Paschal Time in the Traditional Catholic Liturgical Year

Paschal Time, also known as Eastertide, is the most glorious and sacred season of the Traditional Catholic liturgical year. Beginning with the triumph of Easter Sunday and extending through Pentecost, these fifty days celebrate the victory of Jesus Christ over sin, death, and hell. Dom Prosper Guéranger calls Paschal Time the “Feast of Feasts and Solemnity of Solemnities,” for it is the season toward which the entire liturgical year has been directed.

The Resurrection of Christ stands at the center of the Christian faith. Having conquered death, Our Lord opens the gates of Heaven and invites all the faithful to share in His new and everlasting life. Throughout Paschal Time, the Church rejoices in the glory of the Risen Savior, singing the joyful Alleluia once again and clothing her altars in radiant white and gold as signs of Christ’s triumph. The Paschal Candle burns prominently throughout the season, symbolizing the living Christ, the Light of the World.

During these fifty joyful days, the Church celebrates many of the greatest mysteries of salvation history. The faithful commemorate Low Sunday (Quasimodo Sunday), the appearances of the Risen Christ, Good Shepherd Sunday, the Rogation Days, the glorious Ascension of Our Lord, the expectation of the Holy Ghost, and finally Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and the public mission of the Church began. Every feast reveals another aspect of Christ’s victory and the life of grace bestowed upon His Church.

In The Liturgical Year, Dom Prosper Guéranger masterfully explains the history, mystery, and spiritual practices of Paschal Time through Sacred Scripture, the writings of the Church Fathers, the Roman liturgy, and centuries of Catholic tradition. His reflections demonstrate that Easter is not merely a single feast but an entire season of supernatural joy in which the faithful are invited to live ever more deeply the mystery of Christ’s Resurrection.

Whether you attend the Traditional Latin Mass, pray the Divine Office, or seek to live according to the rhythm of the Church’s sacred calendar, Paschal Time offers an extraordinary opportunity to renew your baptismal life, rejoice in the victory of Christ, and prepare for the coming of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost.

Paschal Time at a Glance

Paschal Time is the Church’s fifty-day celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Overflowing with joy, hope, and new life, the season proclaims Christ’s victory over death while preparing the faithful for the coming of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost.

Highlights of Paschal Time

• Easter Sunday
• Easter Octave
• Low Sunday (Quasimodo Sunday)
• Divine Mercy Sunday (modern observance)
• Good Shepherd Sunday
• Paschal Candle
• The Joyful Alleluia
• Rogation Days
• Ascension of Our Lord
• Novena to the Holy Ghost
• Pentecost
• Descent of the Holy Ghost
• Daily reflections from Dom Prosper Guéranger
• Traditional Roman Calendar
• Related sermons and videos from Sensus Fidelium

Each reflection draws readers more deeply into the joy of the Resurrection and the triumph of Christ over sin and death. Dom Prosper Guéranger’s timeless commentary reveals the richness of the Church’s Easter liturgy and helps Catholics live more fully the grace of Paschal Time.

CHAPTER I. – THE HISTORY OF PASCHAL TIME
CHAPTER II. – The Mystery of Paschal Time
CHAPTER III. – Practice during Paschal Time

Easter Sunday
Easter Monday
Easter Tuesday
Wednesday in Easter Week
Thursday in Easter Week
Friday in Easter Week
Saturday in Easter Week

Low Sunday (Quasimodo) – Divine Mercy Sunday
Monday of the Second Week after Easter
Tuesday of the Second Week After Easter
Wednesday of the Second Week After Easter
Thursday in the Second Week after Easter
Friday of the Second Week After Easter
Saturday of the Second Week After Easter

Second Sunday After Easter – Good Shepherd Sunday
Monday of the Third Week After Easter
Tuesday of the Third Week After Easter
Wednesday of the Third Week after Easter
Thursday of the Third Week after Easter
Friday of the Third Week after Easter
Saturday of the Third Week After Easter

Third Sunday after Easter
Monday of the Fourth Week after Easter
Tuesday of the Fourth Week After Easter
Wednesday of the Fourth Week After Easter
Thursday of the Fourth Week after Easter
Friday of the Fourth Week After Easter
Saturday of the Fourth Week After Easter

Fourth Sunday after Easter
Monday of the Fifth Week After Easter
Tuesday of the Fifth Week After Easter
Wednesday of the Fifth Week After Easter
Thursday of the Fifth Week after Easter
Friday of the Fifth Week After Easter
Saturday of the Fifth Week After Easter

Fifth Sunday after Easter
Rogation Days – Monday
Rogation Days – Tuesday
Vigil of the Ascension; Wednesday of the Rogation Days
The Ascension
Friday Within the Octave of the Ascension
Saturday Within the Octave of the Ascension

Sunday within the Octave of the Ascension
Monday Within the Octave of the Ascension
Tuesday Within the Octave of the Ascension
Wednesday within the Octave of the Ascension
Thursday the Octave of the Ascension
Friday After the Octave of the Ascension
Saturday, The Vigil of Pentecost

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paschal Time?

Paschal Time, also called Eastertide, is the fifty-day liturgical season beginning on Easter Sunday and concluding with Pentecost. It celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and His victory over sin, death, and hell.

Why is Paschal Time so important?

Dom Prosper Guéranger describes Paschal Time as the summit of the liturgical year because it celebrates the completion of Christ’s work of redemption. Everything in the Church’s calendar prepares for and flows from the mystery of Easter.

Which feasts are celebrated during Paschal Time?

Among the principal celebrations are Easter Sunday, the Easter Octave, Low Sunday (Quasimodo Sunday), Good Shepherd Sunday, the Rogation Days, the Ascension of Our Lord, and Pentecost.

Why is the Alleluia restored?

After being omitted throughout Septuagesima and Lent, the Alleluia returns triumphantly at the Easter Vigil as the Church rejoices in Christ’s Resurrection and the victory of eternal life.

What does Dom Prosper Guéranger teach about Paschal Time?

Dom Guéranger presents Paschal Time as the most joyful season of the Church’s year. His reflections reveal the history, mystery, liturgy, and spiritual practices of Eastertide, helping Catholics participate more fully in the grace flowing from the Resurrection.

Is this collection based on the Traditional Roman Calendar?

Yes. These reflections follow the Traditional Roman Rite and complement the Traditional Latin Mass, preserving the timeless liturgical traditions, prayers, and spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church.