Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper begins the Easter Triduum today. Through the mystery of anamnesis we are joined to the historical action of Jesus and tonight with him we live his final night upon earth. Tonight we remember how Jesus on his last night on earth instituted both the eucharist and the priesthood while commanding us all to possess brotherly love. In addition to brotherly love, one of the major themes of today is service. This is pointed out to us by the washing of feet done by the priest after the homily at this Mass. Thus we are reminded that we are here to serve others and that we should always work to be humble in the sight of the Lord.
In order to remember the celebration of the Lord's Passion tomorrow, Mass is not celebrated so a sufficient amount of bread is consecrated today for distribution tomorrow. After Communion, the remaining consecrated hosts are carried in a procession to the tabernacle, and it is encouraged that the faithful adore the Blessed Sacrament through the night. After Mass, in order to show the solemnity of coming events, the altar is stripped of its cloths, and crosses are veiled with red or purple cloth. Holy water is also removed form all fonts, it will be replaced by the new water blessed at the Easter Vigil.