This year, Maundy Thursday falls on April 13. It commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. This is a solemn occasion, marked by the shadow of Jesus’ betrayal. The word “Maundy” is derived from the Latin word for “command.” It refers to the command Jesus gave to the disciples at the Supper, to love with humility by serving one another and to remember his sacrifice. Here are seven things to know about this important celebration.
1. Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is the day on which Catholics commemorate the institution of three pillars of the Catholic faith: the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the priesthood, and the Mass.
2. During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and wine, and asked his Father to bless it. He broke the bread into pieces and gave it to the disciples and said, “This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” He then took the wine, shared it with the apostles and said, “This wine is the token of God’s new covenant to save you, an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you.” By doing this, he instituted the Communion.
3. By saying “Do this in remembrance of Me,” Jesus instituted the Mass and made the apostles the first priests.
4. Every Holy Thursday the priests of each diocese gather with their bishop to consecrate holy oils. These oils are used throughout the year for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the Anointing of the Sick. This practice is known as the Chrism Mass.
5. Besides the Chrism Mass, there is only one other mass on Holy Thursday: the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, celebrated after sundown. It is attended by as many priests of the diocese that can attend, to observe the institution of priesthood. The Bishop washes the feet of twelve of the priests, to symbolize Christ’s washing the feet of his disciples.
6. Before the Last Supper, which is believed to have been a Passover meal, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet as an act of humility and service, setting an example that we should love and serve one another in humility.
7. The mass on Maundy Thursday ends with the removal of the Body of Christ from the tabernacle in the main body of the church. It is carried in procession to another place where it’s kept overnight to be distributed on Good Friday, during the commemoration of the Passion of Christ. After the procession, the altar is stripped bare, and all bells in the church are silent until the Gloria at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.
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