Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday
On the night before his death Jesus had a final meal with his friends. This meal was one of the festival meals for Passover. Before the meal Jesus did something which surprised his friends. He washed the feet of every person, a task which was normally done by a servant. By doing this he wanted to show his followers that they should love one another in humble ways. Later in the meal which is known to Christians as 'The Last Supper', Jesus passed round bread and wine. He said the bread was his body broken for them and the wine was his blood shed for them. He was telling them that he was going to die and that when they share bread and wine they should remember him.

Today, in England, Queen Elisabeth II does not wash feet or give clothing. Instead she gives out something called Maundy money, which is specially made for the occasion. In 2009 this is given to 83 male and 83 female pensioners, because she is 83 years old this year. The coins are given in special white and red leather purses. The white purse contains silver Maundy coins matching the Queen's age in pence - 83p, while the red purse contains ordinary money. The service takes place at a different cathedral or abbey each year and people are chosen to receive the money because of good work they have done in their community.