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Udupi : Maundy Thursday was observed in Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur of Udupi diocese with great devotion on Thursday, 18^th April, 2019. The day also observed as the day of the Priest. The Holy Thursday also called Covenant Thursday was concelebrated by Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi diocese along with Very Rev Dr. Lawrence C D’Souza Rector of the Cathedral and Vicar of the parish and Rev Fr. Canute Noronha Asst. parish priest.

The evening liturgy started at 6.30pm which is the beginning of the three day celebrations of the Easter which signifies Tridum, remembering the last supper, the Crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ and resurrection to new life.

In his homily, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo pointed out three very important messages. Priest is a mediator between God and Man. Priest serve primarily as mediators between God and man, linking the human and divine realms through the person of Christ. As per St Paul, ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries of God, taken from among men, yet appointed for men in the things that pertain to God. Priests thus form an indispensible bond uniting Heaven and earth.

Bishop said the priestly mediation operates primarily through the sacraments, prayer and preaching. Such work demands a great holiness on the part of every priest, for he is the intimate servant of good. The priesthood also requires a great knowledge of moral and religious truths, detachment from the things of this world, generous obedience to the divine will, and a desire to be sacrificed for the good of others. Ultimately, the priest is another Christ, God’s chosen instrument of salvation.

Jesus Christ immediately before He suffered on the Cross, in order to redeem the fallen human race, ordained his 12 Apostles to this priesthood, commanding them to offer the sacrifice of the Mass on His behalf and after His resurrection, granting them the power to forgive sins. Bishop said Eucharist is love and sacrifice.

Bishop Gerald carried out the ritual of washing the feet of 12 faithful including women. The Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with Apostles and Jesus washing the foot’s of his disciples.

At the end, Rev Fr. Lawrence placed some of the important announcements and gave gratitude to Bishop, priests and choir for the participation in the liturgy.

After the mass, the Eucharist has been placed on the altar of repose and most churches are open for silent adoration, to answer Christ’s invitation “Could you not, then, watch one hour with me?”

Fr. Canute Noronha led the adoration prayers. Its necessary to instruct the faithful on the meaning of the reposition. It is an austere solemn conservation of Body of Christ in the community of the faithful which takes part in the liturgy of Good Friday and for the viaticum of the confirmed. It is an invitation to silent and prolonged adoration of the wondrous sacrament instituted by Jesus on this day.

On Good Friday, way of the Cross will be held at Milagres College Ground with huge wooden cross from 9am to 10 am. The evening liturgy will be held from 4pm. At the end of the mass, the procession of statue of Jesus Christ body will be held.