This is the day when all the churches in Malta dress up in their finest outfit to celebrate the institution of the Eucharist. After the evening service which includes the washing of the feet of the 12 representatives of each parish, some solemn and other quieter procession take place from one church to another as people pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament. For this reason, each parish decorates the Altar of Repose in a spectacular way, as you see from just 3 of these altars. Many communities follow the tradition of St Philip Neri who started the custom of the visits to the 7 churches. He used to gather his youth of the Oratory and they follow him in visiting the 7 basilicas of Rome during Holy Thursday evening. Often these continue into the night and more processions are held on Friday morning, with youth, children and lay people in small groups. They end by noon, in time to prepare for the Good Friday service and the Good Friday processions about which we will speak tomorrow. (click on each photo to enlarge)
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