Maundy Thursday - The Celebration of the Lord's Supper - 17 Apr 2014 Back

On Maundy Thursday, the Catholic Church celebrates the Last Supper of the Lord. The Passover is the ritual meal, observed through centuries in accordance of the Law of Moses, held in commemoration of the Lord’s liberation of the Israelites from the bondage of the Egyptians. Jesus gave a new meaning to this celebration.

The Maundy Thursday celebrations at the Most Holy Redeemer Church, Derebail were concelebrated by the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Peter D’souza, the Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Edwin Monis, Fr. Leo Lasrado, Professor of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu and Fr. Ronald D’souza from the Codialbail Press, Mangalore.

Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus shared the Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. Derived from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "commandment," Maundy refers to the commands Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper: to love with humility by serving one another and to remember his sacrifice.

Three important events are the primary focus of Maundy Thursday solemnizations:

• First, the Institution of the Holy Eucharist
• Second, the Sacrament of Priesthood
• Third, the commandment of selfless love

Fr. Leo in his homily conveyed the message of selfless love shown by Jesus, who by washing the feet of his apostles taught us how to be selfless in serving others and gave us the commandment of love as well as the Sacrament of Eucharist and of the Priestly Order. Before the Passover meal, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. By performing this lowly act of service, the Bible says in John 13:1 that Jesus "showed them the full extent of his love." By his example, Jesus demonstrated how Christians are to love one another through humble service.

When Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? Today, Jesus calls each of us to take his example and do unto others what he has done for us.

The mass was followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Hour led by Fr. Leo.