Maundy Thursday was observed in St. Lawrence Church, Bondel, with Devotion and Solemnity
Mangaluru: “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
Mangaluru: St. Lawrence Church Bondel observed Maundy Thursday, a day commemorating Jesus’ utmost love and the institution of the Holy Eucharist, on March 28, 2024. The service began at the church premises at 6:30 p.m.
Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao, Rector of St. Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, was the main celebrant; Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza; Rev. Fr Peter Gonsalves, Principal St Lawrence English Medium School; Rev. Fr Lancy D’Souza, Asst. PP; Rev. Fr Ravi Kumar, MSIJ; and Rev. Fr Theo Pinto were the concelebrants.
Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao broke the Word of God for the faithful. Holy Thursday commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. It is a day of rededicating ourselves to Christ’s mission through a total donation of oneself and the willingness to serve others.
Today, the Church celebrates God’s beautiful gift to her and the entire world—the institution of the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharist is the food that God has generously made available to nourish us on our spiritual journey. According to Pope Francis, “the Eucharist is not just a weekly way of celebrating our faith but radically affects our relationships with others. Especially with those most in need.”
The Eucharist gives us grace. We go to Mass not because we are worthy, but because we know that we are always in need of God’s mercy, love, and grace. These come to us through the body and blood of Christ. Eucharists affect the lives of our Christian communities. So, the church receives its mission and identity from the Eucharist. Jesus washed the disciple’s feet as an act of humility and service, thereby setting an example that we should love and serve one another in humility.
In accordance with tradition and symbolism, Rev. Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza washed the feet of the twelve chosen parishioners in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrificial act of washing their feet.
Soon after the mass, there was adoration. The Holy Eucharist was carried in procession to the “Altar of Repose” in the adoration chapel along with apostles and parishioners. Rev. Fr Ronald Serrao led the adoration service.
During the entire ceremony, the church choir added solemnity. Rev. Fr. Andrew Leo D’Souza extended his gratitude to the altar servers, volunteers, members of the liturgy committee, choir, and PPC members.
The significance of the celebration on Maundy Thursday was highlighted by Mrs. Mary Miranda.
Photography: Veron
Report: Meena Serrao Barboza.
