Kohima, April 13 (MExN): The Catholics of Nagaland, along with the rest of the World, today observed the “Maundy Thursday” or Holy Thursday with the washing of the feet and adoration of the Holy Eucharist.
During the observance, Pope Francis in Rome and bishops in their own Cathedrals and priests in their own churches carry out the washing of the feet in memory of what the Lord Jesus did during the last supper, informed a press note from Bishop’s Secretary Fr. Thomas Toretkiu.
In Nagaland, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, was the main celebrant at the Mary Help of Christian, Cathedral, on April 13 and Rev. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, Vicar General Diocese of Kohima, Fr. Sojan Puthankudy, Chancellor of Diocese, Fr. George Punnolil, Administrator of the Diocese of Kohima with other fathers concelebrated with the Bishop, it said.
It is to be noted that the rite is often referred to as the Mandatum, from Jesus' words at the Last Supper (John 13:14), it added.
In his homily, the Bishop invited the community to take to heart the two spiritual messages from the celebration –the Feast of Holy Thursday in remembrance of the institution of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist; and secondly to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist in a worthy manner.
In our living faith in Christ, we must be prepared to love and serve others. Those who receive Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist cannot but serve in humility their brothers and sisters as Jesus did, he added.
Rev. Dr Thoppil further said that the feet washing are a “symbol of Jesus readiness to serve, serve as a servant” and the service is “not out of compulsion but out of love.”
After the homily, Bishop wrapped a towel around the waist, poured water and washed the feet of 12 people (six men and six women) in commemoration of what Jesus did.
It is for the first time that the Cathedral parish has the women for the washing of the feet in accordance with the change of rite suggested from Rome and practiced by Pope Francis, the press note further informed.
After the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed at the altar for the adoration, symbolically keeping watch with the Lord, it said.
Various petitions of prayers were said for the people, state and country and Children, youth and parents will participate in the spirit filled adoration in groups up to 11:30 pm, it added.
