Solemnity of Maundy Thursday Observed in St. Lawrence Church, Moodudbelle

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 01 Apr 2021: The solemnity of the Holy Thursday also known as Maundy Thursday was observed with great devotion by the parishioners of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle on 1 April 2021 from 5 pm to 7pm. The solemn Maundy Thursday Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle as the chief celebrants assisted by Fr. Jithesh Castelino, Assistant Parish priest, Dr. Lawrence D’Souza, Resident Priest and Deacon Vijay D’Souza.

 

In his meaningful homily, Fr. Clement Mascarenhas narrated the significance of 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. Clement also highlighted the example of service and spirit of  love that Jesus manifested by washing the feet of his Apostles.

 

Following the homily, Fr. Jithesh Castelino washed the feet of 12 chosen parishioners, six men and six women all from the Parish Pastoral Council.

 

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.

 

Deacon Vijay D’Souza gave introductory explanation to the liturgical readings and other parts of the Maundy Thursday service. 

 

Fr. Jithesh Castelino conducted the Adoration Service.

 

 

Meaning of 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 afoot-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.