The Holy Thrusday is one of the most important days in he Easter Triduum (Latin:
Triduum Paschale), and it is also identified as Maundy Thursday, Paschal Thursday, Passion Thursday, or
Sheer Thursday. In communion with the Mother Church, the
Mater Salvatoris International Formation House at Morogoro celebrates the Holy Thursday with great joy and hope. Rev. Fr. Josephat, CP presides over the Holy Eucharistic celebration. After the Holy Eucharistic celebration the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament begins and it continues until midnight.
The Holy Thursday is the day that the Church commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles as describes in the canonical Gospels.
The Church has the custom that involves priests washing the feet of twelve
people to symbolize Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. The washing of the
disciples’ feet is the sign and example of humility and love (cf Jn 13:14-15).
Moreover, the washing of the feet signifies the institution of the Holy Order. Another important components of the Holy Thursday is the emptying of the
tabernacle and the Eucharist is put in a place of repose. This act signifies Jesus whom we love is taken away from us by those who hate and revile Him. And we are left alone, with our uncertainties, fears, discouragements and despairs. At this moment we can only wait in silent and prayer. And God who has been good to us will act on our behalf. And the final component is the stripping of
the altar. The altar represents Christ, and the stripping of the altar reminds us how he was stripped when he fell into the hands of the Jews and and was exposed naked to their insult. This is the beauty of Holy Thursday; it carries symbols that embody meaning beyond words.
“Through
the Eucharist we enter Christ’s Paschal mystery, allowing us to pass from death
to life with him.”
Pope Francis
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