VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MARCH 28: Pope Francis arrives to conduct his first Chrism Mass inside St Peter's Basilica on the morning of Holy Thursday on March 28, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis is currently taking part in his first holy week as pontiff. The pope's first holy week will also incorporate him washing the feet of prisoners in a youth detention centre later today. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Maundy Thursday (also known as [deep breath]: Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, Sheer Thursday and Thursday of Mysteries) is the Christian holy day that always falls on the Thursday before Easter. The day is meant to celebrate the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is also the fifth day of Holy Week, preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday. Maundy Thursday’s mass or service of worship is typically held in the evening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRQ0qn7KQ8w
Jesus washed the disciples’ feet as an act of humility and service, thereby setting an example that we should love and serve one another in humility. Some Christian churches observe a foot-washing ceremony on Maundy Thursday to commemorate Jesus’ washing the feet of the disciples.
The word Maundy comes from the Latin word for “command.” The “Maundy” in “Maundy Thursday” refers to the command Jesus gave to the disciples at the Last Supper, that they should love and serve one another.
Celebrating Maundy Thursday is meant to commemorate Jesus and the Last Supper.
Several countries recognize Maundy Thursday as a public holiday, including: Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, Paraguay, the Philippines, Spain, Venezuela and in Kerala State of India.
Maundy Thursday Calendar:
2017 – April 13
2018 – March 29
2019 – April 18
2020 – April 9
