Sarah Mitchell
This Thursday's Catholic service will commemorate Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday or the Thursday of the Lord's Supper. It is a Christian feast that marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum and commemorates the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. The service includes confession and pardon, proclamation of the Word, the Lord's Supper, and the stripping of the church. The service may be called Maundy Thursday when footwashing occurs, in imitation of Jesus' actions and his commandment to love one another.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Maundy Thursday, Holy Thursday, Thursday of the Lord's Supper |
| Date | The Thursday before Easter, the fifth day of Holy Week |
| Commemorates | The Last Supper of Jesus Christ, the Washing of the Feet (Maundy), the institution of the priesthood, and the establishment of the sacrament of Holy Communion |
| Liturgy | The bishop blesses the Oil of Chrism used for Baptism and Confirmation; the bishop may wash the feet of twelve priests to symbolize Christ washing the feet of his Apostles; the altar is stripped bare |
| Rituals | Statues and crucifixes covered during Passiontide may be unveiled, with white covers instead of purple; no usage of church bells until Holy Saturday; special meals made of fresh, green vegetables |
| Readings | Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18, 1 Corinthians 10:16, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-15 |
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What You'll Learn
- Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is a Christian feast during Holy Week
- Catholics commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ on Holy Thursday
- The Chrism Mass is a religious service held in Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Anglicanism
- Holy Thursday is also known as Ascension Day in the Anglican Communion
- The altar is stripped bare, along with all other altars in the church except the Altar of Repose
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is a Christian feast during Holy Week
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is a Christian feast that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his Apostles, as described in the canonical gospels. It is observed during Holy Week, specifically on the Thursday before Easter, and marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum. The date of Holy Thursday may vary depending on whether the Gregorian or Julian calendar is followed.
The name "Maundy" originates from the Latin word "mandatum," meaning "commandment," reflecting Jesus' words, "I give you a new commandment." The day is also referred to as "Thursday of the Lord's Supper." The generally accepted name can vary based on geographical area and religious affiliation. For example, in England, "Maundy Thursday" is commonly used, while in Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and the United States, "Holy Thursday" is preferred.
Holy Thursday holds significant meaning for Catholics. It commemorates the institution of the priesthood and the sacrament of Holy Communion by Jesus Christ before his arrest and crucifixion. On this day, a special Mass, known as the 'Chrism Mass', is held in Cathedral Churches, with attendance by numerous priests from the diocese. During this Mass, the bishop blesses the Oil of Chrism, which is used for Baptism and Confirmation. The bishop may also wash the feet of twelve priests, symbolizing Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.
The liturgy of Holy Thursday is celebrated in the evening, as Passover in the biblical account began at sundown. This liturgy showcases the importance of humility in service and the significance of cleansing with water, as seen in Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet. The altar is stripped bare, symbolizing the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples and his stripping by the soldiers. The day is a solemn observance that leads into Good Friday and the commemoration of Jesus' crucifixion.
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Catholics commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ on Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is a Christian feast day during Holy Week that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his Apostles, as described in the canonical gospels. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, falling on the Thursday before Easter and followed by Good Friday. The date of the day varies according to the calendar used, with Eastern churches generally using the Julian calendar.
On Holy Thursday, there is a special Mass in Cathedral Churches, attended by as many priests of the diocese as possible, as it is a solemn observance of Christ's institution of the priesthood. This Mass, known as the Chrism Mass, includes the bishop blessing the Oil of Chrism used for Baptism and Confirmation. The bishop may also wash the feet of twelve priests, symbolising Christ washing the feet of his Apostles, the first priests.
The Holy Thursday liturgy is celebrated in the evening, symbolising the beginning of Passover, and showcases the importance of humility in service and the need for cleansing with water. This day is also known as Maundy Thursday, derived from the Latin word "mandatum" or commandment, reflecting Jesus' words: "I give you a new commandment". The day is marked by the stripping of altars in preparation for the sombre Good Friday service, representing the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples and his crucifixion.
Holy Thursday holds significant religious and artistic value, inspiring renowned works such as Leonardo's "The Last Supper" in the 16th century. It is a day of liturgical reunion, commemorating the Eucharist, the Washing of the Feet, and the institution of the priesthood. The day's ceremonies include the baptism of neophytes, reconciliation of penitents, consecration of holy oils, and the commemoration of Jesus' establishment of the sacrament of Holy Communion before his arrest and crucifixion.
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The Chrism Mass is a religious service held in Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Anglicanism
During the Chrism Mass, the holy oils used for sacraments and rituals are blessed or consecrated. These include the Oil of Chrism, used for Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders, as well as the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick. The blessing of the oils is performed by the bishop, who breathes over the vessel containing the Chrism, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The clergy in attendance may also reaffirm their ordination vows.
The Chrism Mass is considered one of the most important liturgies of the Christian liturgical calendar, with a long history dating back to ancient Christian traditions. It is a significant ceremony for the diocese, symbolizing the unity of each parish with their bishop. The holy oils distributed during the Mass are meant to last the entire year, with extra oils blessed and kept as a reserve.
The specific rituals and names associated with the Chrism Mass may vary depending on geographical area and religious affiliation. For example, in some regions, the altar is stripped bare after the Mass, representing the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples. The day is also referred to as "Green Thursday" in some cultures due to traditional meals made of fresh, green vegetables.
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Holy Thursday is also known as Ascension Day in the Anglican Communion
Holy Thursday, also known as Ascension Day in the Anglican Communion, commemorates the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is one of the ecumenical feasts shared by multiple Christian denominations, ranking with the feasts of the Passion and Pentecost. The Feast of the Ascension is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, specifically the sixth Thursday after Easter Sunday, and is also known as Ascension Thursday or Holy Thursday.
The observance of Ascension Day varies among Christian denominations. While some, like the Lutheran Churches and the Anglican Communion, continue to observe the feast on the traditional date, other Catholic provinces have moved the observance to the Sunday following Ascension Thursday. This change aligns with the trend of transferring Holy Days of Obligation from weekdays to Sundays, making it more convenient for Christians to observe these important feasts.
The decision to move the feast day is made by each Conference of Catholic Bishops with the prior approval of the Apostolic See. For example, the switch to Sunday was implemented in 1992 by the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Australia, before 1996 in parts of Europe, and in 1997 in Ireland. This flexibility in calendar adaptations is authorised by the bishops and the Holy See to accommodate the faithful's needs.
The Feast of the Ascension holds significant meaning in Christian doctrine. According to Acts 1:1–9, Jesus instructed his disciples to remain in Jerusalem and await the coming of the Holy Spirit. He was then taken up from their sight, hidden by a cloud, and two men in white appeared to assure them of his return. This event signifies the completion of Jesus' earthly ministry and his exaltation as Lord and Christ, seated at the right hand of God.
The ascension is detailed in both Luke and Acts, ascribed to Luke the Evangelist. The accounts present the same event but with different chronologies, leading to various interpretations. While Acts describes the ascension forty days after the resurrection, the gospel places it on the same day. Despite the chronological discrepancies, the Feast of the Ascension is a significant day of celebration and reflection for Christians, remembering Jesus' ascension and his promise to return.
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The altar is stripped bare, along with all other altars in the church except the Altar of Repose
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is a Christian feast day commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, the night he was betrayed. It is a solemn observance of Christ's institution of the priesthood and the sacrament of Holy Communion before his arrest and crucifixion.
On this day, a special Mass is held in Cathedral Churches, attended by many priests of the diocese. This Mass is called the 'Chrism Mass', where the bishop blesses the Oil of Chrism used for Baptism and Confirmation. The bishop may also wash the feet of twelve priests, symbolising Christ washing the feet of his Apostles, the first priests.
The altar, along with all other altars in the church except the Altar of Repose, is stripped bare. The Altar of Repose is a temporary altar where the Communion hosts, consecrated on Maundy Thursday during the Mass of the Lord's Supper, are placed for use on Good Friday. The stripping of the altar symbolises the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples and his stripping by the soldiers before his crucifixion. In the past, this ceremony concluded the Holy Thursday Mass and was done ceremonially, accompanied by Psalm 22.
The Altar of Repose holds great significance in the Catholic Church. It is a place of reservation where Eucharistic adoration is encouraged. The Blessed Sacrament is available for Communion at the Good Friday service, after which it remains available as viaticum for the dying in a discreet location.
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Frequently asked questions
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is a Christian feast during Holy Week that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is also known as the Thursday of the Lord's Supper.
On Holy Thursday, there is a special Mass in Cathedral Churches attended by as many priests of the diocese as possible. The bishop blesses the Oil of Chrism used for Baptism and Confirmation and may wash the feet of twelve priests to symbolize Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.
Holy Thursday commemorates the institution of the priesthood and the sacrament of Holy Communion by Jesus Christ before his arrest and crucifixion. It is a solemn observance that also highlights the importance of service and the need for cleansing with water, as seen in the Mandatum.
