Maundy Thursday: A Day of Reverence and Reflection Back

Maundy Thursday: A Day of Reverence and Reflection

Maundy Thursday holds deep significance for Catholics as it commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples. It is also a day dedicated to praying for priests, as parishes around the world remember their service and vocation.

On 17 April 2025, Derebail Parish solemnly observed Maundy Thursday. With compassion for the elderly and the ailing, a special Mass was offered at 4:00 PM, allowing them to partake in the sacred celebration. The main Mass followed at 6:30 PM in the Church Grounds.

 Rev. Fr. Ivan Dsouza, Professor at the Inter-Diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, was the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist, joined by Rev. Fr. Felix Monteiro, Spiritual Direct ar Jeppu Seminary, Rev. Fr. Joseph Martis, Parish Priest of Derebail; Rev. Fr. Ashwin Aranha, Director of Dev Apovne Sanghatan, Udupi.

The sermon reflected on the significance of Maundy Thursday. Fr. Ivan presented several relatable examples to illustrate his message. He explained how, through the Lord’s sacrifice, the bread is transformed into the Body of Christ and the wine into His Blood. He emphasized that Maundy Thursday reveals the equalizing essence of Christianity—where the servant becomes the master, and an ordinary Catholic is called to become a leader for change.
He also explored the symbolic depth of the act of washing, noting how it can be interpreted in multiple ways. Drawing from the Bible, he contrasted Jesus’ humble act of washing His disciples’ feet with Pontius Pilate’s symbolic washing of his hands. While the former was an act of service and love, the other of denial and detachment.

This was followed by a symbolic washing of the feet, reminiscent of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples.

The soulful singing by the Youth Choir deepened the sense of devotion throughout the service.

The Mass of the Lord's Supper concluded with a solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the "Altar of Repose"—a sacred space where the consecrated Host is reserved. During the Holy Hour, parishioners were invited to reflect, pray, and spiritually accompany Jesus in His agony at Gethsemani.

Report by: Portia Furtado 
Pictures: Roshan Fernandes