Holy Thursday is also called
Maundy Thursday. Maundy comes from the Latin word
mandatum, which means commandment, reflecting Jesus' words, "I give you a new commandment, that you
love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another" (
John 13:34). In the early Christian Church, Maundy Thursday was celebrated with a general communion of clergy and people. Since 1956, Maundy Thursday has been observed with a morning liturgy for the
consecration of the Holy Oils for the coming year and an evening liturgy in commemoration of the
Institution of the Eucharist, with a general communion. The ritual of the
washing of feet is performed by the celebrant, who washes and kisses the feet of twelve people in memory of Christ's washing the feet of his disciples. During the evening liturgy, the hosts are consecrated for the communion on
Good Friday. After the conclusion of the Mass, the faithful accompany Jesus on a procession from the Church to an
altar of repose where our Lord's sacred Body is placed until midnight.
Lord, grant us the grace to abide in You through frequent and active participation in the Holy Eucharist. May Your example of service teach us to reach out to our brethren in humble service.
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