Maundy Thursday Signifying the Last Supper of Jesus Observed in St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle
By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi/M’Belle, 14 Apr 2022: The solemnity of the Holy Thursday also known as Maundy Thursday signifying the Last Supper of Jesus was observed with great devotion by the parishioners of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle on 14 April 2022 from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. The solemn Maundy Thursday Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Antony Serrao-Secretary of the Catholic Board of Education (CBE), Mangalore as the chief celebrants assisted by Fr. George D’Souza-Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Mooddubelle, Fr. Cyril Lobo-Asistant Parish Priest, Fr. Anil Cornelio-Rector of Diocesan Minor Seminary, Moodubelle and Fr. Valeerian D’Silva (OFM Cap).
In his meaningful homily, Fr. Antony Serrao narrated the significance of the Maundy Thursday. During his Last Supper, Jesus Christ constituted the Sacrament of Eucharist and Priesthood to commemorate the Last Supper that Jesus had with His chosen Apostles. Fr. Antony Serrao also highlighted the example of service and spirit of love that Jesus manifested by washing the feet of his Apostles.
Following the homily, Fr. George D’Souza washed the feet of 12 chosen parishioners, six men and six women-all senior citizens. Fr. George D’Souza knelt in front of each and every chosen parishioner. Washed her/his foot, wiped with a towel and kissed it symbolizing one of the finest examples given by Jesus to His disciples of service and love.
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 side 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.
Fr. Antony Serrao conducted the Adoration Service.
Meaning and Significance of the 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 a foot-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.