Maundy Thursday is a significant day in the Anglo-Catholic Church's liturgical calendar. It is the Thursday before Easter, and it commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and established the sacrament of the Eucharist.
The word "Maundy" is derived from the Latin word "mandatum," which means "commandment." During the Last Supper, Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them. The ceremony of washing the feet of the disciples symbolised the humility and love that Jesus had for his followers.
Maundy Thursday is also known as Holy Thursday, and it marks the beginning of the Triduum, the three days leading up to Easter Sunday. The Triduum is a time for us to reflect on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Maundy Thursday is typically celebrated with a special liturgy, which includes the washing of feet
Another significant aspect of Maundy Thursday is the tradition of the "stripping of the altars." After the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession to the Altar of Repose, which is the Garden of Gethsemane. Here Jesus is joined by us in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. After this, the altars are stripped of all their adornments, candles, and cloths, leaving them bare. This symbolises the stripping away of Jesus' dignity and the events that led to his crucifixion.
Maundy Thursday Mass 2023