The Triduum begins on October 13, which is the eve of Saint Teresa’s feast day, and it lasts for three days. During this time, Catholics attend masses, prayers, and other special events in honor of Saint Teresa. The Triduum is a time to reflect on Saint Teresa’s spirituality, devotion, and teachings.
Saint Teresa of Avila was born in 1515 in Avila, Spain. She became a Carmelite nun at the age of 20, and soon became known for her deep spirituality and devotion to God. Despite being a woman in a male-dominated society, she became a leading figure in the Catholic Church, creating a lasting legacy through her writings and reforms.
Saint Teresa’s most famous work is The Interior Castle, a spiritual guide that describes the journey of the soul towards God. It is considered to be a masterpiece of spiritual literature, and is still widely read and studied today. During the Triduum in honor of Saint Teresa, Catholics often read passages from this work and reflect on its teachings.
The Triduum in honor of Saint Teresa is a time to celebrate her life and teachings. It is also a time to ask for her intercession and guidance in our own spiritual journeys. Catholics often pray to Saint Teresa for help with discerning God’s will, for strength in times of trouble, and for a deeper relationship with God.
On the first day of the Triduum, October 13, Catholics attend a special mass in honor of Saint Teresa. This mass includes special prayers and hymns dedicated to Saint Teresa, and often includes a reading from The Interior Castle. After the mass, there is a procession through the streets, during which the faithful carry a statue of Saint Teresa and sing hymns in her honor.
On the second day of the Triduum, October 14, Catholics attend a day of recollection. This is a time for prayer, reflection, and meditation on Saint Teresa’s teachings. It is often led by a priest or spiritual director, who guides the faithful through various prayers and meditations based on the writings of Saint Teresa.
On the final day of the Triduum, October 15, Catholics attend a special mass in honor of Saint Teresa. This mass is often celebrated by a bishop or other high-ranking church official, and includes special prayers and hymns in honor of Saint Teresa. After the mass, there is a veneration of the relic of Saint Teresa, which is often a bone or a piece of clothing that belonged to her. The faithful kiss the relic as a sign of reverence and love for Saint Teresa.
The Triduum in honor of Saint Teresa is a time for Catholics to come together and celebrate the life and teachings of this remarkable . It is a time for prayer, reflection, and meditation, and a time to ask for Saint Teresa’s intercession in our own spiritual journeys. May we all be inspired by Saint Teresa’s example of deep spirituality and devotion to God.