Mass of the Lord's Supper

Origins and history

The practice began in late fourth-century Jerusalem, where believers honored the Passion events at their original locations. Rome later adopted similar customs, initially focusing on reconciling penitents before Easter. By the seventh century, Roman celebrations included specific masses for the Lord's Supper and reconciliation. Over time, these merged into a single evening service. Pope Pius V restricted evening masses in the sixteenth century, moving the celebration to morning. Pope Pius XII restored the evening timing in the mid-twentieth century. The foot-washing ritual was also formalized during this historical evolution.

Liturgical structure

The service starts with an empty tabernacle. Readings include Exodus describing the Passover, Psalm 115, Corinthians recounting the Last Supper, and John detailing the foot washing. A homily explains the core themes. The priest then washes the feet of several participants, usually twelve. The Nicene Creed is omitted. Special prayers recall the Last Supper. Consecrated hosts are prepared for Good Friday. These hosts are not stored in the main tabernacle but are processed to an altar of repose. Bells remain silent after the Gloria until the Easter Vigil.

Altar stripping

Churches traditionally remove decorations to prepare for Good Friday. Altars are often draped in black paraments. Flowers and candles are taken away. Images may be veiled in black or purple. In some traditions, the altar is left bare to symbolize the cross's humiliation. This act occurs at the conclusion of the liturgy. The practice varies slightly among denominations. Lutherans leave the altar bare until Easter. Anglicans remove all linens and appointments. Catholics historically performed this with specific psalms, though modern rites simplify the process.

Byzantine tradition

Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches celebrate The Mystical Supper. This service often occurs earlier in the day. It combines Vespers with the Divine Liturgy. Readings focus on Moses, Job, and Isaiah. The Gospel includes accounts of the Last Supper and foot washing. A unique hymn replaces standard communion verses. The Washing of the Feet is frequently performed afterward. Priests wash the feet of congregation members. The service concludes with prayers and hymns inviting the faithful to partake in Christ's hospitality.

How Mass of the Lord's Supper is kept

The priest leads the congregation through scripture readings and a homily. He then washes the feet of selected individuals, typically twelve people representing the apostles. After the main prayer, consecrated bread is processed to a side altar. Bells are silenced. Churches strip altars of decorations. Some communities visit multiple churches to pray at each altar of repose.

When and where

It falls on the evening of Maundy Thursday. This date follows Holy Week and precedes Good Friday. The timing marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum.

The custom originated in Jerusalem. It spread to Rome and other Christian centers. Today it is observed globally by various Christian denominations. The Philippines is noted for its specific devotional practices related to this service.

What Mass of the Lord's Supper means

The service highlights the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. It emphasizes Jesus' commandment of brotherly love demonstrated through foot washing. Stripping the altars symbolizes the desolation of the cross. The transfer of the Eucharist to the altar of repose represents Jesus' retreat before his passion.

Questions people ask about Mass of the Lord's Supper

See also

Yom KippurThe holiest day in Judaism, dedicated to fasting, prayer and atonementRosh HashanahThe Jewish New Year marked by shofar horn blasts, prayer and sweet foodsMuharramThe sacred opening month of the Islamic year, observed through remembrance and fastingTashlikhA Jewish new year rite of casting sins into flowing water, kept by the waterside

Good reading and sources

• Mass of the Lord's Supper on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-07.