HOLY SATURDAY AND SOME FACTS THEREFROM.

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 2013, Holy Saturday falls on the morning and afternoon of March 30th. 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 atthe 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 Lenten fast, 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 Latin Church, no Masses are celebrated on Holy Saturday, and the day is essentially a 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 HolySaturday, lasting until Easter morning. Very little happens on Holy Saturday, that is until the beginning of the Great Paschal Vigil.