SHILLONG: The Catholic faithful of Shillong Archdiocese in Meghalaya observed Maundy Thursday to mark the beginning of the Pascal Triduum (three day-day period of prayer preceding) which will end with Easter Sunday – the most important feast in Christendom.
Maundy Thursday also marks the celebration of Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with his twelve apostles before he was condemned to death on the cross. It was on this day here that Jesus died when he washed the feet of his apostles as an example that “you should also do as I have done to you.” The day also marks the institution of the Holy Eucharist, which Catholics believe is the body and blood of Jesus Christ; and the Sacrament of priesthood. Maundy Thursday was observed with devotion and intense fervour by the faithful of Shillong Archdiocese together with the presiding priests, including the Assistant Parish, Fr Julius Kurbah, members of different religious congregations and faithful. Maundy Thursday devotions included washing of the feet of twelve faithful seated at the side of the altar. The washing of the feet of the twelve faithful is an enactment of the washing of the feet of his twelve apostles by Jesus Christ.
At the introductory remarks, Fr Kurbah reminded the faithful of the greatest act of humility shown by Jesus by washing the feet of the apostles. Fr. Kurbah said the washing of the feet was thehumblest of acts a person could perform and Jesus did to his apostles to teach them that he came to this earth not to be served, but to serve.
