Holy Thursday: Rome and the Altars of Repose

Altar of Repose at San Silvestro in Capite.

Donato Tallo writes: For Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324) and for this very reason, Holy Thursday at the start of the Sacred Triduum is a day of great importance. The season of Lent has drawn to a close and we are called to walk with Jesus through his Last Supper, Passion, Death and Resurrection.

The significance of the institution of the Eucharist must never be underestimated, the Last Supper is the Banquet of Christ's love for us and on Holy Thursday the faithful are called to keep vigil at the Altar of Repose after the celebration of the commemoration of the Last Supper, generally this is until midnight but varies according to local custom.

In a busy and hectic world even amid the sacred season of the Triduum, spending time in peaceful silent reflection is not always easy, yet it is indeed something extremely precious and spiritually refreshing.

Altars of Repose, where the faithful keep watch should be beautiful and worthy dwelling places for Our Lord. While in some churches throughout the world they are extremely grand and elaborate in others they are simple yet dignified. What is important however is that they are holy and reverent with the due solemnity and ambiance required.

The sacred liturgy of Holy Thursday ends in a silent manner making it extremely moving, with no final blessing and dismissal of the faithful, the faithful are indeed called to be modern day Apostles keeping watch in the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament after the transfer to the Altar of Repose has taken place.

In Rome, Holy Thursday is one of the most beautiful nights of the liturgical year. While the secular aspect of the city generally has the feel of an ordinary spring evening, inside the many basilicas, churches and chapels in the City, Altars of Repose demonstrate the love of the Pascal Sacrifice.

On a theological level there is much to be explored with regard to the historical significance of Altars of Repose and in Rome especially there is a great history and ritual associated with them across the City. While the ritual and theology are important on a more simplistic level one cant help but think how wonderful it is to Glorify God in this beautiful way!

The Altars of Repose across Rome are all unique and some are certainly more elaborate than others but one common theme of all of them is illumination with candles and floral decorations. Candles burning brightly remind us that Christ is the light of the world and the beautiful flowers which adorn the many Altars of Repose remind us of the beauty of Gods creation and also draw the faithfuls mind to the Garden of Gethsemane. There is also beauty amid the silence and many pilgrims and Romans alike can be found walking from church to church in the centre of Rome visiting the Altars of Repose and spending time in prayer, watching with Our Lord.

Grant, almighty God,

that, just as we are renewed

by the Supper of your Son in this present age,

so we may enjoy his banquet for all eternity.

Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen.

(Post Communion prayer for Holy Thursday)

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