Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is a common and popular name for Holy Thursday, the first day of the Easter Triduum, the final three days of Lent before Easter. Coming at the high point of Holy Week, Maundy Thursday commemorates Christ's Last Supper, at which  He instituted the Eucharist, the Mass, and the priesthood. The Maundy Thursday celebrations at the Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail were concelebrated by the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Peter D’souza and the Assistant Parish Priest Fr Vinod Lobo.

Maundy Thursday reminds us of the Last Supper when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. Rev Fr Peter in his homily spoke of the significance of Maundy Thursday. He spoke of the three important events which are the primary focus of Maundy Thursday solemnizations:

• First, the Institution of the Holy  Eucharist
• Second, the Sacrament of Priesthood
• Third, the commandment of selfless love

Jesus washed the feet of his Apostles before the Passover meal. For Jesus, it was the display of His humility and His servanthood. For the disciples, the washing of their feet was in direct contrast to their heart attitudes at that time. For us, washing feet is symbolic of our role in the body of Christ. By performing this lowly act of service, the Bible says in John 13:1 that Jesus "showed them the full extent of his love." By his example, Jesus demonstrated how Christians are to love one another through humble service.  In remembrance of this the Parish priest washed the feet of 12 men and handed each with a loaf.

The Children’s Choir added to the solemnity of the mass. The mass was followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Hour led by the Assistant Parish priest rev.Fr. Vinod Lobo.