The Last Supper

The Last Supper is the final meal that Jesus celebrated with his twelve Apostles on the eve of his Passion, during which he instituted the Eucharist and the priesthood, washed his disciples' feet, and delivered his farewell discourse. It is the event from which the Mass flows directly (CCC 610–611).

The Institution of the Eucharist

At the Last Supper — a Passover meal — Jesus took bread, gave thanks (the Greek word is eucharistein), broke it, and said: "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Then he took the cup and said: "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:19–20). The Church understands these words literally: bread and wine truly became his Body and Blood (CCC 1337–1340).

The Institution of the Priesthood

At the Last Supper Jesus also instituted the ministerial priesthood — giving the Apostles the command "Do this in remembrance of me." This command created the priestly office that continues in the Church through apostolic succession. The Eucharist and the priesthood are inseparable: the Eucharist requires a priest, and the priest exists to celebrate the Eucharist (CCC 1337).

The Washing of Feet

The Gospel of John (13:1–17) records that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper — a servant's task — as a sign of the humility and service he was calling them to. "I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you" (John 13:15; CCC 1823).

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Last Supper a Passover meal? The Synoptic Gospels identify it as a Passover meal; John's Gospel places it before Passover. Catholic scholarship recognizes this as a rich theological tension — Jesus is simultaneously the one celebrating the Passover and the Passover Lamb whose sacrifice it anticipates (CCC 1339–1340).