Milagres Cathedral Kallianpur observed Maundy Thursday

By Richard DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 25 March 2016: Maundy Thursday also known as Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday observed at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur near here was concelebrated by His Lordship Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi Diocese which Jesus Christ celebrated Passover with his disciples’ known as Last Supper.

 

The Maundy Thursday liturgy started with Eucharistic celebrations led by Bishop along with Very Rev. Fr. Stany B. Lobo Rector of Milagres Cathedral, Rev Fr. Rollwin Aranha Asst. Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Dennis Lobo Director of Pilar Fathers, Rev Fr. Henry Masrenhas Chaplain of Ozanum Home for the Aged and Deacon Denis Miranda.

 

In his homily Fr. Henry Mascarenhas emphasized on the significance of Holy Thursday. There has been new meaning of Pascal meal, the Eucharist and Jesus Christ gave us New Testament which Eucharist, priest and service of love. Eucharist is the meal of Pascal mystery. Fr. Henry emphasized the characteristics of Holy Eucharistic celebrations and the role of priest in the Church.

 

 

Thereafter Bishop Gerald washed the feet of seven women including one nun and five men reminding the washing of the feet of twelve Apostles by Jesus Christ. The washing of the feet is enacted by the priests at the parish level and higher ups up to the Pope in Rome. Pope Francis has changed the traditional practice of washing the feet of twelve men or alter boys representing the twelve apostles. In January 2016 Pope Francis gave decree revising the rules of the traditional foot washing saying that the rite should be no longer be restricted to men but should also include women and young girls. Therefore, the participants of the ceremony include the entire community. Since it is an official decree the clergy is bound by it from now onwards.

 

After the end of the mass Rector Fr. Stany delivered the announcements in relate to the liturgical services for Good Friday. Following the Eucharistic celebrations, the Holy Eucharist was taken ceremoniously to the Altar of Repose while the main alter was stripped of the white covering and removing the flowers and leaving it bare as a symbol of the eve of the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the next day on Good Friday.

 

Following, the Adoration was conducted by Deacon Denis Miranda with sensibly and devotionally. Large numbers of faithful were participated entire celebrations of Maundy Thursday and departed with silence. The Good Friday services begin with way of the Cross at 3.30 pm followed by other services.