Know about Holy Week and significance of Palm Sunday
The name Holy Week was used in the 4th century by St. Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, and St. Epiphanius of Constantia. Originally, only Good Friday and Holy Saturday were observed as holy days.
The traditional Christian ceremony known as Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is marked as the day Jesus Christ held the Last Supper with his disciples. Christians worldwide observe the day in remembrance of the humility and spirit of service shown by Jesus Christ when he washed the feet of his disciples during the last supper on the night before his arrest and crucifixion.
In Italy: This year, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis will wash the feet of prisoners at the Paliano prison. In the past years, Pope Francis had washed the feet of women, Muslims, and refugees on this Holy Thursday. The Paliano prison is known for housing `collaborators of justice' against the mafia.
In India: Every year, the priests of Catholic churches in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, mark Maundy Thursday by visiting jails and washing the prisoners' feet. They try to emulate Jesus Chriist who washed the feet of his disciples during the 'Last Supper' before his death. This ritual, which is symbolic of love, humility, forgiveness and spiritual cleansing, is practiced by many Christians across the world.
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In Philippine: This city of San Fernando is known for its bloody Holy Week rituals. Catholics here, emulating the Passion of the Christ, whip themselves to bleed on Maundy Thursday of the Passion Week, the week before Easter Sunday. Thousands come to witness the men in barefoot flagellating themselves, as an act of penance. They believe the act would cleanse their sins. Children also participate in the rituals. They give the last few lashes. Many come wearing purple cloak and crown of thorns and carrying big wooden crosses. Prayers are held in huge gatherings outside and inside the church.
In United Kingdom: Apart from the holy mass and prayers held in churches, the Queen gives out Maundy Money to pensioners in the country. Interestingly, the numbers of pensioners selected is that of the Queen's age. The tradition dates back to the 13th century. The Maundy Money includes special silver coins and clothing.
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