Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 5: Maundy Thursday was observed with great devotion, at Holy Cross Church Cordel on April 1 at 7 pm in Rosary Park grounds with a large number of parishioners partaking in the holy mass. The solemn eucharistic celebration of the Lord’s Supper was concelebrated by Fr Victor Machado, the parish priest along with Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Fr Shaun Rodrigues, deacon Ivan D’Souza and deacon Francis.
Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with his twelve disciples. Three important events are the focus of this day. First, Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his apostles, the day on which the holy eucharist was instituted. Secondly, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an act of humility and service and commanded everyone to love one another as He loved and thirdly, he instituted the ministerial priesthood.
Fr Victor Machado narrated the significance of Maundy Thursday where he upheld the importance of the eucharist. He said, "Jesus is our fellow traveller in our spiritual journey where we experience his real presence in the eucharist." He emphasized the love of Jesus which is concretized in the humble service of the other.
Following the homily, the feet of 12 chosen parishioners were washed to symbolize the service of love. Soon after the mass, the holy eucharist was taken in procession to the ‘Altar of Repose’ which was specially prepared with floral decoration at the side of the altar.
Passion of Christ- Good Friday Service
On account of Good Friday, the devotion of Way of the Cross was held at 7.30 am in the passion garden (Pashavansho Molo). It was animated by Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Fr Shaun Rodrigues and deacon Ivan D'Souza. The parishioners participated in large numbers with utmost devotion.
The evening Good Friday service commenced at 5 pm in Rosary Park ground. The main celebrant was Fr Shaun Rodrigues, assistant parish priest along with Fr Victor Machado, the parish priest and Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant parish priest, deacon Ivan D’Souza and deacon Francis.
The Good Friday service comprised of four parts: Scripture readings and reflection, solemn prayers for various intentions, the unveiling and veneration of the Cross, and holy communion. The passion of Jesus Christ according to John was devoutly narrated by Fr Victor Machado, Fr Shaun Rodrigues, Lewis Fernandes along with the choir.
In his homily, deacon Ivan D’Souza highlighted the significance of the Cross and the death of Jesus for the salvation of mankind. He enumerated the seven words of Jesus with practical implications. Following the holy communion, the faithful departed from the church in silence meditating and reflecting on the mystery of Good Friday. The entire day was spent in silence, fasting and prayer.
Easter vigil liturgy at Holy Cross Church, Cordel
The Easter vigil liturgy commenced on April 3 at 7.00 pm at the Holy Cross Church grounds in the presence of a sea of parishioners. The holy eucharist was concelebrated by Fr Lawrence Cutinha along with Fr Victor Machado and Fr Shaun Rodrigues, deacon Ivan D’Souza and deacon Francis. The Easter vigil Service mainly had four parts: The Liturgy of Light; the Liturgy of the Word of God; renewal of baptismal vows and the holy eucharist.
The Liturgy of Light was conducted by Fr Lawrence Cutinha, which concluded with the singing of Exultet (Paschal hymn) by Fr Victor Machado. The Scripture readings highlighted salvation history. In his homily, Fr Lawrence Cutinha threw light on the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the life of all the faithful. He emphasized that we should always have Jesus as the centre of our life and spread his love to others.
Holy water was blessed and sprinkled on the entire congregation present after renewing their baptismal vows. Fr Victor Machado thanked everyone and extended his Easter greetings to all the parishioners.