Maundy Thursday recalls the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper in the Upper Room. The name of the day is from the Latin word “mandatum”, which means command. It refers to Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another”. Maundy Thursday is the first day of the Triduum, the three days of intense observance of the paschal mystery. Beginning with Maundy Thursday evening, the Triduum concludes Easter Evening (Saturday). It is the most sacred and important time of the entire church year. Following the Maundy Thursday liturgy, the altar is stripped as a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s humiliation by the soldiers.