Moodubelle: Maundy Thursday observed commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus

By Eugene Moodubelle
Pics by Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 28 Mar 2013: Maundy Thursday was observed in all parishes commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ before he underwent the passion and crucifixion. The Maundy Thursday service in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle began at 5 pm.  Fr. Vincent Monteiro, Director of the Pastoral Centre, Mangalore was the chief celebrant of the solemn Maundy Thursday Mass. The other priests who participated in the celebration of the Mass were  Fr. George D’Souza, Director of Codialbail Press, Mangalore, Fr. Mxim Pinto, OFM-Cap, Fr.  Joswey Fernandes, Fr. Paul Sequeira and Fr. Lancy Saldanha.

 
In his homily, Fr. Vincent Monteiro explained the meaning and significance of Maundy Thursday. Picking up the words that Jesus had uttered on Maundy Thursday especially “Do it in my remembrance..” Fr. Vincent emphasized on the word ‘remembrance’ and pointed out how much importance the word  carries. He also recalled the first reading of the day, a passage of Pass-over from Exodus in Old Testament and how God commanded the Israelites that  the future generations would remember the deliverance of the Israelites from the slavery of the Pharos of Egypt.

 
Highlighting the significance of Maundy Thursday, Fr. Vincent said that Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Eucharist so that he would remain with the people  and make them his partners. He also instituted the priesthood and also showed by example, by washing the feet of his disciples, how his disciples and the people in general should serve each other with love.

 

 
Following the homily, Fr. Vincent Monteiro washed the feet of 12 YCS members  representing  12 disciples.

 
Following the end of the Mass, the Eucharist was taken in procession to the decorated Altar of Repose towards the right side of the main altar. As the prayers of adoration were recited by Fr. Lancy Saldanha, the main altar was stripped of white clothes and left bare  symbolizing  the beginning of the passion of Christ.

 
Maundy Thursday is part of the Christian celebration of Easter and commemorates the night of the Last Supper as told in the Bible.

 
At the Last Supper, Jesus commanded that we should love one another and washed the feet of his disciples as an act of kindness.

 
To celebrate Maundy Thursday, the pope traditionally washes and kisses the feet of 12 people - usually members of the church.

 
This year Pope Francis has decided he will wash the feet of young offenders at detention centre instead.In the UK, the Queen takes part in the Ceremony of the Royal Maundy where she gives coins called Maundy money to deserving senior citizens.

 
The word Maundy comes from the mandate - or command - Jesus gave at the Last Supper. In many countries the day is known as Holy Thursday.