Dolcy D’Cruz
On Maundy Thursday, at the Lord’s Last Supper, Jesus Christ shows profound humility by washing the feet of His disciples. Even though He knew that His close friend Judas Iscariot would betray Him for thirty pieces of silver, He showed no anger and washed his feet as well. The twelve parish members walk in, representing the twelve Apostles, followed by the priest in golden vestments. The occasion is both solemn and joyful, as the priest represents Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. During the ceremony, the priest humbly kneels before each of the twelve, washes their feet, offers f lowers, and presents them with a hot cross bun. Maundy Thursday is a celebration of unity and service, even as it leads into the sorrowful events of Christ’s arrest and crucifixion. The Eucharistic celebration highlights the many dimensions of Jesus’ life in a single liturgy. Despite knowing that one among the twelve would betray Him, Jesus showed no sign of anger, only love and humility. Fr Seville Antao will celebrate Maundy Thursday at Holy Family Church, Marcel, in the presence of Parish Priest Fr Joaquim Fernandes, SVD. He also serves as the school manager of St Anthony High School, Monte de Guirim, and director of the Assisi Music Academy. Fr Seville Antao explains, “Maundy Thursday is deeply significant because, at the Last Supper, Jesus did three important things. First, He washed the feet of His disciples, teaching us humility and service. Second, He instituted the Holy Eucharist. And third, He ordained His disciples to the priesthood. All of this took place just before His Passion, as He promised, ‘I will be with you till the end of time.’ This moment is closely connected to the Passover. Jesus celebrated the Passover meal with His apostles, and that gives Maundy Thursday its profound meaning. It also prepares us for Good Friday, when the sacrifice takes place. In the Jewish tradition, thousands of lambs were sacrificed during Passover, often at different times, with the most significant sacrifice happening at three o’clock, the very hour Jesus died. That is why Jesus is called the Lamb of God—He became the supreme sacrifice for all. Maundy Thursday, along with Good Friday and Easter, forms what we call the Easter Triduum, the most sacred period of Holy Week, also known as the Great Week. Each day of Holy Week carries its own significance; for instance, Wednesday is known as Spy Wednesday, recalling Judas’ betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.” Lawrence Gonsalves from Collem is participating for the second time in 30 years as one of the 12 disciples for the Washing of the Feet ceremony. “They had a selection based on somudai. Since I work on a ship, this opportunity is very special for me, especially now that I am in Goa and have the chance to be on the altar. It is a truly meaningful experience at Our Lady of Piety Church. We have 12 somudais, and each somudai was asked to propose their candidates for the Washing of the Feet ceremony.” Rosy Rodrigues, a catechist from St Lawrence Chapel, Arossim-Cansaulim, will also participate in the ceremony. “I am very much blessed to be chosen to wash my feet on Maundy Thursday, remembering the event that took place years ago where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.
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I am very happy. It is an opportunity to serve others just as Jesus did.” Josiah Fernandes, a student of Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, and a parishioner of St Francis Xavier’s Church, Borim, has been selected for the ceremony. “Being selected for the Washing of the Feet event makes me feel incredibly honoured and humbled. I find it extremely meaningful to participate in this holy rite since it embodies the virtues of love, humility, and unselfish service. In addition to being symbolic, this occasion serves as a reminder to me of the significance of serving others with compassion and kindness, as Jesus Christ taught us. It allows me to think back on what I’ve done and motivates me to be more sympathetic and supportive of others around me,” he says. Barbara Couto e Fernandes, a parishioner of St Thomas Church, Aldona, says, “I feel it is spiritually enriching and makes me realize that I should be humble like our Lord Jesus Christ and be service to others specially the old, lonely and poor and downtrodden people.” As parishioners take on the role of the Apostles, the ceremony becomes a living reflection of faith in action. As we reflect on Christ’s suffering on this day, it is a call to turn away from pride and anger, and embrace humility and love.
