Holy Thursday
Commemorates the final events before Jesus' crucifixion.
The Washing of Feet: Jesus washes his disciples' feet, setting an example of humble service and love.
The Last Supper: Jesus shares his final Passover meal with his apostles and institutes the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
The Institution of the Priesthood: Jesus instructs his apostles to "Do this in memory of Me," establishing the priesthood.
The New Commandment: Jesus gives the mandate to love one another as he has loved them.
The Agony in the Garden: After the Last Supper, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane and experiences extreme agony before his arrest, trial and crucifixion.
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Good Friday
Commemorates the betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus Christ.
Early Morning: Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He faces trial before Caiaphas, the High Priest of the Sanhedrin, and is accused of blasphemy. Then Jesus faces trials before Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas.
Peter denies Jesus three times. Judas commits suicide due to his remorse.
Mid-Morning: Jesus is mocked and scourged by Roman soldiers. He is crowned with thorns, and forced to carry the cross.
Noon: Jesus is crucified at Golgotha and a three-hour darkness covers the land.
3:00pm: Jesus dies on the cross. The Temple curtain tears, and an earthquake occurs.
Evening: Joseph of Arimathea requests the body of Jesus and places it in a tomb, which is then sealed and guarded.
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Holy Saturday
Commemorates Christ’s rest in the tomb and his descent to the dead.
The interval between Jesus’ death on Good Friday and his Resurrection on Easter Sunday is traditionally recognized as the time Jesus "descended into hell" (the abode of the dead or Hades/Sheol) to free the souls of the just.
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Easter Sunday
Celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (three days after his crucifixion).
The Resurrection:
Jesus rose from the dead, overcoming sin and death.
The Empty Tomb:
Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene and women followers found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
The Angelic Announcement:
Angels appeared to the women at the tomb and announced the Resurrection of Jesus Christ: "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said."
The Post-Resurrection Appearances:
The risen Jesus appeared to his disciples and followers, confirming his Resurrection.
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