Holy Thursday

The altar of repose at FSSP Sacramento

Today the Sacred Triduum commences. On this day we commemorate the institution of the Blessed Eucharist and the priestly ordination of the Apostles, and because of the joy of these events, the liturgy of the day has the aspect of celebration. White vestments are worn and the Gloria is said, and during it the bells are rung for the last time until the Easter Vigil. At the conclusion of Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is removed from the tabernacle and taken to an altar of repose to be adored by the faithful, and the altars are stripped.

The empty tabernacle after the procession to the altar of repose and the stripping of the altars at FSSP Minneapolis

Today’s Gospel recalls the washing of the Apostles’ feet by Our Lord, and His command to them to do likewise. The ceremonies of the day include the traditional washing of feet, during which the celebrant, in imitation of Our Lord, washes the feet of twelve clerics, altar servers or men of the congregation.

Ante diem festum Paschæ, sciens Jesus, quia venit hora ejus, ut tránseat ex hoc mundo ad Patrem; cum dilexísset suos, qui erant in mundo, in finem diléxit eos.

Before the festival day of the Pasch, Jesus knowing that His hour was come, that He should pass out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them unto the end.

– John 13:1

March 29, 2018