Maundy Thursday Celebrated Today

This is Maundy Thursday in the United States, and it is celebrated with services in many Christian churches. Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday, commemorates the institution of the Eucharist, a Christian sacrament that involves consecrating bread and wine. The term “Maundy” derives from the Latin word for “commandment.” The New Testament in the Bible describes events that took place on Holy Thursday. These events include Jesus washing his disciples’ feet and the Last Supper before he was arrested. Many Maundy Thursday church traditions come from practices that took place in Europe for many centuries.

Some priests or ministers wash parishioners’ feet in memory of the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.