It’s Maundy Thursday; solemn rites observed
Catholic Church leaders traditionally observe Maundy Thursday with the holding of the Chrism Mass and the renewal of priestly vows. Archbishops and bishops across the country, together with the priests in their respective archdioceses and dioceses, will celebrate the symbolic Chrism Mass as a manifestation of the unity of the priests with their bishop.
A tradition rooted in the early Church, rites will include the blessing by the bishop of the three oils which will be used in the administration of the sacraments of the diocese for the year – the oil of catechumens to be used for the administration of the sacrament of baptism, the oil of infirm for the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, and the holy chrism for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and holy orders.
The renewal of priestly vows has also been incorporated into the Chrism Mass, which is usually preceded by a morning
prayer.
Blessing of holy oils
In Rome, Pope Francis will bless the holy oils at the St.Peter’s Basilica at 9:30 a.m. (4:30 p.m. Manila time) during a special mass.
The Paschal Triduum, a three-day tradition, begins tonight and culminates with the evening prayer on the night of Black Saturday during the Easter Vigil.
In the afternoon or early evening, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper that includes the re-enactment of the Washing of the Feet (Pedilavium), will be held, wherein a priest, following the homily, will wash the feet of 12 individuals in commemoration of Jesus’ perfect display of humility and servant hood at the start of the Last Supper. A procession taking the Blessed Sacrament (Holy Host) to the Altar of Repose will also be held.
Veiled in purple
In all Catholic churches and chapels, all the images will be veiled in purple. According to Fr. Genaro O. Diwa, director of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commis- sion, the images will remain veiled until the start of the Easter Vigil at night on Black Saturday.
“The altar cross, if it is not the cross to be used for the veneration on Good Friday, must also be veiled. The processional cross must be placed beside the altar,” Diwa said.
The shrouding of the images is commonly done in many parishes after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday. “The veiling in purple serves to remind the faithful of the solemnity of the Holy Week and to help avoid distractions,” said the Catholic Culture.
Confessional services will be extended to allow more churchgoers to go to confession.
Visita Iglesia
Catholics will also observe today the Visita Iglesia, a visit to seven churches as a pilgrimage or to 14 churches to pray the Way of the Cross, praying one station in each church.
Some will also visit the adoration chapel during the hours of adoration from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight following the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
‘Maundy’
“Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum,” which means command and has reference to the commandment that Jesus taught His apostles during the Last Supper. He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another just as I have loved you. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”