Great and Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday in Poland, is an important day in the Christian calendar, marking the beginning of the Easter Triduum, which includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday. It is a day when Christians remember the Last Supper, the washing of the feet, and the betrayal of Jesus.
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In Poland, Maundy Thursday is a day of fasting and prayer. The faithful attend mass, where they participate in the washing of the feet ceremony, which symbolizes Christ’s humility and service. It is customary for the priest to wash the feet of twelve people, representing the twelve apostles, just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper.
Another tradition on Holy Thursday is the washing of the feet ceremony, which symbolizes Christ’s humility and service. The priest washes the feet of twelve people, representing the twelve apostles, just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. The ceremony is usually performed during the evening mass.
In some parts of Poland, it is customary to visit seven churches on Holy Thursday. This tradition is called “church hopping” and involves visiting seven different churches to pray and reflect on the significance of the day.
Holy Thursday is also a day of fasting and abstinence in Poland. Many people choose to refrain from meat and other indulgences as a sign of penance and sacrifice. Holy Thursday is a day of solemnity and reflection for Christians in Poland. The various traditions and customs serve as reminders of the significance of the Last Supper and Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and encourage individuals to focus on humility, service, and prayer.
Holy Thursday is also dedicated to the priests
The institution of the Priesthood and the priests’ mission as mediators between God and a Man is also celebrated on Holy Thursday.
In Cathedral Churches, the so-called Chrism Mass takes place. The priests bless the oils necessary for the celebration of such sacraments as Baptism, Confirmation, or Anointing of the sick.