JAFERRER GERMAN/ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS SERVICES

Maundy Thursday (Huwebes Santo) is the beginning of the Triduum, and represents the build-up of events for the week.

The main observance of the day is the last Mass before Easter (commonly called the Mass of the Institution of the Lord's Supper) usually including a re-enactment of the Washing of the Feet of the Apostles; this Mass is followed by the procession of the Blessed Sacrament before it is taken to the Altar of Repose.

Beginning in the morning, the faithful observe the "Visita Iglesia" or "Church Visit", which usually involves going to seven churches to meditate on the Way of the Cross; by evening this includes a visit to the exposed Blessed Sacrament on the Altar of Repose.

Another tradition is when parishioners join their parish priest for the usual morning Mass in the cathedral, especially in the large dioceses and archdioceses. Many priests in the country consider this to be the day when they renew their sacerdotal vows. The bishop asks them: a) At your ordination, you accepted the responsibilities of priesthood out of love for the Lord Jesus and His Church. Are you resolved to unite yourselves more closely to Christ and try to become more like him by joyfully sacrificing your own pleasure and ambition to birng his peace and love, to your brothers and sisters?

This mass, which is presided by the bishop/archbishop of a particular diocese, blesses the Chrism, along with the oil of the catechumens and the oil of the sick after the homily and the priests bring the oils to their respective parishes after the Mass