The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-16
"MAUNDY" THURSDAY
SIGNIFICANCE or the IMPORTANT
DdYIN HOLI WEEK.
The Observance OF tho Day IN the Catholic
and Episcopal Churches In This '"y
Ye.terdxy-Action of Masons'

Yesterday was "Maundy" THURSDAY III
the church calendar, and an lmpol'an'
day in Holy Week, which Is the last "ecA
Of Lent Immediately preceding bt'lei
Sunday. 1t Is sometimes called Passion
Week. but that denomination IS given IN
the Latin and Greek Churches 10 the
week preceding Palm Sunday, and com
mencng with Passion Sunday.
The term holy" IS applied 10 II be-
cause II IS commemorative OF Christ s
death for the redemption OF mankind
II was called in the early Christian ages
the Great Week." both because Of the
mighty event 1t commentaries. and be-
cause il Is observed with the greatest
sOlemnity and strictness.
Ancient writer's tell how during this
week Christians were wont to fast an
one meal Of bread. salt and water taken
In the evening, and many took no food
during the week, others abstainng from
eating on Good Friday and Holy Saturday
or Easter Even.
The Church of England, the Protestant
Episcopal Church. and the Lutheran
Church order special services for each
day in the week.
THE OBSERVANCE.
In the Greek and other Eastern
Churches the obseryances and ceremo-
mas are nearly the SdlIf dH ~ the isdlll
Church. 1t begins with Palm Sunday.
and on Wednesday. Thursday, and Friday
the Office of Tenebrae. or darkness. from
darkening the churches IS chanted
Thursday, being the anniversary OF the
institution OF the eucharist. and of the
priesthood Of the new law, is distinguish
ed by two ceremonies OF great signih-
canoe. which take place at Solemn Mass
in cathedral churches.
The conservation Of the oils used in
the administration Of the sacraments IS
the first and then. in some places the
washing OF the feet Of twelve poor per-
sons. while the Chair sings the words OF
St. John, "Mandatum novum do vorbis"-
"a new commandment give I unto you"
etc.
Hence the name Of Maundy Thursday
by which this day is known In Rome
the Pope washes the feet Of thirteen poor
priests in memory OF the body of the
apostles raised TO that number by the
extraordinary calling Of St. Paul
IN THE CHURCHES HERE
During the Gloria in Excelsls OF the
Mass Of Thursday all the bells are rung
and thenceforward silent until the Gloria
i'm Excelsis I'm the mass Of Holy Saturday.
4 large host consecrated during this
mass is carried In procession az the end
of H. TO n side altar called the SeDulchre
richly decorated on which II remains and
where il is visited by the faithful dur
ing the week OF the ensuing dey.
ST. Peters Cathedral was crowded at
the various nasses on yesterday, espe-
cially at the . O'Clock mass.
At the y O'CLOCK service al St Pauls
church yesterday there was a large con-
Prcgation and again at the evening ser
vice. AT & o'clock when there was n
celebration OF tho Holy Communion. with
a fine musical service.
There were Ike celebrations at the
Church OF the Holy Trinity. St Andrews
and Epiphany CBartou Heights).
Maundy Thursday IS also observed by
the Knights Of the Rose Croix Of the
Scottish Rite Masons and at 81 Adams
Hall last night was held the Mystic ban
quot largely attended by the brethren.