Holy Thursday – Love one another
Holy Thursday marks the end of Lent and the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the three days that celebrate the paschal event, and that newness of life which flows from the crucified, buried and risen Christ.
Holy Thursday is sometimes also called Maundy Thursday. The word “maundy” is derived from the Latin word mandatum, which means mandate. This refers to the new commandment or mandate that the Lord gave to us: “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
At the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, we hear once again the singing of the Gloria after its absence throughout the season of Lent. The original Holy Thursday was when the first Mass was held. The day celebrates three important mysteries:
- The institution of the Eucharist
- The institution of the priesthood
- Christ’s command of brotherly love
During the liturgy of the Eucharist, the words of consecration are uttered for the last time until the Easter Vigil. At the end of the Mass, there is no concluding prayer, the Blessed Sacrament is placed in a ciborium and processed to the side altar, symbolising Christ’s journey to the Garden of Gethsemane, which we accompany him. The Tabernacle is empty and the altar is stripped.
After Holy Thursday, no Mass will be celebrated again in the Church until the Easter Vigil celebrates and proclaims the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The washing of the feet, recalling Christ’s humble act of service before his passion. “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” (John 13:14–15)
The blessed oils – Oil of the Catechumens, Oil of the Sick, and Holy Chrism – consecrated during Chrism Mass to be used for the Sacraments in the Church throughout the year.
The Blessed Sacrament is reserved for adoration at the altar of Repose until midnight. “Could you not watch one hour?” (Matthew 14:27)
For more photos, please visit the following links:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UUjdtGUVGCaC07XOcORslr4aaz4ETOSD
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18STvB-9dcP1ejyB9N3ItMQOtOuUqN3x2