Maundy Thursday 2023: Date, History, Facts about Jesus

Christians observe Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper, annually on April 6, the Thursday preceding Easter. In various traditions, it is also known as Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries.

Maundy Thursday refers to Jesus’ foot-washing of the apostles prior to the Last Supper. Christians across the globe, particularly Catholics, observe the day with a special liturgy and prayers.

The word “Maundy” is an Anglo-French derivative of the Latin term “mandatum,” which means “commandment.”

The background of Maundy Thursday

Holy Thursday is part of holy week, a religious event that occurs between March 19 and April 22 according to a Church-adopted calendar. It includes the seven days preceding Easter Sunday. Christians around the world participate in special ceremonies and reenact rituals to commemorate the actions and words of Jesus Christ during his final week prior to his crucifixion.

Maundy Thursday is also known as Holy Thursday. The word ‘Maundy’ is derived from the Latin word’mandatum,’ which means’mandate,’ and signifies the new mandate (‘commandment’) Christ gave to his disciples instructing them to love one another. The current observance of Holy Thursday dates back to 1955, when Pope Pius XII reformed the liturgy of Holy Week.

Since Holy Thursday’s celebration in 1956, two church services have been conducted. The ‘Chrism Mass’ is typically celebrated in the morning. The bishop or cleric blesses the “Chrism” holy oils, which are used in sacraments such as baptism. The evening service is the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, during which the priest conducts the washing of feet rite in remembrance of Christ’s washing the feet of his 12 disciples. This ceremony did not initially include women, but in 1987 women in the United States were formally invited to participate. Since then, the range of participants has expanded.

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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT JESUS

Jesus was, according to a number of anthropologists, a typical Middle Eastern man with brown eyes, black hair, and olive complexion.

Jesus relished praying and being alone in the cave of Eremos.

Additionally, Matthew and Mark mention the “sisters of the Lord” in their gospels.

Jesus, Moses, and Elijah were the only ones who could endure 40 days of starvation.

His mother Mary and Mary Magdalene were among the first witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.

MAUNDY THURSDAY DATES