Abudhabi: Holy Thursday Celebrations at St. Joseph’s Cathedral

By Alphonse Mendonsa
Bellevision Media Network

Abu Dhabi, 29 March 2013:  To commemorate the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples is observed all over the globe by Catholics.  It is the day Jesus showed what true love is by washing the feet of his disciples.  While washing He commanded his disciples to love one another and be meek and humble and follow his example by serving and not to be served.

All over U.A.E also the Last Super services were held with great devotion.   In Abu Dhabi at St. Joseph’s Cathedral the service began at about 6:30pm.  The first part being the readings followed by homily and washing of the feet. HE Bishop Paul Hinder washed the feet of 12 members from the Congregation washed the feet thus following in the foot-setps of Jesus Christ.

 

 

This was followed by selection of 28 new lay ministers to help out in the daily service of the church and community esp. for distribution of Communion.  After the oat taking ceremony by new Lay Ministers, Bishop prayed over them, blessed them and congratulated them.

The second session was Holy Eucharist was celebrated with great devotion and mass was concelebrated by many priests including Rev. Fr. Savarimuthu (Parish Priest).  The choir led by John Fernandes  rendered devotional hymns melodiously. 

 

The Final part of the service was Benediction of Holy Sacrament by Bishop Paul Hinder and then the Holy Sacrament was taken in a grand procession to the Assisi Hall for veneration and left there for the congregation to visit and pray until 11pm.

 

The last supper celebration was attended by a very large crowd came from all over Abu Dhabi, Mussafah, and other far away places and took part with great devotion.