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Udupi : Maundy Thursday was observed in Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur of Udupi diocese with great devotion and solemnity on Thursday, 28^th March, 2024. The Maundy Thursday also called Holy Thursday and Covenant Thursday which was concelebrated by Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese along with Very Rev Fr. Valerian Mendonca, Rector of the Cathedral and Vicar of the parish, Rev Fr. Joy Andrade, Asst. parish priest and Rev Fr. Lawrence Rodrigues, Retired Priest of the diocese.

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

In his homily, Fr Valerian Mendonca emphasized on the significance of Maundy Holy Thursday and the last Supper of Christ during which Jesus constituted the priesthood of His Apostles and gave an example of service by washing the feet of the Apostles and Jesus gave them a new commandment to serve and to love one another. Fr Valerian said that Jesus is the Eucharist. Holy Thursday celebrates the institution of Eucharist as the true body and body of Jesus and institution of the Sacrament of the priesthood. The last Supper of Jesus is an example of love of God. Through Eucharist, God completely loves us. Priest is selected by God. To love God we need the priest to mediate and he is the gift of God to us who chosen by God. Fr Valerian said priest also human being can make mistakes. However, priests are expected to be caring, compassionate and understanding. They are looked up to as good role models and are often asked for their opinion or advice. They are approachable and friendly, someone people will not be afraid to go to. But most importantly, they spread God’s word to faithful people.

Fr. Valerian said that the presence of Christ in the Eucharist is true, real, and substantial. Christ becomes present under the appearance of bread and wine during the Eucharistic celebrations. We believe that the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist is not merely symbolic or metaphorical, but a true and substantial presence. During the consecration of the bread and wine by a priest during mass, a miraculous transformation occurs, known as transubstantiation.

Thereafter, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo carried out the ritual of washing the feet of 12 faithful laymen. The Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with Apostles and Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.

At the end of, Very Rev Fr. Valerian Mendonca, Rector of the Cathedral placed some of the important announcements on the liturgy of Good Friday and the Eve of Easter celebrations.

After the solemnity of the Eucharistic celebrations, Holy Eucharist was placed on the altar of repose when Bishop, priests and altar servers proceeded in procession to the Altar of repose. The altar of repose is decorated with beautiful white flowers and candle lights.

Rev Fr. Joy Andrade led the adoration prayers as soon as Holy Eucharist placed on the Altar of repose. It’s 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 da. Huge faithful people with gaiety were participated during the adoration prayers along with the Bishop in front of Altar of Repose.

On Good Friday, the Way of the Cross will be held at the Cathedral at sharp 9am in the morning. The evening liturgy will starts from sharp 4pm in the Cathedral which will be led by Bishop.