Holy Thursday

Because this is my first Holy Thursday as a Catholic, I decided to do a little research to find out what this special day is really about.

I have learned that this day celebrates the institution of the Eucharist and the sacrament of Ordination and begins the Paschal Triduum, a 3 day celebration of Christ's death and resurrection.

Jesus shared the last supper with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. In addition, Holy Thursday also celebrates the agony in the garden and the betrayal by Judus, both of these events also occurred the night before the crucifixion.

Traditions that are generally associated with Holy Thursday include:

-Reciting of the creed by Catechumens (the unbaptized elect) from memory;
-Washing of feet; and
-Reconciliation of penitents and the consecration of holy oil.

There are numerous references to Holy Thursday in the Holy Bible including: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13; 1 Corinthians 11:22-34. Holy Thursday traditions are derived from all four of the above gospels.