Holy Thursday at Cathedral

The Mass of the Lord's Supper which was celebrated on Thursday of Holy Week is the beginning of the three most solmen days on the Church's calendar...called...the sacred Triduum (which means 3 days).

The Triduum is celebrated as one continuous liturgy and culminates on the Vigil of Easter, Holy Saturday night, when new members are baptized and initiated in the Church.

On Holy Thursday the Church commemorates the farewell supper of Jesus as he instituted the Eucharist (Holy Communion).

The principal Mass at the Cathedral of St. John included the ceremonial foot washing by the celebrant, Most Rev. Richard Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland, in remembrance of the example Jesus set---and instructed his apostles to follow---as an act of humility.

Holy Thursday is also known as "Maundy Thursday" in reference to the "Maundatum" which is the command given by Jesus to his apostles when washing their feet, "What I have done, you must also do."