Maundy Thursday is the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. The word Maundy is derived from the Latin word “mandatum,” which means “commandment.” As it is recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 13, it is on this night that Jesus gave his disciples his new commandment:

³⁴ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Maundy Thursday is also recognized as Jesus Christ’s institution of the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion.