TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The symbolic washing of people’s feet by priests marked the celebration of Holy (Maundy) services across churches, chapels and catholic institutions in the State on Thursday evening.
Holy Thursday is the first day of the Easter Triduum and Catholics commemorate the institution of three pillars of the Catholic Faith: the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the priesthood and the Mass.
The rite of washing of the feet by priests during the mass was a symbolic enactment of the tradition based on the belief that Christ washed the feet of his apostles before the final meal together before his crucifixion. By this lowly act of service, priests exhorted the Catholic community to love one another through humble service.
Since the day also marked the institution of the priesthood, the main celebrants at the Mass urged the faithful to be close to their priests with affection and with their prayers, so that priests may always be shepherds according to God’s heart.
During the Maundy Thursday Services in Porvorim, a priest pointed out the various challenges faced by priests in exercising their vocation.
“Priests as well as their services to the community are generally taken for granted by people. People tend to comment on the nature and duration of their sermons and are quick to find all possible faults in priests, ignoring the fact that they are also human and prone to challenges and difficulties,” said a priest during his homily in Porvorim.
Later, night vigil services were also conducted where the Catholics participated in the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
A popular practice marking Maundy Thursday was also the preparation of hot cross buns. Traditional bakeries and cake shops in major cities did brisk business in the sale of hot cross buns.
