Origin & history
Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, originates from the Christian liturgical calendar and commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles before his crucifixion. The name 'Maundy' derives from the Latin word 'mandatum' (commandment), referring to Jesus's new commandment to 'love one another as I have loved you.' In the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic nation, the observance was introduced by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. The Spanish missionaries integrated the Catholic Holy Week traditions, including Maundy Thursday, into the local culture, adapting them to the Filipino context while preserving the core religious significance.
Customs & traditions
In the Philippines, Maundy Thursday is part of the Holy Week (Semana Santa) observance, a period of intense religious devotion. Many Filipinos attend the Mass of the Lord's Supper in the afternoon, where the priest washes the feet of twelve chosen parishioners, reenacting Jesus's act of humility. After the mass, the Blessed Sacrament is transferred to an altar of repose, and devotees engage in the Visita Iglesia—visiting seven different churches to pray the Stations of the Cross or meditate. Some also practice the 'Siete Palabras' (Seven Last Words) devotion. Food preparation is minimal, as many families observe fasting and abstinence, eating only simple meals like 'biko' (rice cake) or 'saba' (boiled plantains). The day is also marked by the 'pabasa' (chanting of the Passion of Christ) in some communities.
Why it is celebrated
Maundy Thursday holds deep significance for Filipino Catholics as it marks the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood, and Jesus's act of humble service through foot washing. It initiates the Paschal Triduum, the three-day period leading to Easter Sunday, which is the most solemn time in the Christian liturgical year. For Filipinos, it is a day of reflection, penance, and communal worship, reinforcing family and community bonds through shared religious practices like church visits and prayer. The day also serves as a reminder of the importance of charity and service to others, aligning with the Filipino value of 'pakikipagkapwa-tao' (shared humanity).