Mandatum

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The Latin word for "commandment", is mandatum.

Jesus gives his disciples a new commandment...

"Love one another, as I have loved you."  

~ John 13:34

The Holy Triduum begins on Holy Thursday.  At the Holy Mass of the Lord's Supper, the Washing of the Feet takes place.  The priest will humbly wash and kiss the feet of twelve selected men; these men are representing the twelve disciples.  (I don't know why, but I tear every time I see this...it is so humbling and beautiful and I can just imagine Jesus and His disciples and everything...It is powerful.)

We have just celebrated three pillars of the Church:

1.  The Sacrament of Holy Communion
2.  The Priesthood
3.  The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday ends with the removal of the Body of Christ from the main tabernacle within the church.  The Sacred Host (Communion Hosts) are placed in the Altar of Repose until the Mass of the Pre-sanctified, on Good Friday.  There is no Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Good Friday.  Anywhere.

The Altar is stripped bare.  The bells are now silent.

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Until the Easter Vigil, on Holy Saturday...

Thursday is also when I visit Like Mother, Like Daughter to find more contentment...

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Today is also the quasi-anniversary date of my little blog.  The actual date is April 21st, but it was on a Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday that I wrote my first post...four years ago.

I re-dedicate this blog to Our Mother, Mary and her Son.  May she guide us and protect us always, and may Christ, Our Savior, be glorified now and forever.

A Blessed & Joyful Easter to All!

~ Triduum Sacrum ~ Part One: Holy Thursday

Washing of the Feet

I just love this picture...look how humble St. Peter looks...



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As mentioned here, during Holy Week, all statues of saints, religious art and crucifixes are covered in purple cloth...a sobering atmosphere.

Preparation at home is not as dramatic, but we do cover a few items to emphasize Holy Week and the beginning of the Triduum Sacrum.
The following pictures were taken at my parish on Holy Thursday...

The Tomb of Jesus

Preparing the Altar for Holy Mass of the Lord's Supper...

Washing of Feet...

This year, my husband and son organized several of the altar servers to be "the Twelve".  Those that serve our pastor...were served.  It was very moving.
These young men will be traveling to Rome...pray for vocations!

 

 "He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

 

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

 

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

 

 

Procession and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament...

 HOLY THURSDAY:  commemorating the day Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist and Holy Priesthood...

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