The Liturgy of Maundy Thursday, followed by The Watch

This is the night, dear friends, the night for weeping 
when powers of darkness overcome the day, 
the night the faithful mourn the weight of evil 
whereby our sins the Son of Man betray.

O make us sharers, Saviour, of your Passion, 
that we may share your glory that shall be; 
let us pass through these three dark nights of sorrow 
to Easter's laughter and its liberty.

Peter Abelard (1079–1142), tr. Richard Sturch (b. 1936)

Join us as we begin the sacred triduum with the traditional remembrance of the Last Supper.

The Liturgy of Maundy Thursday marks the beginning of the final act of the Passion narrative. We remember Jesus and his disciples celebrating together the Passover, before Jesus goes to the garden of Gethsemane. The service ends in silence with the altars and sanctuary stripped of their vestments. You are invited to witness this and remain in the Cathedral until midnight if you wish, keeping vigil with Jesus (symbolized by the consecrated bread).

The president is the Dean, the Very Revd Professor Sarah Foot; and the preacher is the Revd Dr Zachary Guiliano, Priest Vicar, as part of his Holy Week sermon series.

If you would like to participate in the washing of feet, please email the Precentor at philippa.white@chch.ox.ac.uk

Music

Byrd Mass for Four Voices
Duruflé Ubi Caritas
Palestrina Dextera Domini