Jewish spring festival celebrating the deliverance of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt (see Exodus 12, where the Israelites were told by God to kill a lamb per household and mark the doorway with its blood, so that their homes would be ‘passed over’ when God struck down the first-born of the Egyptians). According to the Gospels, it was at the PassoverPassover Jewish spring festival celebrating the deliverance of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt (see Exodus 12, where the Israelites were told by God to kill a lamb per household and mark the doorway with its blood, so that their homes would be 'passed over' when God struck down the first-born of the Egyptians). According to the Gospels, it was at the Passover meal before his death (the Last Supper) that Christ instituted the Eucharist, comparing himself to a sacrificial lamb whose blood would save sinners (see Matthew 26: 26-9). meal before his death (the Last SupperLast Supper The Passover meal Jesus eats with his Disciples before his betrayal and arrest, at which he institutes the Eucharist/Holy Communion/Mass.) that Christ instituted the EucharistMass (Also called the Eucharist, Holy Communion or Lord's Supper). The chief sacramental service of the Church, incorporating praise, intercession and readings from scripture. The central action is the consecration of the bread and wine by the priest, recalling the words and actions of Christ at the Last Supper and commemorating the sacrifice which he offered for the sins of mankind on the cross. In the medieval Church the Mass was celebrated daily; it was also offered for the souls of the dead, comparing himself to a sacrificial lamb whose blood would save sinners (see Matthew 26: 26-9).