Maundy Thursday for Western Christians (14/04)

Holy Thursday, also called Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday, — Thursday of Holy Week (the last six days of Lent preceding Easter), the first day of Easter celebrations (Easter Triduum). On this day, the Last Supper and the establishment by Jesus Christ of the sacrament of the Eucharist — of Holy Communion are remembered.

And when they were eating, Jesus took the bread and, having blessed it, broke it and, distributing it to the disciples, said: Accept, eat: This is My Body. And taking the cup and giving thanks, he gave it to them and said: Drink everything from it, for this is My Blood of the New Testament, poured out for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:26-27)

In the morning, a special mass of consecration of the world is celebrated by bishops in cathedrals. Priests during this mass renew the vows they made at ordination.

In the evening, a mass of remembrance of the Last Supper is celebrated, during which priests perform a rite of washing the feet of parishioners.

Then (Jesus) poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the feet of the disciples and wipe them with the towel with which he was girded. He approaches Simon Peter, and he says to Him: «Lord! Should you wash my feet?». Jesus answered him: «What I do, now you do not know, but understand after». (Gospel of John 13:5-7)

During this mass after the hymn «Glory in the highest to God», the organ and bells that are not used until Easter are silent.

The Holy Gifts (Bread and Wine) are carried in procession through the temple to a place prepared in one of the chapels, where they are kept until the next day, which symbolizes the arrest and detention of Christ. The procession is led by a minister with a cross, and ministers with a censer and candles walk in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

After Maundy Thursday, the consecration of Bread and Wine is not performed until Easter Eve, and Holy Gifts consecrated on Maundy Thursday are used for communion.

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