Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, is of great significance in Christianity as it commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples before his crucifixion, marking the institution of the Holy Eucharist. This observance is important in the liturgical calendar as it begins the Triduum, the three-day period leading up to Easter Sunday, characterised by fasting, prayer, and penance. The title 'Maundy' is derived from the Latin word 'mandatum', meaning 'command', referring to the command Jesus gave his followers at the Last Supper to love and serve one another.

The practice of Holy Thursday can be traced back to early Christian communities. Its observance varies across Christian denominations and cultural contexts. In Canada, with Christianity being the major religion, many Canadians revere this day as a critical juncture in the Jesus Christ’s journey, asserting the values of service, humility, and brotherly love. Apart from religious implications, Holy Thursday has a cultural impact as many art forms, literature, music, and drama have parts of the Last Supper and subsequent events as their themes.

In Canada, Holy Thursday is typically observed by those of the Christian faith through religious services and rituals. The Maundy Thursday worship service often includes the washing of feet, following the example of Jesus Christ, and a ceremony called 'stripping the altar', symbolizing the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples. The day occurs as part of the Holy Week, the last week of Lent, preceding Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday, which in Canada, as elsewhere, is a movabable feast based on the cycle of the moon, and can take place anytime between March 19 and April 22.