Maundy Thursday in Vatican City
Maundy Thursday is part of Holy Week and opens the Easter Triduum, the Church’s observance of Christ’s Passion, death and Resurrection. In Vatican City, the day is marked by the Chrism Mass and the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, whose rites recall the Last Supper and Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.[1]
Meaning and place in Holy Week
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper. The Vatican’s liturgical account describes the evening Mass as recalling Jesus offering bread and wine to the Apostles and entrusting them and their successors in the priesthood with its celebration. That Mass begins the Easter Triduum, which continues through the Easter Vigil and concludes with Vespers on Easter Sunday.[1]
The day also has a morning observance: the Chrism Mass, celebrated with bishops and priests. Its place in Vatican City’s calendar of papal liturgies connects the feast with the ministry of the Pope and the clergy gathered in Rome.[1]
How the day is observed
The evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper includes the washing of feet, a rite that recalls Jesus serving his disciples. The Vatican’s liturgical notification describes the Blessed Sacrament being carried in procession after Mass to a place of reposition, where the faithful may pray. The Vatican City State’s own account also describes prayer before the Blessed Sacrament continuing late into the night.[1]
These observances are religious ceremonies, rather than a distinct local food or street-festival tradition.[1]
Practical information for visitors
Visitors wishing to attend a liturgy presided over by the Pope should check the Holy See’s participation page for the current calendar and ticket-request process. It says tickets for papal liturgical celebrations are free and directs lay faithful to the Prefecture of the Papal Household for requests. Availability and the procedure for any particular celebration should be checked in advance.[2]
The Vatican Museums publish their opening days, hours and closure calendar separately. Their ordinary schedule lists Monday through Saturday as opening days, but also gives exceptions and date-specific closure information. Check the Museum’s published schedule for the day of your visit instead of assuming that Holy Thursday determines whether it is open.[3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Maundy Thursday?
It falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday and begins the Easter Triduum with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.[1]
Can visitors attend a papal celebration?
The Holy See provides a ticket-request process for papal liturgical celebrations and states that tickets are free. Check its participation page for the current calendar and instructions.[2]
Are the Vatican Museums open?
The Museums’ ordinary schedule includes Monday through Saturday, but it also lists closures and date-specific exceptions. Check the official opening and closure calendar for your visit.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Maundy Thursday in Vatican City:
- Notification: Liturgical Celebrations of the Holy Father, Holy Week 2000- Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, The Holy See
- Participation in Audiences and Pontifical Celebrations- The Holy See
- Days & Hours of closure- Vatican Museums