Udupi, Mangaluru Catholics observe traditional ’Maundy Thursday’, April 13

Udupi, Mangaluru Catholics observe traditional ’Maundy Thursday’, April 13

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 14, 2017: Maundy Thursday was observed across Udupi and DK district with the washing of the feet of men and women by the respective Bishops and priests in churches and institutions April 13, Thursday with traditional devotions and solemnity.

The Catholic churches commemorate the events of the Last Supper at the Maundy Thursday mass with washing the feet of 12 persons.

In Udupi:  Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, performed this ritual at the Milages Cathedral at Kallianpur.   He washed the feet of lay persons reminding the washing of the feet of 12 Apostles by Jesus Christ.  As per the Pope’s revised liturgy, Bishop  Dr. Lobo washed the feet of 12 persons including five women (four lay and one nun) at the Milagres Cathedral. The same gesture was followed across the diocese.

Following the end of the mass, the Holy Eucharist was taken ceremoniously to the floral decorated Altar of Repose while the main altar was stripped of the white covering and flowers removed and it was left bare.  The reverential transfer of the Holy Eucharist to the Altar of Repose was followed by adoration.  The ‘washing of feet’ ceremony was also held at various churches in Udupi, Shirva, Belman, Sasthan, Brahamvar, Kundapur, Basrur and other places with special service.

In Mangaluru : In keeping with the traditions all parishes: Rosario, Milagres, bijey, Urwa, Bendur, Ashok Nagar, Derebail, Casia, Angelore, Infant Jesus, Cloistered Chapel, Retreat house, Jeppu.......and so on held  the solemn mass of the ’Last Supper’.  The integral part of this was the washing of the feet of 12 people, women and men. The word ’Maundy’ is derived from the Latin word ’mandatum’ translating to ’mandate’ - in pursuance of the new mandate to ’love one another as your self’ preached by Christ in His life.  

The Bishop of mangalore, Rev Dr.Aloysius Paul D’Souza, as per practice was the main celebrant at  Rosario cathedral his seat of power. He was assisted by several priests and performed the ritual of ’washing of the feet’  on a representative 12 persons, men/women,  from all walks of life.

After the holy mass, in all these churches, the holy Eucharist was kept in the alter of repose in a reserved decorated place in the church. People gathered most of the night and will continue till the evening Good Friday observance today, April 14.

The main alter was stripped of all accessories as a mark of mourning for the sufferings Christ underwent for mankind.

In the Rosario cathedral, the huge cross was erected in the center of the sanctuary to mark the traditional depiction of the Crucifixion and  lowering of the body of Christ which is a special traditional act that is maintained over many decades here.
this is also seen in a few churches in the region.