The Mass of the Lord's Supper which is celebrated in the evening on the Thursday of Holy Week is the beginning of the three most solemn days on the Church's calendar . . . called . . . the sacred Triduum ( which means 3 days) (pronounced - TRIH - do-umm).
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.
Holy Thursday is always the Thursday before Easter on which the Church commemorates the farewell supper of Jesus as he instituted the Eucharist (Holy Communion).
The principal Mass is celebrated in the evening and often includes a ceremonial foot washing in remembrance of the example Jesus set - - and instructed his apostles to follow - - as an act of humility.
