Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha Leads Maundy Thursday Liturgy at Mukka; Focuses on Servant Leadership
• Year of Children: Parishes Across Mangalore Diocese Wash Feet of Children on Maundy Thursdays
Mangaluru: The Diocese of Mangalore entered the sacred Paschal Triduum with profound devotion as Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, presided over the Maundy Thursday liturgy at the Holy Spirit Church, Mukka, today at 6:00 PM.
In his inspiring homily, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha emphasized the essence of Christian leadership. “Jesus, though He is God, humbled Himself to become a servant and washed the feet of His disciples. This act highlights a servant leadership deeply rooted in love,” the Bishop stated. He further added that Jesus calls every believer to love one another just as He loved us—a commandment of love given to the world. He urged the faithful to practice this selfless service within their families and society, transforming the world into a place of love and peace.
During the ‘Mandatum’ (washing of the feet), Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha washed the feet of twelve parishioners, mirroring the humility of Jesus who washed the feet of His apostles during the Last Supper. This ritual serves as a reminder of the call to humility and mutual service within the Christian community.
Simultaneously, across the 125 parishes of the Diocese, parish priests performed the washing of the feet with a special emphasis. In a meaningful gesture marking the ‘Year of Children’ currently observed in the Diocese of Mangalore, many priests washed the feet of children, symbolizing the Church’s commitment to nurturing the younger generation in the spirit of Christ’s humility and care.
The day, also celebrated as ‘Priesthood Day,’ saw the laity offering prayers for their spiritual leaders. The liturgy concluded with a solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the ‘Altar of Repose’ followed by hours of silent adoration as the faithful reflected on Christ’s agony in Gethsemane.