From Hosanna to the Resurrection: The Journey of Holy Week

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. On this day, the faithful commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. ( ICR photo / Vero Gutiérrez)

By Deacon Salvador Carranza

Palm Sunday

We begin with the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. We cry out, "Hosanna!" ("Save us, we beg you"). This plea for deliverance turned into a cry of praise. Shortly thereafter, the atmosphere shifts dramatically toward the Passion. This contrast serves as a mirror for the human heart, reflecting how quickly we can shift from devotion to denial.

During this liturgical season, the images are veiled as a sign of reverence

The Easter Triduum (from the Latin "triduum," meaning "a period of three days")

It is considered a single celebration spanning three calendar days. There is no final blessing on Holy Thursday or Good Friday. Instead, the celebrations pause and then resume. This structure invites believers to "watch and pray" with Christ throughout his passion, death, and resurrection.

On Holy Thursday, the washing of the feet is a gesture of humility and service that recalls Christ’s example at the Last Supper. It invites us to show love for our neighbors.

Father Hippolytus Ezenwa, Pastor, of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, celebrating Mass on Holy Thursday.

Holy Thursday (Day 1):

The Easter Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord's Supper. During this celebration, we commemorate the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. We also recall the washing of the feet, through which the Lord teaches us that leadership and faith must be grounded in service and humility toward others.

Holy Thursday symbolizes the self-sacrificing love of Jesus Christ, who formed an everlasting connection with his disciples by turning a meal of service into a divine sacrifice that nourishes the soul and encourages a life of humble charity toward others.

In the Good Friday liturgy, which celebrates the Lord’s Passion, the faithful venerate the cross. They approach the cross and genuflect, bow, or kiss it as a sign of love and respect for the crucified Christ.

Good Friday (Day 2):

This solemn day of prayer and fasting centers on the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Mass is not celebrated; instead, the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion takes place. This celebration typically includes the reading of the Passion and veneration of the cross.

Good Friday represents the supreme act of divine love and sacrifice. The death of Jesus Christ is seen as the necessary atonement for the sins of humanity, achieving reconciliation with God.

Sacred Heart Parish is in Boise.

Holy Saturday (Day 3):

Holy Saturday begins as a day of quiet reflection on Jesus’s burial. After sunset, the Easter Vigil begins—the "high point" of the Easter Triduum—and celebrates Christ's victory over death.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday symbolizes the triumph of life over death and the fulfillment of God’s promise through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It offers believers a sense of spiritual renewal and the hope of eternal life.

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said" (Matthew 28:6).

During the Good Friday celebration of the Lord’s Passion, the priest and ministers enter in silence at the beginning of the liturgy. Instead of the usual opening greeting, the priest prostrates himself on the ground as a sign of humility, penance, and deep contemplation of Christ’s Passion.