Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP/RJP)
Mangaluru, Apr 2: Thousands of faithful flocked to churches across the city to observe Maundy Thursday, on April 2 with much devotion.
Maundy Thursday signifies the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles.
The Eucharistic Mass was offered by Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza at Rosario Cathedral in the evening along with parish priest Fr J B Crasta, Fr Alwyn Serrao, Fr Rocky Fernandes and Fr Amith Rodrigues.
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza in his homily said, "Every person as an individual has a special day in his or her life like birthday, wedding day and some other memorable days. For Christians as as a community, today is the most important day.This is the day Holy Eucharist was started by Jesus Christ, our saviour. Eucharist is the central part of Christian faith."
St Lawrence Church, Bondel
Rosario Cathedral
"St Thomas Aquinas, the doctor of the church proclaimed the importance of Eucharist in his writings and hymns. So let us celebrate the day of the Eucharist and also the day of the priests who are chosen to say the holy mass and lead the Christians. Let us pray for them," Dr Aloysius D'Souza added.
"Bishop Fulton Sheen called upon all the Christians to be united in Christ by celebrating Eucharist together. He said only by forgiving our enemies, we will become worthy to be part of the Eucharist. Otherwise it remains only a ritual. On this day let us renew our vows to be better Christians," the bishop said.
The Bishop representing Jesus washed the feet of twelve parishioners who symbolically became the disciples of Jesus. The gesture is an act of utmost humility which Jesus practised throughout his life.
At St Lawrence Church, Bondel, the Mass was celebrated by parish priest Fr Andrew D'Souza, with Fr Jason Monis, Fr Edwin Correa, Fr Lawrence Pinto, Fr George and other priests as concelebrants.
The homily was delivered by deacon Ashwin Cardoza, who said, "Today is the priest day. Jesus formed priesthood in order that his work continued after him. A priest has two qualities - one, the image of Christ, and second, the image of human. Being a human, he has his own weakness and makes mistakes. Priests sacrifice their families, friends and wealth for the service of God, and so also religious sisters. We should respect their dedication and not find fault with them. Jesus being god was humble and washed the feet of the Apostles. So, we too have to follow the same example, become humble and wash each other's feet. Jesus ate with the disciples and united everyone. Hence, we too should live together, share, care and foster unity. We are not greater than Jesus. We must follow in his path."
Thereafter, parish priest Fr Andrew observed the ritual of washing the feet of 12 parishioners, symbolizing humility and the washing of the Apostles' feet by Jesus Christ.
Maundy Thursday signifies the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. The day is followed by Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday denoting Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.
Mangaluru diocese
Udupi diocese