SHILLONG/TURA: Christians across the state observed Maundy Thursday from the confines of their homes with the religious ceremony of the washing of the feet of the 12 disciples missing from service for the first time owing to a country-wide lockdown to check the spread of COVID-19.
The faithful of all Christian denomination from Shillong prayed from their homes remembering the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the eve of Good Friday. Catholic faithful followed the live stream of mass staying at home.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Tura, Andrew Marak, led the Catholic faithful in the service streamed live from the Cathedral Church at Tura.
There will also be Good Friday service at 3 pm, Easter vigil mass on Saturday at 9 pm and Easter Sunday service at 10 am.
In his sermon, Marak called upon the faithful to pray and support doctors, nurses, government leaders and all those in the frontline of the battle against the disease.
Auxiliary Bishop of Tura, Fr CJ Jose, in a separate service at St Luke church at Walbakgre, Tura, stressed on the power of prayer and called upon all faithful to offer prayers so that life returns to normal and the faithful can once again attend service.
During Maundy Thursday service, catholic faithful take part in the washing of the feet of twelve persons by a priest, to recall Jesus Christ washing the feet of his disciples.
For the first time, the church service took place behind closed doors, without the presence of the faithful who could not receive the Holy Communion, conduct the adoration of Christ prayer service and the washing of the feet.
The Tura Baptist Church and the A’chik Baptist Dalgipa Krima are also holding a live streaming of the church service through YouTube and Facebook during this entire holy week.