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Holy Thursday of The Lord's Supper
Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist prior to his arrest and crucifixion. It also commemorates his institution of the priesthood, and the faithful service that is to be carried out by all his followers.
The Last Supper of Jesus

Jesus celebrated the dinner as a traditional Jewish Passover feast. Christ would fulfill his role as the Christian victim of the Passover for all to be saved by his final sacrifice of his life on the Cross. The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his Disciples in Jerusalem. During the meal, Jesus predicts his betrayal.

The central observance of Holy Thursday is the ritual reenactment of the Last Supper at Mass, “The Mass of The Lord’s Supper.” This event is celebrated at every Mass, as the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but it is specially commemorated on Holy Thursday.
The Washing of the Feet

Christ washed the feet of his Twelve Apostles as an act of humble service, thereby establishing his sacred Commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” cf. John 15:12-17

The Twelve become the foundation of the ordained clergy of the Church. The ritual “Washing of the Feet” (known as “The Mandatum”) of twelve individuals during the Holy Thursday Mass of The Lord’s Supper, annually commemorate the action of Jesus at The Last Supper before his crucifixion.
The Holy Eucharist

During the Passover meal, Jesus broke bread and gave it to his Disciples, uttering the words, "This is my body, which is given for you." Subsequently, he passed a cup filled with wine. He then said, "This is my blood..." Catholics believe that those who eat of Christ's flesh and blood (as the “Holy Eucharist,” or “Holy Communion” at Mass) shall have eternal life, according to the explicit teaching of Christ in the Gospels. cf. John 6:53-58
A Prayer for Holy Thursday

Lord God,
You sent your Son into the world,
And before his hour had come,
He washed his disciples’ feet.

You had given all things into his hands.
He had come from you,
And was going to you,
And what did he do?
He knelt down on the floor,
And washed his friends’ feet.

He was their teacher and their Lord,
Yet he washed their feet.

Lord God,
Help us learn from his example;
Help us to do as he has done for us.

The world will know we are his disciples
If we love one another.

Strengthen our hands
And our wills for love
And for service.

Keep before our eyes
The image of your Son,
Who, being God,
Became a Servant for our sake.

All glory be to him
Who lives and reigns with you
And the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and forever.

Amen.
The Oblate Sisters of Saint Martha

The Oblate Sisters of Saint Martha, based in Saltillo, Mexico, are an amazing community of religious sisters. They take Saint Martha as their model and inspiration, who with her sister Mary and brother Lazarus were close friends and faithful disciples of Jesus.

The community’s ministry focuses on supporting the work of clergy, so the sisters often serve as sacristans, liturgical ministers, cooks, and housekeepers. By performing these tasks, the priests and bishops whom they assist can focus more of their time and energy on the sacramental needs of the people of God.

The Grotto is truly blessed by the presence and ministries of the Oblate Sisters of Saint Martha.
The Secular Order of Servants of Mary

The Secular Order of the Servants of Mary (Secular Servite) is a Catholic organization of lay men, women, diocesan priests and deacons living their Christian faith in the context of the world.

The Secular Servite vocation is a special calling within the Church. The vocation finds its root in baptismal consecration and with its acceptance, the Secular Servites commit themselves to bring to fulfillment the evangelical commandment to love.

They strive toward holiness according to the spirituality of the Servants of Mary (Servites), following the directives of their Rule of Life.

For more information about the Secular Servites, please click here.
The Grotto
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Oregon

503-254-7371