Pope to celebrate Mass in Rome’s Rebibbia prison on Holy Thursday

By Devin Watkins

The Prefecture of the Papal Household announced Wednesday the venue for the papal Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, March 28.

Pope Francis is due to make a private visit to the Rome’s Women’s Penitiary of Rebibbia, where he will preside over Holy Mass at 4 PM.

During his visit, the Pope will meet with female inmates and staff of the facility.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper opens the Easter Triduum, or “Three Days”, which commemorates the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ and leads to the celebration of Easter Sunday.

During the Mass “in Coena Domini,” the presider typically washes the feet of several people, in imitation of Jesus who washed the feet of His disciples on the evening before His death.

Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Rome’s Rebibbia prison on Holy Thursday in 2015.

This year's celebration will be private in nature and not open to the general public.