The Sacred Triduum will be celebrated according to the Traditional Roman usage (1962 Missal)for the fifth year running at the Order of Malta Church of Saint John of Jerusalem (in the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, St John's Wood, London NW8). As well as the main Liturgies, sung in chant and polyphony, Tenebrae is sung in chant each morning. The liturgies are preceded by spiritual conferences given by Chaplains of the Order as meditations upon the Liturgy of the day. Thus the three days have the character of a retreat, for the benefit of the knights of the Order who are present in choir, and for members of the public. Anyone who wishes to attend is most welcome for all or part of the time.
Once again, photographs from this impressive set of liturgies, which so vividly exemplify the traditional, now-virtually-lost retreat-like character of the Sacred Triduum, would be much-appreciated.
THE SACRED TRIDUUM
The Grand Priory of England and British Association of The Sovereign Military Order of Malta. The Conventual Church of Saint John of Jerusalem, at the Hospital of Saint John and Saint Elizabeth, Grove End Road, St John’s Wood, London NW8, is the Oratory of the Order of Malta in Britain.
MAUNDY THURSDAY (20TH MARCH 2008)
Matins and Lauds (‘Tenebrae’) 10.00am - Sext 12.45pm
None 2.30pm
Vespers are omitted by those assisting in choir at the Evening Mass)
Spiritual Conference on the Liturgy 7.15pm
Solemn Mass ‘in Cena Domini’ 8.00pm - followed by Procession to Altar of Repose and Stripping of the Altars
Compline (at the Altar of Repose) After the Stripping of the Altars
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Altar of Repose will continue until Midnight.
GOOD FRIDAY (21ST MARCH, 2008)
Matins and Lauds (‘Tenebrae’) 10.00am - Sext 12.45pm - None 2.00pm
(Vespers are omitted by those assisting in choir at the Liturgy of the Passion)
Spiritual Conference on the Liturgy 2.15pm
Solemn Liturgy of the Passion (Mass of the Pre-Sanctified) 3.00pm
Compline, with Veneration of the relic of the True Cross 6.00pm
HOLY SATURDAY (22ND MARCH, 2008)
Matins and Lauds (‘Tenebrae’) 10.00am - Sext 12.45pm - None 2.30pm - Vespers 5.00pm (Compline and Matins are omitted by those assisting in choir at the Solemn Easter Vigil)
Spiritual Conference on the Liturgy 9.15pm
Solemn Easter Vigil - First Mass of Easter 10.00pm
EASTER SUNDAY (23RD MARCH, 2008)
Solemn Mass 11.00am
Sung Vespers and Benediction 2.30pm approx
