Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday History

Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, commemorates two important events: the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles and the institution of the Eucharist - the ritual of Holy Communion in the Christian faith. It serves as a reminder of Jesus’s teachings on love and service, symbolised through His act of washing the feet of His disciples.

The observance of Holy Thursday dates back to early Christian times and has evolved considerably over the centuries. In Australia, which has a diverse Christian population, Holy Thursday holds a significant place. As it falls in the Australian autumn, it sometimes coincides with Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance that pays tribute to all Australians who served and died in war. On such occasions, church services often acknowledge the shared themes of sacrifice, service, and love.

On Holy Thursday in Australia, many Christian churches host special services, including the traditional Maundy ceremony where the priest washes the feet of twelve people replicating Jesus’s actions. In St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, the day is marked with a solemn Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening. Traditional church bells are silenced and replaced with wooden clappers until the Easter vigil. Holy Thursday typically falls on the Thursday before Easter, the exact date varying annually depending on the Western Christian liturgical calendar.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Holy Thursday in Australia

• In Australia, Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, a three-day period that concludes the Lenten season and commemorates the most significant events in the life of Jesus Christ.
• While the day is not a public holiday in any state or territory, it typically serves as a peak period for travel and logistical planning as residents prepare for the four-day Easter long weekend.
• The term "Maundy" originates from the Latin word mandatum, referring to the "new commandment" to love one another that Jesus gave to his disciples during the Last Supper.
• Many Roman Catholic parishes across the country observe the Visitation of the Seven Churches, a traditional pilgrimage where the faithful visit seven different altars of repose on Thursday evening to pray in a practice that reflects the seven stops Jesus made during his arrest.
• During the morning Chrism Mass, bishops in major Australian dioceses bless the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Sacred Chrism, which are then distributed for use in sacraments throughout the year.
• The evening Mass of the Lord's Supper often features the Mandatum, a ritual where the priest washes the feet of twelve parishioners to symbolize humility and selfless service.
• As the final day before major retail and liquor restrictions take effect on Good Friday, Holy Thursday is often the busiest day of the year for local supermarkets and bottle shops.
• Commonwealth observers often follow the Royal Maundy service in the United Kingdom, where King Charles III distributes specially minted "Maundy money" to elderly recipients in a tradition dating back to at least the 13th century.
• Cultural communities within Australia, such as those with Kerala or Syrian heritage, traditionally prepare Pesaha appam, an unleavened bread served with a sweet coconut milk drink called Pesaha paal, to commemorate the evening.
• In many households, the day is synonymous with the final purchase of seasonal treats like traditional fruit or chocolate-flavored hot cross buns before bakers close for the Friday observance.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Holy Thursday

Top things to do in Australia for Holy Thursday

• Attend a Holy Thursday service. Some denominations, such as Roman Catholicism, require you to be a member to be given communion, but many Protestant Churches do not.
• Participate in a foot-washing service. This puts many people outside of their comfort zone. Washing someone else's feet is an intimate act, but it was the lowliest act that a slave in Israel performed. It demonstrates ability to love and serve others.
• Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney: Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum and several churches across Australia celebrate it with great reverence and solemnity. One can attend the Mass of Lord's Supper at the Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney.
• Take Part in Chrism Mass: In some Australian dioceses, this Mass may be held on Holy Thursday where the Bishop blesses the Oil of Chrism used for Baptism and Confirmation. It is one of the most solemn and important events in the liturgical year.