The founding of Holy Orders is commemorated on which occasion?

The founding of Holy Orders is commemorated on which occasion?

• A. Christmas Day
• B. Easter Sunday
• C. Pentecost
• D. Holy Thursday, in remembrance of me

Answer: (D)

The event being commemorated is tied directly to Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper, when he established the Eucharist and, through that act, entrusted the Apostles with the mission of continuing the priesthood. Holy Thursday (the Mass of the Lord’s Supper) is the liturgical moment that recalls this foundation: Jesus invites his disciples to remember him and institute the priesthood “in memory of me” as they celebrate the Eucharist. Because Holy Orders originates from that Last Supper moment, Holy Thursday is the occasion that best fits the founding of Holy Orders. Christmas Day celebrates Jesus’ birth, Easter Sunday recalls the Resurrection, and Pentecost marks the sending of the Holy Spirit. None of those focus on the institution of the priesthood like Holy Thursday does.

The event being commemorated is tied directly to Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper, when he established the Eucharist and, through that act, entrusted the Apostles with the mission of continuing the priesthood. Holy Thursday (the Mass of the Lord’s Supper) is the liturgical moment that recalls this foundation: Jesus invites his disciples to remember him and institute the priesthood “in memory of me” as they celebrate the Eucharist. Because Holy Orders originates from that Last Supper moment, Holy Thursday is the occasion that best fits the founding of Holy Orders.

Christmas Day celebrates Jesus’ birth, Easter Sunday recalls the Resurrection, and Pentecost marks the sending of the Holy Spirit. None of those focus on the institution of the priesthood like Holy Thursday does.