Holy Thursday observed in Neermarga Parish

The Neermarga Parish Community gathered together on 6th April, 2023 with devotion to celebrate Holy Thursday.

In the prelude of the Mass that invited people to enter into the spirit of the liturgy, The threefold celebrations were spotlighted – 1. Jesus washing the Apostles Feet 2. The Institution of the Holy Priesthood and 3. The Institution of the Holy Eucharist. Rev Fr Anil D Mello, Parish Priest accorded a genial and an affable welcome to the congregation assembled and introduced Rev Fr Arun Lobo -Director of Friendship House Mariashram, Talapady to the Parishioners.    Rev Fr Anil D Mello and Rev Fr Arun Lobo celebrated the Eucharist. The importance of the Eucharist and the sacrifice of Christ’s Body, The importance of Christlike love and service and Priesthood instituted by Christ at the Last supper were so wonderfully interlaced around unique anecdotes, inspirational quotes of Pope Pius XII by Rev Fr Arun Lobo in his Homily that aided the faithful to draw out the gems of insight and wisdom. He then stated the ways to thank the Priest – ‘Anointed one, Spiritual Guide, God’s Voice ‘for his ministry.

The significance of the service was the washing the feet of 12 lay men who were randomly handpicked from the Parish, recalled Christ’ act of service to Peter and the other Apostles.

Rev Fr Anil D Mello led the Eucharistic Adoration helping the Faithful to remember and reflect Christ’s ordeal in the Garden of Gethsemane that was indeed soothing and comforting. The Main Altar was then stripped of  altar-cloths, vases of flowers and other ornaments symbolic of the humiliation of Jesus at the hands of the soldiers i.e how Jesus  was stripped of His garments when He fell into the hands of the Jews and was exposed naked to their insults.  Christ’s Body present in the consecrated Host in the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was carried in solemn procession to the flower bedecked Altar of Repose.

The day’s liturgy was shared among the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion well supported by the Parish Choir. The whole ceremony was concluded around 8.30 pm; however the Church remained open for private adoration and prayers. Mrs Merlyn Pereira compered the ceremony and Master Sheldon Peres captured the Photos .