An Evening of Love, Service and Sacrifice at STCJ, Salmiya
On Maundy Thursday, April 2, the St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus Parish in Salmiya gathered for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, entering the heart of the Sacred Triduum with Holy Masses that began in the early afternoon until late at night. Our Clergy, who celebrated mass in different languages, reiterated on three beautiful pillars of our faith:
The New Commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” A call to live with grace in our daily lives as we learn to love not only our near and dear ones but also those who have wronged us.
The Washing of the Feet: Witnessing the humility of Christ as our priests knelt in service reminding us that to lead is to serve – washing, wiping and kissing the feet of the 12 disciples.
The Gift of Priesthood: Celebrating the institution of the Eucharist and honouring our priests who bring us the Bread of Life.
During the concelebrated mass celebrated at 11 PM, Fr Savio D’Souza enlightened the faithful that Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “command”. But it’s not a command to seek power; it’s a command to love one another as He did, to seek the floor and to serve when it’s undeserved.
The Holy Mass ended with the Blessed Sacrament taken in procession to the Altar of Repose as parishioners gathered in silence to pray and meditate as we entered into Good Friday.
