Maundy Thursday 2016

Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion. It also commemorates His institution of the priesthood. The holy day falls on the Thursday before Easter and is part of Holy Week. Jesus celebrated the dinner as a Passover feast.

The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his Disciples in Jerusalem. The central observance of Holy Thursday is the ritual reenactment of the Last Supper at Mass. This event is celebrated at every Mass, as part of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but it is specially commemorated on Holy Thursday.

The Maundy Thursday celebrations at the Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail were concelebrated by the Rev. Fr. Vincent Menezes, the Assistant Parish Priest Fr Anil Lobo and Fr Walter Pinto. Fr Anil Lobo in his homily elaborated on the significance of the day and also reminded the parishioners about the institution of the sacrament of Priesthood.

Jesus also instituted the sacrament of priesthood on the Holy Thursday. Christ washed the feet of his Disciples, who would become the first priests. This establishment of the priesthood is reenacted at Mass with the priest washing the feet of several parishioners. The homily was followed by the washing of the feet of the 12 disciples.

The entire mass was solemnized by the singing of the senior choir members.

Report by: Lynsha Martis
Pictures: Simon Pereira