Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Mar 29: Christians across the diocese observed Maundy Thursday to commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist by Jesus Christ with church services on the evening of March 29.
The Eucharistic Mass was offered by bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza at Rosario Cathedral.
As per the ritual, the bishop washed the feet of selected people representing all men, women, youth, religious and elders as a message of Christ's humility and service.
In his homily, the bishop said, "We give special importance to dinner and lunch in our life. Many times through food we express our happiness, unity and gratitude. It is a symbol of love and care. The Bible mentions about supper twice - in the Old Testament in the time of Moses, and in the New Testament about the last supper of Jesus Christ. Both incidents explain about God's love for humankind and convey a message that humankind should follow. In his last supper Jesus preached his followers to continue the same as a symbol of love. By celebrating the holy Eucharist the Catholic Church is continuing this.
"Maundy Thursday reminds us Jesus Christ's kind act of washing the feet of disciples, something which no one did before or after him. By this act he gave a message to the entire humankind to love each other and be a servant of one another," he added.
Fr J B Crasta thanked the bishop and the co-celebrants. He called on the devotees to celebrate Good Friday on March 30 with prayers and adoration, especially along with family.
Thousands of devotees gathered in the cathedral for Maundy Thursday.
Fr Andrew D'Souza led the Maundy Thursday ceremony held at St Lawrence Church, Bondel. Assistant parish priest Fr Vinod Lobo, resident priest Fr Leo Veigas were the co-celebrants
The faithful attended the Maundy Thursday rituals in strength not only for the evening mass but even the night vigil services. Maundy Thursday is followed by Good Friday, the day on which the crucifixion and death of Christ is commemorated.
Udupi
Pics: Justin Erol D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Mar 29: The last supper of Jesus Christ was celebrated with much devotion and holiness at Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi.
Fr Valerian Mendonca, parish priest was the main celebrant for the Eucharistic celebrations.
In his homily Fr Valerian said, "Today across the world we celebrate Maundy Thursday. Jesus Christ gave his own blood and flesh to us. He never gave any worldly signs as remembrance of him. With his blood and flesh lacs of people are healed at the time of receiving communion. Many miracles have been reported in Catholic churches during communion. Jesus is really present in this Eucharist.
"Today we need to pray for our priests. Jesus has chosen us from amongst you people. Through us he does his works. We need to know that if we talk against priests we are going against the Catholic church. Priesthood is not a profession, it is an mission," he added.
As a remembrance of Jesus Christ washing his disciples' feet, Fr Valerian also washed feet of 12 men representing their respective wards.
Adoration of the blessed sacrament was led by Fr Vijay D’Souza, assistant parish priest. The church was open for adoration till 12 am. A large number of faithfull attended the Eucharistic celebrations and also the Adoration.
Fr Lawrence D'Souza, secretary, Catholic Education Society of Udupi, and Fr William Martis were the co-celebrants.
Maudy Thursday celebrations at other churches