The Feast of the Trinity is not meant to be a one-off commemoration, but an opportunity to remind, enrich and lead us forward. It is a direct pathway, drawing us to the Father and to our eternal destiny.
We worship the Trinity and we worship in and through the Trinity. Every Eucharistic Celebration thus begins ‘In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ and concludes with the blessing given in the name of the Trinity. Ceremonies of the Roman Rite.
Understanding the concept of Trinity is a challenge. St Thomas Aquinas said: ‘The Trinity is purely an object of faith; the plumbline of reason is too short to fathom this mystery; but where reason cannot wade, there faith may swim.’
The Feast of the Trinity is not meant to be a one-off commemoration, but an opportunity to remind, enrich and lead us forward. It is a direct pathway, drawing us to the Father and to our eternal destiny. This feast allows us to take time to ponder on something which is so familiar in word and action, and to contemplate the potential of its effect on our lives. These are some thoughts which might help us focus a little more this year.
Origins of the Feast
For the Early Church, belief in the Triune God was fundamental, but no feast day existed. The Church had to respond to Arian heresy (which denied the full divinity of Christ), so a Mass text was created, and priests were free to use it when they wished. Alcuin of York created a special Mass text in the 8th century which proved very popular and in the 12th century, Thomas Becket was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury on the Sunday after Pentecost, and he declared the day to be celebrated as the Feast of the Trinity. Finally in 1334 it was made a universal feast by Pope John XXII.
The Sign of the Cross
In times of persecution, the Sign of the Cross wasn’t used openly. Early Christians made the sign in the air with their right thumb and nearest finger and silently. A larger gesture with words came later. In the 3rd century, Tertullian describes how beautifully this action was a part of daily life:
In all our undertakings, when we enter a place or leave it; before we dress; before we bathe; when we take our meals; when we light the lamps in the evening; before we retire at night, when we sit down to read; before each new task – we trace the sign of the cross on our foreheads.’
Let’s reflect that this physical gesture is an outward sign of our membership of the Mystical Body of Christ and a daily reminder of our Baptism. It allows us to participate in the Mysteries and gives us responsibilities.
Let’s make it consciously and reverently – meaning the words that we say.
Consider the celebrant singing the opening words of the Mass, with the congregation responding. This music is in the missal, but it could simply be sung on one note. (As it is a dialogue it is a musical priority.)
Remind and teach children how to make the sign slowly and explain it is an expression of our Christian identity. On some occasions, make the sign without the words… concentrate on the physical action and think about what it means. It can be very powerful.
Read ‘21 things we do when we make the Sign of the Cross’ (see resources at the end).
The Glory Be
This is an ancient Doxology originating in the Eastern Church. The second half (‘as it was in the beginning…’) dates from the time of Constantine. In the 6th century, the Council of Narbonne decreed that it should be recited at the end of each psalm in the Divine Office. This is a beautiful prayer of praise, and is perfect for young children. Try praying it using Sign Language (see resources at the end).
Symbolism and art
Celtic art is a wonderful way of explaining and reflecting on the nature of the Trinity. The Shamrock and the Trinity Knot (triquetra) offer opportunities for art activities and discussion. There are some famous and beautiful artistic depictions of the Trinity worthy of sharing. (Rublev’s Icon and the 6th century mosaic at San Vitale, Ravenna.)
In a school or parish
Pray the Vespers of Trinity. (Dating from Pope Pius V and described as ‘one of the most sublime offices of the Breviary.’)
Sing the Doxology and Great Amen.
Consider singing the Communion Antiphon for Trinity.
Make a display of art and symbols.
Pretzels are a Trinity snack dating back to the 5th century.
Celebrate the feast with your coffee after Mass.
Online resources
diolc.org – Diocese of Lacrosse: Going deeper in prayer; The Sign of the Cross.
catholicexchange.com/21-things-cross
liturgies.net – Vespers of Trinity.
communionantiphons.org – Antiphons for Trinity (Very good settings and free).
ocp.org – Communion Antiphons by Christopher Walker. (Great settings if your choir sings in parts and not expensive to download).
teachingcatholickids.com/trinity – Lots of ideas of teachers including videos.
YouTube: Liturgical Signs: Glory Be in sign language.
Prayer to the Trinity.
“I vow and consecrate to God all that is in me:
My memory and my actions to God the Father;
My understanding and my words to God the Son;
My will and my thoughts to God the Holy Spirit.”
St Francis de Sales
