‘An Invitation to Wash each other’s Feet’ – Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday celebrated world over, recalls three Major events that took place on the eve of thursday before Jesus’s death. Jesus instituted ‘the Eucharist’, ‘the sacrament of Priestly Ordination’ and gave us the life example of service by washing the feet of his disciples.

The Maundy thursday celebrations at Udyavar began at 6.00 p.m. Rev. Fr JasonPais OFM cap. broke the word of God and elaborated on the mystery of the day. He stressed on the point that, in the Jewish society no male would wash other’s feet. When disciples gathered for the passover meal, the might have been waiting that someone else would wash their feet. Jesus takes this as an opportunity, even though being a teacher and master, He washes their feet and invites them to do the same. He beautifully summarized the events of institution of Eucharist and Priestly Ordination. Without the Eucharist we do not have our Catholic Existence also without priests we do not have Sacraments. He urged everyone to forgive the shortcomings of Priests and to love them and pray for them.

The highlight of the liturgy – Washing of the feet of 12 selected apostles was then followed after the homily. The Parish Priest, V. Rev. Fr Stany B Lobo conducted the ceremony devotionally. Later prayers of the faithful were held.

The fully packed church witnessed all the events with devotion and prayerfulness. It was really a faith evoking celebration. After the communion, the communion was reserved to be used tomorrow. the procession took place to the altar of reservation and Sr Wilma led the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Later the  church was left open for personal prayer and adoration till 11.00 p.m.