Holy Week Observances In Full Swing with Holy Thursday

SAN ANGELO, TX — The pinnacle of the Christian calendar is the observance of Easter celebrating the resurrection of Christ and for Roman Catholics, the week includes Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.

According to Catholic Online, Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion. It also commemorates His institution of the priesthood. The holy day falls on the Thursday before Easter and is part of Holy Week. Jesus celebrated the dinner as a Passover feast. Christ would fulfill His role as the Christian victim of the Passover for all to be saved by His final sacrifice.

The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his Disciples in Jerusalem. During the meal, Jesus predicts his betrayal.

The central observance of Holy Thursday is the ritual reenactment of the Last Supper at Mass. This event is celebrated at every Mass, as party of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but it is specially commemorated on Holy Thursday.

He also establishes the special priesthood for his disciples, which is distinct from the "priesthood of all believers." Christ washed the feet of his Disciples, who would become the first priests.

This establishment of the priesthood reenacted at Mass with the priest washing the feet of several parishioners.

During the Passover meal, Jesus breaks bread and gives it to his Disciples, uttering the words, "This is my body, which is given for you." Subsequently, he passes a cup filled with wine. He then says, "This is my blood..." It is believed those who eat of Christ's flesh and blood shall have eternal life.

Holy Week began last Sunday which is Palm Sunday commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem.  Good Friday is the day Jesus was crucified and Easter Sunday is the celebration of the resurrection.

There are many annual observances of Easter in the San Angelo Area.  

On Good Friday, Bishop Michael Sis will lead the Way of the Cross procession starting at St. Margaret’s Church on Era St.  at 1 p.m.