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Join the global Christian community on March 28 to observe Holy Thursday, a day marked by deep spiritual significance and unity. This auspicious day commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus Christ broke bread with his disciples, symbolizing his body, and shared wine, representing his blood, thereby instituting the sacrament of the Eucharist. Held on the Thursday before Easter, it is a day for love, humility, and reflections about service to others. Holy Thursday offers us the opportunity to cast our eyes back to more than 2000 years and vividly experience a defining moment in Christian history. So let's embrace this day with faith, love, and remembrance.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>33 AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The Last Supper</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Last Supper, as per the New Testament, where Jesus Christ shared his last meal with his disciples is held. This event forms the central theme of Holy Thursday's observance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>300s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Church Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Early Christian churches commence the observance of Maundy Thursday, recognizing Jesus' commandment of love and service during the Last Supper.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>700s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Washing of Feet Ritual</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ritual of washing the feet, symbolic of Christ washing his disciples' feet, emerged as a significant part of Maundy Thursday services.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1200s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Institution of Eucharist Depicted in Art</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the middle ages, Holy Thursday observances fuel a surge in religious art depicting the Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1955</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Revised Holy Week Liturgies</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pope Pius XII issues a decree revising the liturgies of Holy Week, which specifically impacted the ceremonies held on Holy Thursday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Observances Amid Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, communities worldwide adapt to virtual observances of Holy Thursday, reinforcing unity in challenging times.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Recreate the Last Supper</h3><p class='facts-text'>Gather with your family and friends over a special meal that represents the Last Supper. Discuss what this sacred event means to you and have a moment of silence to reflect on its impact on human history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit a different church</h3><p class='facts-text'>Step outside of your comfort zone and attend service at a different denomination's church. This could be a meaningful way to experience the breadth of the Christian faith and gain a new perspective.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Perform acts of service</h3><p class='facts-text'>Holy Thursday is a day for reflecting on our service to others. Consider volunteering at a local shelter, visiting the elderly at a nursing home, or preparing food for people in need.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create art inspired by the Last Supper</h3><p class='facts-text'>Art is a beautiful mode of expression. Drawing, painting, or creating other forms of art that are inspired by the Last Supper could serve as a form of meditation and reflection on the meaning of Holy Thursday.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Compose a prayer or poem</h3><p class='facts-text'>Writing a prayer or poem that centers around the themes of Holy Thursday could be a meaningful personal experience. Later, you might share this with your family or church community as a way to share your faith.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Allows for Deep Spiritual Reflection</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Holy Thursday is a day for contemplation and reflection, allowing Christians to engage more deeply with their faith. This day encourages the remembrance of Jesus Christ's last supper and the humility He demonstrated, drawing us closer to the heart of the Christian faith.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Fosters Unity and Love</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Holy Thursday, people come together in prayer, communion and shared meals, fostering a sense of unity and love. It's a time to share experiences, stories, and the blessings of life, while demonstrating love and service to others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Emphasizes Service to Others</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The observation of Holy Thursday includes acts of service, reflecting Jesus's teaching of serving others. Whether it's volunteering in a community project, helping those in need, or simply being there for someone, this day prompts us to put the needs and concerns of others before our own, promoting a sense of community and shared humanity.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There's a Name for the Washing of the Feet</h3><p class='facts-content'>On Holy Thursday, the Washing of Feet ceremony is often called the "Mandatum," a term deriving from the Latin phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis" which means "A new commandment I give unto you," according to John's Gospel.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Holy Oils are Blessed on this Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many Christian denominations, Holy Thursday is also the day when bishops consecrate sacred oils - chrism, oil of catechumens, and oil of the sick - for use throughout the forthcoming year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Holy Thursday Begins the Triduum</h3><p class='facts-content'>Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Sacred Paschal Triduum, the final three days of Holy Week that lead up to Easter Sunday. The Triduum also includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Betrayal of Judas is Also Remembered </h3><p class='facts-content'>Following the Last Supper, Jesus was betrayed by Judas, one of his disciples. This event is also remembered on Holy Thursday, adding a poignant note to the commemorations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Church Bells Go Silent After the Mass</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many traditions, church bells that ring at the close of the Maundy Thursday Mass will not ring again until the Easter Vigil, symbolizing the solemnity of the events remembered during the Triduum.</p></div></div>
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