• Name & Origin

    • From the Latin mandatum, “commandment,” recalling Jesus’ new commandment at the Last Supper: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).

    • Also called “Holy Thursday” in many traditions.

  • Place in Holy Week

    • Follows Spy Wednesday and precedes Good Friday.

    • Marks the beginning of the Paschal Triduum (three-day observance culminating in Easter).

  • Key Themes

    • Service & Humility: Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.

    • New Covenant/Eucharist: Institution of Holy Communion.

    • Betrayal Foretold: Jesus predicts Judas’s betrayal and Peter’s denial.

  • Common Liturgical Practices

    • Foot‑washing rite (especially in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches).

    • Eucharistic celebration with special solemnity.

    • Stripping of the altar at the end of the service symbolizes the abandonment of Jesus.

    • Watch at the Altar of Repose: many keep vigil in prayer, recalling Jesus in Gethsemane.

2. The Last Supper

  • Context & Setting

    • Took place on the evening of Nisan 14 in the Jewish calendar, as Jesus and His twelve disciples celebrated Passover.

  • Main Events

    1. Washing of Feet (John 13:1-17)

      • Jesus humbly washes each disciple’s feet, modeling servanthood.

    2. Institution of the Eucharist (Matt 26:26-29; Mark 14:22 25; Luke 22:14 20; 1 Cor 11:23 26)

      • Jesus blesses bread and wine, calling them His body and blood, and commands His followers to “do this in remembrance of me.”

    3. Prediction of Betrayal and Denial (John 13:18-38; Matt 26:20 25; Mark 14:17 21; Luke 22:21 23)

      • He identifies Judas Iscariot as the betrayer and warns Peter he will deny Him three times before dawn.

  • Theological Significance

    • New Covenant: Jesus’ sacrifice inaugurates a new relationship between God and humanity.

    • Sacramental Foundation: Basis for the Christian practice of Communion/Eucharist.

    • Model of Love and Service: The foot‑washing underscores humility and mutual care.

3. Traditions Around the World

  • Roman Catholic

    • Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper with foot‑washing of twelve persons.

    • Transference of the Blessed Sacrament to an “Altar of Repose” for adoration.

  • Orthodox Churches

    • They commemorate the Mystical Supper on Great and Holy Thursday, often with elaborate chanting and iconography.

  • Protestant Denominations

    • Many hold services focused on Communion and foot‑washing, or a combined “Tenebrae” service of readings and extinguishing candles.

Looking Ahead

  • Good Friday (April 18, 2025): Commemoration of Jesus’ crucifixion.

  • Holy Saturday (April 19, 2025): Vigil and anticipation.

  • Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025): Celebration of the Resurrection.