Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Nithin Periera

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Apr 2: Faithful across the twin coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi gathered in large numbers on Thursday, April 2, to observe Maundy Thursday, marking the beginning of the Easter Triduum. The day commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood.

The evening liturgy in various parishes was characterised by solemn Eucharistic celebrations and the symbolic foot-washing ceremony, reflecting Christ's message of humility and selfless service.

Holy Spirit Church, Mukka

Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur

Rosario Cathedral, Mangaluru

Mangalore diocese

The diocese of Mangalore entered the sacred Paschal Triduum with profound devotion as Bishop of Mangalore Dr Peter Paul Saldanha presided over the Maundy Thursday liturgy at the Holy Spirit Church, Mukka. The solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper was concelebrated by parish priest Stany Pinto and Praveen D’Souza.

In his inspiring homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha emphasised the essence of Christian leadership. "Jesus, though he is God, humbled himself to become a servant and washed the feet of his disciples. This act highlights a servant leadership deeply rooted in love," the bishop stated. He urged the faithful to practice this selfless service within their families and society, transforming the world into a place of love and peace.

During the 'Mandatum', the bishop washed the feet of twelve parishioners, mirroring the humility of Jesus. Simultaneously, across the 125 parishes of the diocese, parish priests performed the ritual with a special emphasis on the 'Year of Children' currently observed in the diocese. In a meaningful gesture, many priests washed the feet of children, symbolising the church’s commitment to nurturing the younger generation.

Udupi diocese

At Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, apostolic administrator of Udupi diocese Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo presided over the holy Eucharistic celebration. The bishop performed the washing of the feet, reminding the congregation of the humility required in Christian leadership and daily life.

The day, also celebrated as 'Priesthood Day,' saw the laity offering prayers for their spiritual leaders. Across both dioceses, the liturgy concluded with a solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the ‘Altar of Repose,’ followed by hours of silent adoration as the faithful reflected on Christ's agony in Gethsemane.

The ceremonies were conducted with deep devotion as the Christian community entered the somber atmosphere of Good Friday.

Maundy Thursday at various churches:

• St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai
• Our Lady Of Loreto Church, Bantwal
• Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte
• Immaculate Conception Church, Kinnigoli
• St Vincent Ferrer Church, Valencia
• Mother Of Sorrows Church, Udupi
• St Francis Xavier Church, Kenha, Mudarangadi
• St Lawrence Church, Bondel
• Holy Cross Church, Cordel, Kulshekar
• St Sebastian Church, Permannur
• Our Lady of Miracles Church, Milagres
• St Anne's Church, Thottam