Understanding the Day
Season
Passiontide
Week
Week 2 of Passiontide
Rank
Weekday
Holy Thursday (Feria V in Cena Domini) falls within Passiontide, the final days of Lent when the Church focuses on Christ’s suffering and the events leading to his death and resurrection. As a “Greater Privileged Feria,” this weekday celebration has a higher liturgical importance than ordinary weekdays: the Mass and liturgy are treated with greater solemnity, and specific rites mark the day’s unique character. Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, when Jesus gave the Eucharist and washed his disciples’ feet, initiating the priesthood and the sacrament of Holy Communion. There is no octave or vigil attached in this entry, but the day is closely linked to the unfolding of the Paschal Triduum (the three-day Paschal celebration culminating in Easter).
Introit (Daily Prayer)
Gal 6:14.
But it behooves us to glory in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ: in Whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection; by whom we are saved and delivered.
Ps. 66. 2
May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may He cause the light of His countenance to shine upon us; and may He have mercy on us.
But it behooves us to glory in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ: in Whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection; by whom we are saved and delivered.
But it behooves us to glory in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ: in Whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection; by whom we are saved and delivered.
Ps. 66. 2
May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may He cause the light of His countenance to shine upon us; and may He have mercy on us.
But it behooves us to glory in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ: in Whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection; by whom we are saved and delivered.
O God, from whom Judas received the punishment of his guilt, and the thief the reward of his confession: grant unto us the full fruit of Thy clemency; that even as in His Passion, our Lord Jesus Christ gave to each a retribution according to his merits, so having taken away our old sins, He may bestow upon us the grace of His Resurrection. Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
Who livest and reignest with God the Father…
Who livest and reignest with God the Father…
Weekly Prayer
Act of Faith
O my God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God in Three Divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
I believe that Thy Divine Son became Man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.
I believe that Thy Divine Son became Man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.
Weekly Formation
Beatitude 6
The Beatitudes
Blessed are the pure of heart; for they shall see God.
Purity of heart is singleness of purpose before God, together with purity in thought, desire, word, and deed. A heart cleansed from divided and sinful attachments is made capable of knowing God more clearly and seeing Him in glory.
Saint & Feast
Principal celebrationCalendar title
Holy Thursday
A biography or feast reflection has not yet been prepared.
Customs & Fasting
Traditional fast
Traditional Lenten fast.
Today in Church History
Election of Pope Sylvester II
999PapalGerbert of Aurillac was elected Pope Sylvester II on April 2, 999. Known for his scholarly achievements, he was the first French pope and promoted the study of mathematics and astronomy.
Pope Sylvester II's dedication to learning highlights the harmony between faith and reason.
Death of Saint Francis of Paola
1507FoundingSaint Francis of Paola, founder of the Order of Minims, died on April 2, 1507. Known for his humility and piety, he was canonized in 1519 by Pope Leo X.
Saint Francis of Paola's life exemplifies the virtues of humility and service.
Death of Pope John Paul II
2005PapalPope John Paul II, who served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005, passed away on April 2, 2005. His papacy was marked by efforts to improve the Church's relations with Judaism, Islam, and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Catechism
Catechism of the Catholic Church
At the heart of Christian faith is Christ’s unique sacrifice: the Paschal sacrifice that brings definitive redemption and restores us to communion with God. Jesus freely offered his life in love and obedience to the Father, fulfilling the mission of the suffering Servant, atoning for our sins, and making many righteous. His sacrifice is the source of eternal salvation, for he died for all and loved us “to the end.” As we reflect together, we can remember that salvation begins with God’s loving initiative, revealed in Christ reconciling the world to himself. Jesus also calls his disciples to take up their cross and follow him, inviting them to share, in the way known to God, in the mystery of his Paschal sacrifice.
The Church’s missionary mandate is rooted in the eternal love of the Most Holy Trinity and continues Christ’s mission of bringing the Gospel to all nations. This mission is a journey of love, shaped by Christ’s way of poverty, obedience, service, and self-sacrifice. As the Church faces human weakness and divisions among Christians, she is called to penance, renewal, and efforts toward unity. She also enters into respectful dialogue with those who do not yet accept the Gospel, recognizing the elements of truth and grace present among peoples. With patience, the Church proclaims the Good News, helps form Christian communities, and seeks to share in the renewal of human society in Christ, so that all may be drawn into the family of God.
¶ 618
The cross is the unique sacrifice of Christ, the "one mediator between God and men". But because in his incarnate divine person he has in some way united himself to every man, "the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery" is offered to all men. He calls his disciples to "take up [their] cross and follow (him)", for "Christ also suffered for (us), leaving (us) an example so that (we) should follow in his steps." In fact Jesus desires to associate with his redeeming sacrifice those who were to be its first beneficiaries. This is achieved supremely in the case of his mother, who was associated more intimately than any other person in the mystery of his redemptive suffering. Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.