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Third Sunday of Easter

Discover rich traditions, biblical quotes, miracles and prayers of the Third Sunday of Easter

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When is Third Sunday of Easter Celebrated in 2026

April 26, 2026

Is Third Sunday of Easter a Holy Day of Obligation

No, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation in any region.

Is Third Sunday of Easter a Fast or Abstinence Day

Neither; in both Western and Eastern traditions, the Third Sunday of Easter is not observed as a fast or abstinence day.

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Meaning and History of Third Sunday of Easter

Meaning of the Third Sunday of Easter 

The Third Sunday of Easter continues the joyful celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. On this day, the Church reminds us that the miracle of the Resurrection is not a single event but a path for our everyday renewal. This Sunday invites us to deepen our trust in Jesus, who overcomes death and fills our lives with hope and grace. The faithful are called to reflect on their baptismal promises and to live with the light of His love, letting the joy of resurrection transform every act of daily life.

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  Third Sunday of Easter: A Continuation of Resurrection Joy  

The Third Sunday of Easter is an extension of the Easter celebration, inviting the faithful to bask in the warmth of the Resurrection. This day reminds us that the joy of Christ’s victory over death is not confined to Easter Sunday alone but continues throughout the Easter season. The liturgical celebrations are filled with hopeful hymns and readings that renew our commitment to living in the light of His resurrection.

Historical Roots 

From the earliest days of the Church, the Easter season was marked by a series of celebrations that gradually revealed the profound mystery of our faith. Early Christians gathered on successive Sundays to commemorate the events following Christ’s Resurrection, understanding each week as a step into a deeper understanding of divine mercy. The tradition of this Third Sunday teaches us the importance of renewing our spiritual life, a message beautifully echoed in the writings of the Church Fathers and in the liturgy of the day.

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  Third Sunday of Easter: Patronages and Invocations for Healing  

Many devout Catholics have come to see this day as a time to invoke the protective intercession of the saints and divine attributes. Although there is no singular official patron for this Sunday, popular devotion often links it with the following:

  • Spiritual Renewal: The themes of rebirth and transformation on this day inspire prayers for inner healing and the renewal of one’s faith.
  • Miraculous Intercession: Accounts from the early Church and the lives of the saints recount miracles that reinforce the belief in divine help, where many faithful report personal experiences of healing and guidance during the Easter season.
  • Focus on Renewal: A call to live each day with the transformative power of Christ’s love.

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      Third Sunday of Easter: Rooted in the Rich Traditions of the Church Fathers  

    The reflections and sermons of the early Church Fathers remind us that the Easter season is not just a transient celebration but a period of deep spiritual significance. They taught that each day of Easter is a chance to live out the mystery of the Resurrection. By meditating on Scripture and the profound lessons of Christ’s journey from death to eternal life, the Church Fathers encouraged believers to see every day as an opportunity for transformation. This approach has nourished countless souls over the centuries, making the Third Sunday of Easter a day of both jubilation and reflective renewal.

  • Continuity of Joy: The Resurrection is celebrated not once, but continually as a source of divine hope.
  • Historical Continuity: Rooted in early Christian practices, this day connects us to a long tradition of faith and salvation.

    • Third Sunday of Easter Prayer

    Third Sunday of Easter Prayer

     

    O Heavenly Father, in the radiant joy of Your Resurrection, we gather on this Third Sunday of Easter to celebrate the victory of life over death. Resurrected Lord, You have opened the gates of hope and renewal for us, and we humbly ask that Your light continues to shine in our hearts and souls.

    As we reflect on the marvelous mystery of Your rising, we pray that our lives may be transformed by the power of Your grace. Help us to leave behind the burdens of sin and despair, and to embrace the joy and freedom that You have graciously bestowed upon us.

    • Inspire us to carry the message of Your everlasting love and mercy to every corner of the earth.
    • Strengthen our faith that we may courageously follow in the footsteps of Your Son, our Savior.
    • Guide our actions so that our deeds become a reflection of the divine love and compassionate mercy that sprang forth from Your Resurrection.

    O Lord, as we continue our journey through this Easter season, may the joy of Your Resurrection uplift our spirits and fill our lives with a renewed commitment to serve You and our neighbors. May the sacred traditions of our Holy Church, nurtured by the wisdom of the Church Fathers, forever remind us of the eternal hope found in Christ.

    We ask this through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother of Mercy, and all the saints, in the name of the Risen Lord. Amen.

     

    Third Sunday of Easter Bible Quotes and Reflection

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    "I am the resurrection and the life: he who believes in me, though he may die, yet shall he live."

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    Jesus, John 11:25

    Said to Martha before the raising of Lazarus, these words remind us that Christ’s Resurrection conquers death and brings eternal life.

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    "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said."

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    Angel at the Tomb, Mark 16:6

    Announced at Jesus’ empty tomb, this message celebrates the fulfillment of His promise and the hope of new life for all believers.

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    "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."

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    Jesus, John 20:21

    Spoken during His post-resurrection appearance, these words commission us to go forth in His peace and love, sharing the joy of the Resurrection with the world.

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    "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come."

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    Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 5:17

    Written to encourage believers in their new life in Christ, this passage teaches that the Resurrection transforms us, leaving behind our old self for a renewed spirit.

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    "Let us then come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

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    Author of Hebrews, Hebrews 4:16

    Encouraging all of us to approach God with confidence, these words remind us that in the light of the Resurrection we are invited to receive His constant grace and mercy, especially as we embrace our renewed faith during this Easter season.

    FAQs

    Explore common queries about Third Sunday of Easter, unveiling its rich liturgical meaning and sacred traditions in the Catholic faith.

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    What is celebrated on the Third Sunday of Easter?

    1. What is celebrated on the Third Sunday of Easter?
     

    • Resurrection’s Continuance: The celebration marks the ongoing presence of the Risen Lord after His resurrection.
    • Encounter with the Disciples: It recalls the post-Resurrection appearances when Christ strengthened the faith of His followers.
    What does the Third Sunday of Easter mean in the Catholic calendar?

    2. What does the Third Sunday of Easter mean in the Catholic calendar?
     

    • Easter Octave: It falls within the joyful octave of Easter, a period of continuous celebration of Christ’s victory.
    • Deepening Faith: The day emphasizes a deep reflection on the mystery of the Resurrection and invites believers to renew their trust.
    What are the Gospel readings for the Third Sunday of Easter?

    3. What are the Gospel readings for the Third Sunday of Easter?
     

    • Resurrection Narratives: The readings typically recount the Risen Christ’s interactions with His disciples, affirming faith and hope.
    • Invitation to Belief: They serve as an invitation to the faithful to embrace the living reality of Jesus and the mission entrusted to His Church.
    Why is the Third Sunday of Easter important?

    4. Why is the Third Sunday of Easter important?
     

    • Affirmation of the Resurrection: It reassures us of the true and living reality of Christ’s Resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith.
    • Renewal of Hope: The day offers a moment of spiritual renewal and calls each believer to live out the joy of Easter in their daily life.
    How is the Third Sunday of Easter different from Divine Mercy Sunday?

    5. How is the Third Sunday of Easter different from Divine Mercy Sunday?
     

    • Liturgical Timing: The Third Sunday falls within the Easter Octave, while Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated on the second Sunday of Easter.
    • Focus of Devotion: The Third Sunday centers on the continuous manifestation of the Resurrection, whereas Divine Mercy Sunday emphasizes God’s merciful love revealed at the Cross.

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