Maundy Thursday Observed in Moodubelle

Report by Fr. Joswey Fernandes
Pictures by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 02 April 2010: Maundy Thursday, which is also known as ‘Holy Thursday’ is one of the important days of the Holy Week. Maundy Thursday is the name given to the day on which Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, known as the Last Supper. This day is special for two reasons: First, Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples and thereby instituted the Lord’s Supper, also called Communion or Holy Eucharist. Second, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an act of humility and service, thereby setting an example that people should love and serve one another in humility. Some Christian churches observe a foot-washing ceremony on Maundy Thursday to commemorate the washing of the feet of his disciples by Jesus. The word ‘Maundy’ is derived from the Latin word ‘mandamus’ which means ‘command’. Thus, the Maundy Thursday refers to the command Jesus gave to the disciples at the Last Supper, that they should love and serve one another.

The Holy Thursday initiates the Easter Triduum, the three days of Friday, Saturday and Sunday that commemorate the passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. The services on all the three days normally begin in the evening. On Maundy Thursday, the Eucharist is taken to a separate place of repose away from the main altar which is laid bare. Holy Hour devotions are performed at the special place of the repose of the Holy Eucharist.

In Moodubelle, on Thursday, 1st April 2010,a simple mass was celebrated by Fr Paul in the morning at 7.30 am for the aged and those who were unable to attend the ceremony in the evening. In the evening the church was packed to its capacity. The mass started at 5.00pm with an entrance procession of the readers 12 Apostles, Altar boys and all the residing 4 priests of Moodubelle.

In the homily Fr. Maxim high lighted the fact that Jesus instituted Eucharist as the sacrament of love, of Forgiveness and of unity. Jesus has also given us the commandment of love and service and instituted the sacrament of Priesthood.

After the meaningful homily preached by Fr Maxim, Fr. Joswey Fernandes, who was the main celebrant washed the feet the feet of the 12 Apostles. These 12 Apostles from different Wards were:1. Rohan Fernandes -Holy Family. 2.John Quadros -St Paul II; 3. Roshan Castelino -St Thomas II; 4 Henry Eddu D Souza- FatimaWard; 5.Valerian Quadros- St John the Baptist I;6.Abraham Vijay DSouza-StJohn the Baptist II; 7. Richard Arnha-Sacred Heart I; 8.Blany DSouza-Christ King; 9.Ronald DSouza-St Anna I; 10.Richard Alva-St Thomas I;11.Ronald Martis-St Paul I;12.Jeevan Fernandes-Holy Family.

Thereafter the extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist renewed their commitment. Then the mass proceeded as usual. After the mass the Blessed Sacrament was taken to the Altar of Repose in procession. Then followed the Adoration led by Fr. Arun Mendonca for nearly half an hour.