History of Maundy Thursday in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 14, 2024

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is a significant day in Holy Week that commemorates two pivotal events in Christian tradition: the Washing of the Feet (Maundy) and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his Apostles, as narrated in the canonical gospels. This day is observed by Christians worldwide and holds deep religious significance as it marks the establishment of the Eucharist and Jesus' act of humble service through foot washing.

1911: 1911 Catholic Encyclopedia uses 'Maundy Thursday'

An article in the 1911 Catholic Encyclopedia referred to the day as 'Maundy Thursday', a term that some Catholic writers continue to use.

1945: 1945 Bombing of Manila and Visita Iglesia

The tradition of Visita Iglesia in the Philippines, involving visits to churches to pray and recite the Stations of the Cross, originated in visiting the seven churches of Intramuros, which stood until the 1945 Bombing of Manila.

1955: Use of the term 'Cœna' before 1955 decree

In documents predating the 1955 decree Maxima redemptionis, the term 'Cœna' was used in place of 'Cena' for 'Thursday of the Supper of the Lord'.

1965: 1965 Methodist Book of Worship terminology

The 1965 Methodist Book of Worship for Church and Home uses the term 'Maundy Thursday'.

1967: 1967 Chrism Mass restoration

In 1967, Pope Paul VI restored the Chrism Mass, a rite from the early 200s, emphasizing the bishop's priesthood and the closeness of priests with him.

1970: 1970 Roman Missal and altar stripping

The 1970 Roman Missal of the Catholic Church included a ceremonial stripping of the altar, accompanied by Psalms 21–22, a practice also seen in Lutheran and Anglo-Catholic churches, representing Jesus' abandonment and stripping by soldiers.

1979: 1979 Book of Common Prayer and chrism consecration

The 1979 Book of Common Prayer calls for chrism to be consecrated by the bishop during Holy Week, often at a service of reaffirmation of ordination vows.

1992: 1992 Methodist Book of Worship terminology

The 1992 Book of Worship uses the term 'Holy Thursday', showing a shift in terminology within the United Methodist Church.

2008: 2008 Royal Maundy service in Northern Ireland

In 2008, the Royal Maundy service took place for the first time in Northern Ireland at Armagh Cathedral, marking a significant event in the service's history.

2012: 2012 abolition of privilege leave in the UK

In 2012, UK Prime Minister David Cameron abolished the traditional half-day holiday for civil servants on Maundy Thursday, known as 'privilege leave'.