Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday History

Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples before his crucifixion, marking the institution of the Holy Eucharist. This observance is important in the liturgical calendar as it begins the Triduum, the three-day period leading up to Easter Sunday, characterised by fasting, prayer, and penance. The title 'Maundy' is derived from the Latin word 'mandatum', meaning 'command', referring to the command Jesus gave his followers at the Last Supper to love and serve one another.

The practice of Holy Thursday can be traced back to early Christian communities. Its observance varies across Christian denominations and cultural contexts. In Canada, with Christianity being the major religion, many Canadians revere this day as a critical juncture in the Jesus Christ’s journey, asserting the values of service, humility, and brotherly love. Apart from religious implications, Holy Thursday has a cultural impact as many art forms, literature, music, and drama have parts of the Last Supper and subsequent events as their themes.

In Canada, Holy Thursday is typically observed by those of the Christian faith through religious services and rituals. The Maundy Thursday worship service often includes the washing of feet, following the example of Jesus Christ, and a ceremony called 'stripping the altar', symbolizing the abandonment of Jesus by his disciples. The day occurs as part of the Holy Week, the last week of Lent, preceding Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday, which in Canada, as elsewhere, is a moveable feast based on the cycle of the moon, and can take place anytime between March 19 and April 22.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Holy Thursday in Canada

• Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, serves as the solemn opening of the Paschal Triduum and marks a significant transition for many Canadians as they prepare for the first major long weekend of the spring season.
• While Good Friday is a statutory holiday across the country, Holy Thursday remains a regular business day in all provinces and territories, meaning that schools, government offices, and retail outlets typically maintain their standard operating hours.
• Many Christian congregations in Canada observe the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the evening, which commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and often features the ceremonial Washing of the Feet to symbolize humble service.
• In various dioceses, the Chrism Mass is held on this day, where a bishop blesses the holy oils that will be used for sacraments such as baptisms and ordinations throughout the upcoming year.
• The term "Maundy" is derived from the Latin mandatum, referring to the "new commandment" given by Jesus to love one another, a theme that frequently inspires charitable drives and community volunteer efforts across Canada during this week.
• Following the evening liturgy, many churches perform the Stripping of the Altar, where all ornaments, cloths, and candles are removed to reflect the desolation and abandonment experienced by Jesus prior to his crucifixion.
• For many Canadian families, this day is a peak time for travel and grocery shopping, as major retailers and liquor stores are commonly closed on the following Friday and Sunday.
• Some communities participate in the ancient Service of Tenebrae, or "service of shadows," which uses the gradual extinguishing of candles to create a somber atmosphere of reflection before the events of the Easter weekend.
• In the Filipino-Canadian community, some observers may participate in the tradition of Visita Iglesia, which involves visiting seven different churches on the evening of Holy Thursday to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.
• Because it marks the end of the 40-day Lenten fast in many traditions, it is common for families to host a Holy Thursday Supper featuring lamb or symbolic spring vegetables before entering the more restrictive fasting period of Good Friday.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Holy Thursday

Top things to do in Canada 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.
• Join the Seven Churches Visitation: Traditionally after the Holy Thursday service, some people take a pilgrimage to visit seven churches. This custom is practised by many Christians, especially among Catholics, to commemorate the Seven Last Words of Jesus.
• Practice Silent Prayer Vigils: Many churches in Canada hold silent prayer vigils that last into the night on Holy Thursday. This is done to replicate the Apostles' stay in the Garden of Gethsemane with Jesus the night before his crucifixion.