s Diocese in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, and later in the afternoon
will lead the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in St. John Lateran Basilica, during which,
he will kiss and wash the feet of 12 men, in a gesture celebrating Jesus’ humility
towards his apostles on the night before he died. On Good Friday, the only day in
the liturgical calendar without a Mass in commemoration of the crucifixion and death
of Jesus, the Pope will lead an afternoon liturgical celebration of the Lord’s passion
in St. Peter’s Basilica, before leading an evening torch-lit “Way of the Cross” around
Rome’s ancient Colosseum. Holy Week culminates on Easter Sunday, when Christians
celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. Pope Benedict will lead the Easter vigil Mass
Saturday night in St. Peter’s Basilica and the following morning will lead Easter
Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square and deliver his twice-yearly “Urbi et Orbi” (to
the city of Rome and to the world) message, blessing and Easter greetings in numerous
languages.