MSI Press Blog

  As Easter draws near, many Christians around the world pause on the Thursday before to observe a holy and deeply moving day: Maundy Thursday. It’s a day rich in history, ritual, and spiritual reflection. But where does the name come from? And how do different Christian traditions mark this solemn occasion? Let’s explore the meaning of Maundy Thursday—and end with a reminder of the simple beauty at its heart. The Curious Name: What Does "Maundy" Mean? The term Maundy comes from the Latin word “mandatum” , meaning “commandment.” It refers to Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, when He told his disciples: “A new commandment I give you: that you love one another, as I have loved you.” —John 13:34 This commandment to love is at the center of Maundy Thursday. It’s the night Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, shared his final meal with them, and prepared to face betrayal, suffering, and ultimately, the cross. Who Uses the Term? While Maundy Thursday is most commonly used in Catho...

  And now begins the Triduum. Here is an excerpt about Maundy Thursday from Easter at the Mission .  What is Holy Thursday? Holy Thursday (or Holy Thursday) starts the Triduum (Latin for three days) with its evening Mass. The Triduum is a 3-day period at the end of Lent and includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Saturday vigil. Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper. That is when Jesus ate together for the last time with his 12 apostles (and during which Judas slipped out and betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver). Before eating supper with his apostles, Jesus washed their feet. The feet washing is also commemorated during the Holy Thursday Mass. Maundy , a term common to Protestant churches, is an old word used in England and France that meant “commandment” (Latin: mandatum ). It was called that because during the Last Supper, Jesus gave the apostles (us, too) a very important commandment: “A new commandant I give to you, that you love one another even as I have lo...