Udupi: Maundy Thursday was observed in Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur of Udupi diocese with great devotion on Thursday, 13th April, 2017. The day also observed as the day of the Priest. The Holy Thursday also called Covenant Thursday was concelebrated by His Lordship Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi Diocese along with Very Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo, Rector of Cathedral, Rev Fr. Rolwin Aranha and Rev Fr. Prakash Anil Castelino Asst Parish Priests, Rev Fr. Henry Mascarenhas Chaplain of Ozanum Home for the aged, Rev Fr. Herald Mathias and Rev Fr. Nelson Furtado Directors of Pilar Fathers.

The evening liturgy started at 6 pm which is the beginning of the three day celebration of the Easter, which signifies Tridum, remembering the last supper, the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ and resurrection to new life.

In his beautiful homily, Very Rev Fr. Stany B. Lobo emphasized on the significance of Holy Thursday. He pointed out the sacrament of Love and Sacrament of Service. He also pointed out the role of priests in Holy Church and need to love them in Christ.

Bishop Gerald carried out the ritual of washing the feet of 12 people, including women, men, aged one and youngster chosen from the Cathedral. The Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with Apostles and Jesus washing the foots’ of his disciples.

At the end Fr. Stany placed some of the important announcements and later, 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?”.

Its necessary to instruct the faithful on the meaning of the reposition. It is an austere solemn conservation of the 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.

After midnight on Holy Thursday, the adoration should conclude without solemnity, since the day of the Lord’s Passion has already begun.

The evening service ended with the Adoration of the Holy Sacrament conducted beautifully by Fr. Prakash Anil Castelino.

This year the way of the cross will be held at 11 am on Good Friday instead of the evening prior to the evening liturgy. The evening liturgy will be held at 4 pm, followed by procession of Jesus Christ’s body in the cathedral campus.