Priesthood Day
Holy Thursday—also called Maundy Thursday—is deeply connected to the institution of the priesthood in the Catholic tradition.
Why it’s called “Priesthood Day”
On Holy Thursday, the Church remembers the Last Supper, when Jesus Christ:
Instituted the Eucharist (“This is my body… This is my blood”)
Gave the apostles the command: “Do this in memory of me”
That command is understood as the origin of the priesthood, because Jesus entrusted the apostles with:
Celebrating the Eucharist
Continuing His mission
Serving the faithful
Key themes of Holy Thursday
Institution of the Eucharist
Institution of the priesthood
Service and humility (shown in the washing of the feet)
Special Mass: Chrism Mass
Earlier in the day (often in the morning), bishops celebrate the Chrism Mass, where:
Priests renew their promises
Holy oils are blessed (used in sacraments like baptism, confirmation, and ordination)
Evening: Mass of the Lord’s Supper
This is the main Holy Thursday liturgy, which includes:
The washing of the feet
The transfer of the Blessed Sacrament to a place of repose
The beginning of the Church’s observance of Easter Triduum
In short, Holy Thursday is called “Priesthood Day” because it commemorates the moment Christ established the priesthood to continue His presence through the Eucharist.
Prayer for Priests – Holy Thursday
Lord Jesus Christ,
on this holy night of the Last Supper,
You gave us the gift of the Eucharist
and the priesthood to sustain Your Church.
We thank You for our priests,
who serve in Your name and act in Your person.
Strengthen them in their vocation,
renew their hearts with Your love,
and sustain them in times of trial.
Grant them humility like Yours in service,
faithfulness in their calling,
and joy in bringing souls closer to You.
Bless them, protect them, and make them holy,
so that through them,
we may encounter You more deeply in the Eucharist.
Amen.
