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[German Version] Since the 12th century, this term has denoted the Thursday in Holy Week (Passion Week). Its German name Gründonnerstag is derived from Middle High German gronan, grinen, greinen (“lament,” “moan”) and was related to the resumption of the penitents taking place on that day. From the 7th century, Maundy Thursday was celebrated with individual worship services for the reconciliation of the penitents, the consecration of the holy oils, and in remembrance of the institution of the Eucharist. In the 13th century,…

[German Version] Despite their multi-faceted use in liturgy and popular piety, candles were not originally blessed or “consecrated.” The Easter candle first attested in 384 for Piacenza (PL 30, 182f.) consitutes an exception. Evening light blessings attested since the 2nd century survive in its “consecration.” Only since the 10th century have prayers for the blessing of candles appeared, which were used in processions, first and foremost in the procession …

[German Version] I. Catholic Church – II. Protestantism I. Catholic Church The beginnings of the Liturgical Movement (from Fr. mouvement liturgique) can be traced back to the mid-19th century. As a movement within the church, it took clear shape in the first half of the 20th century. The focus of the movement is on the official liturgy of the church. It should be understood as an awakening to liturgy as the central activity of the church, not primarily as a program of liturgical reform. It would be wrong to inter…