Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Justin D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/Udupi
Mangaluru/Udupi, Apr 17: Churches across the twin coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi witnessed large gatherings of the faithful on Thursday as Christians solemnly observed Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples.
The day, which marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, was observed with solemn Eucharistic celebrations, foot-washing ceremonies, and reflections on the themes of humility, service, and sacrifice.
Rosario Cathedral, Mangaluru
Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur
At Rosario Cathedral, Mangaluru and Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, the evening liturgy drew large congregations. Bishop of Mangalore Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Udupi and Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, presided over the Holy Eucharist at Rosario Cathedral, Hampankatta, Mangaluru and Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, Udupi respectively and later performed the symbolic washing of the feet.
Fr Alfred Pinto, Fr Vinod Lobo concelebrated the Mass at Rosario Cathedral with bishop Peter Paul Saldanha.
Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, rector of the Milagres Cathedral and also vicar general of the Udupi Diocese, Fr Pradeep Cardoza, assistant parish priest, Fr Dr Jencil Alva, resident priest, Fr Stephen D’Souza, chancellor of the Diocese, Fr Ronson D’Souza, rector, Holy Cross Home, Katapady and Fr Manoj Furtado, rector, Pilar Fathers Kallianpur concelebrated the Mass with bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo.
As many as twelve members representing various sections of society—men, women, youth, religious, and elders—participated in the ritual, which serves as a reminder of Christ’s message of humility and servant leadership.
The Maundy Thursday liturgy across parishes in the region included scripture readings, homilies reflecting on Jesus' commandment of love, and silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament following the solemn procession.
The faithful reflected deeply on the significance of the Last Supper, the institution of the Holy Eucharist, and the priesthood, as churches prepared to enter the solemnity of Good Friday.
Maundy Thursday at various churches:
- St Vincent Ferrar Church, Valencia
- St Thomas the Apostle Church, Nirkan
- Sacred Heart Church, Surathkal
- St Sebastian Church, Permannur
- Guardian Angel Church, Angelore
- St Sebastian Church, Bendur
- Holy Family church Omzoor
- Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte
- St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai
- Our Lady Of Loretto Church, Bantwal
- Holy Family Church, Brahmavar
- Our Lady of Miracles Church, Milagres