Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday Definition and Summary

Holy Saturday is the final day of Holy Week, the final day of the traditional 40 day Lenten Fast, and a part of the Triduum, and commemorates Jesus lying in the tomb until his resurrection on Easter Sunday. In 2011, Holy Saturday falls on the morning and afternoon of April 23.

Basic Facts About Holy Saturday

Liturgical Color(s): Violet (Purple)
Type of Holiday: Part of Paschal Triduum
Time of Year: The Saturday of Holy Week
Duration: 1 day
Celebrates/Symbolizes: Waiting at the Tomb of Jesus, meditating on His Death
Alternate Names: Sabbatum Sanctum, Black Saturday
Scriptural References: Matthew 27:57-45; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:44-56; John 19:38-42

Introduction

Holy Saturday, Sabbatum Sanctum in Latin, is the last day of Holy Week, and the 40th day of the traditional fast of Lent, although Lent ends liturgically on the evening of Holy Thursday. The evening of Holy Saturday begins the third and final day of the Paschal Triduum. In the Western Church, no Masses are said on Holy Saturday, and the day is essentially a liturgically sparse time of reflection upon Christ's death and burial in anticipation of the Great Vigil of Easter (Paschal Vigil). The vigil usually begins the night of Holy Saturday, lasting until Easter morning. Very little happens on Holy Saturday, that is until the beginning of the Great Paschal Vigil.

There is deep symbolism upon which we can reflect on Holy Saturday. On this day, the Church waits at the Lord's tomb, and meditates on His Passion and Death and His descent into Hell. With prayer and fasting we await His glorious Easter resurrection. Mary is also a Holy Saturday symbol. According to Catholic tradition, Mary represents the entire body of the Church. As she awaited in faith for the victorious triumph of Her Son over death on the first Holy Saturday, so we too wait with Mary on the present Holy Saturday. This faithful and prayerful symbolic waiting has been called the Ora della Madre or Hour of the Mother.

History

In the earliest days, there was no special celebration on Holy Saturday, except perhaps anticipation of the all-night Paschal Vigil. Eventually this emphasis on preparation for the Great Vigil became more emphasized.
(churchyear.net)


Holy Saturday (Latin: Sabbatum Sanctum) is the day after Good Friday. It is the day before Easter and the last day of Holy Week and Lent, in which Christians prepare for Easter. This day commemorates the day that Jesus Christ's body laid in the tomb. It is sometimes known as Black Saturday or Easter Saturday,[1] though the latter name is more correctly applied to the Saturday in Easter week. (Wikipedia)

In The Philippines, Holy Saturday, is called Black Saturday or Sábado de Gloria. The city is literally dead, and business is usually not transacted during this day. It’s even hard to catch a cab during these days. But, there are a lot of things to do in terms of religious activities.