Maundy Thursday
The Last Supper, Jesus shares a final meal and institutes the Eucharist.
Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter, so it moves with the Easter date. In Western churches it falls between March 19 and April 22; Orthodox churches observe it before Orthodox Easter, often later.
When Is Maundy Thursday?
Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter, so it moves with the Easter date. In Western churches it falls between March 19 and April 22; Orthodox churches observe it before Orthodox Easter, often later.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus washed his disciples' feet and instituted the Eucharist. The word 'Maundy' comes from the Latin mandatum, the new commandment: love one another.
How It Is Observed
Mass with foot-washing ceremony, first Eucharist commemoration, stripping of the altar to bare wood, night watch in prayer.
Sacred Text
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
, John 13:34 ↗