MAUNDY THURSDAY

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper celebrated by Jesus during which the Sacrament of Holy Communion was established.

The word "Maundy" comes from the Latin "mandatum" which means "commandment."

Mass is celebrated during the evening of Maundy Thursday during which twelve members of the parish have their feet washed by the priest. This recalls Jesus washing the feet of his own disciples.

It is also the day that the chrism (holy oils) are consecrated by a Bishop from the Diocese. The chrism is used in all the churches in his Diocese for baptisms and confirmations throughout the year.

Maundy Thursday begins the Easter Tridium, the period which commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus and includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday ending on Easter Sunday.