Holy Thursday
On Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord's Supper was celebrated in the evening because the Passover began at sundown.
This was a joyful Mass, as we recalled the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. The priests wore white vestments, the altar was filled with flowers, the Gloria was sung and the bells were rung.
The Liturgy of the Mass included the Washing of the Feet.
After the Communion Prayer, there was no final blessing.
The Holy Eucharist was carried in procession through the Church and then transferred into a place of reposition upstairs, the Altar of Repose.
The Holy Eucharist was carried in procession through the Church and then transferred into a place of reposition upstairs, the Altar of Repose.
After the Mass, the altar was stripped bare, crosses were removed or covered. The churches remained open for silent adoration, to answer Christ's invitation "Could you not, then, watch one hour with me?" (Matt 26:40)