TITLE: Commemorating Holy Thursday 2023.

SUMMARY: Commemorating Holy Thursday 2023.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Holy Thursday, the fifth day of Holy Week, is being observed on April 6, 2023; and WHEREAS, For Christians, Holy Thursday is one of the most sacred days of the liturgical calendar; it holds special importance to Catholics and members of some Protestant denominations, marking the end of Lent and the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the three-day celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, that concludes on Easter Sunday; and WHEREAS, Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper and, in the Catholic tradition, Christ's institution of the Eucharist, the Mass, and the priesthood; the holiday's popular name, Maundy Thursday, derives from the Latin word for "command" and refers to Christ's commandment to the disciples present at the Last Supper to "love one another"; many churches of various denominations observe the holiday with a Communion service and a ritual foot-washing ceremony, which encourages Christians to recall Christ's demonstration of humility and self-sacrifice; and WHEREAS, The observance of Holy Thursday represents a solemn and deeply meaningful occasion for millions of adherents of Christianity, and it is indeed fitting to acknowledge its enduring significance to countless Texans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate Holy Thursday 2023.