Udupi/M’Belle: Holy Thursday observed with solemn mass and washing of the feet

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 02 Apr 2015: Holy Thursday also known as Maundy Thursday was observed by the Roman Catholics by attending solemn mass during which the chief celebrants washed the feet of 12 persons representing 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ whose feet He washed as an example of love and service.

 

The Holy Thursday was observed with devotion by the parishioners of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle on 2 April 2015 from 5 pm. The Holy Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes along with Rev. Fr. Paul Sequeira, Rev. Fr. Roshan D’Souza, Rev. Fr. P. Raj and Rev. Fr. Prakash (OFM Cap).

 

In his meaningful homily, Rev. Fr. Prakash explained the meaning of the Holy Thursday also known as Maundy Thursday. He narrated the circumstances that led the Jews to observe the feast of Pass Over which was celebrated by the Jews year after year since their liberation from the slavery in Egypt. Before his passion, crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus arranged the Last Supper during which he constituted the Holy Eucharist, established the priesthood and also gave the command (mandamus) of love and service to his disciples.

 

Following the homily, Rev. Fr. Joswey Fernandes washed the feet of 12 Gurkars and representatives from different wards in commemoration of Jesus washing the feet of his apostles.

 

 

Soon after the mass, the Holy Eucharist was taken in procession to the ‘Altar of Repose’  which was specially prepared with floral decoration towards the right of the main altar. Meanwhile the main altar was stripped of the coverings and was left bear in memory of the sufferings and crucifixion of Jesus.

Br. Roy Lobo conducted the adoration of the Holy Eucharist.

 

Meaning of Maundy Thursday:

Maundy Thursday, also known as “Holy Thursday,” is the Thursday of Passion Week, one day before Good Friday (the Friday before Easter). Maundy Thursday is the name given to the day on which Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, known as the Last Supper. Two important events are the focus of Maundy Thursday.

 

First, Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples and thereby instituted the Lord’s Supper, also called Communion (Luke 22:19-20). Some Christian churches observe a special Communion service on Maundy Thursday in memory of Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples. Second, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet as an act of humility and service, thereby setting an example that we should love and serve one another in humility (John 13:3-17). Some Christian churches observe a foot-washing ceremony on Maundy Thursday to commemorate Jesus’ washing the feet of the disciples.

 

The word Maundy is derived from the Latin word for “command.” The “Maundy” in “Maundy Thursday” refers to the command Jesus gave to the disciples at the Last Supper, that they should love and serve one another. Should we observe Maundy Thursday? The Bible neither commands nor forbids it. It is a good thing to remember the Last Supper and Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. It is a good thing to remember the Lord’s example of humility. However, at the same time, we should avoid ritualistic observances of holidays unless they are truly focused on God and our relationship with Him.

 

Observing a special Lord’s Supper service on Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday in remembrance of the Last Supper is a good thing to do. Doing afoot-washing in remembrance of how Christ humbled Himself and washed the feet of the disciples is a powerful reminder of how we are to live the Christian life (Philippians 2:1-11). Let’s just make sure we are observing Maundy Thursday in a way that truly honours what happened at the Last Supper.