Bishop Julius is washing the feet of 12 parishioners during Holy Thursday
Article by Parish SOCCOM (Vinnie Beatrice Yapp), Pictures by SOCCOM (Romeo, Johnstone & Jonathan)
Apr 13 2023
SANDAKAN – Bishop Julius performed the washing of feet of 12 parishioners in the rite during Maundy Thursday, symbolizing kindness, love, humility, and equality that all should practice.
More than 800 parishioners attended the Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St Mary’s Cathedral, presided by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom and con-celebrated by Fr Thomas Makajil.
On the same day, the Holy Thursday Mass was also celebrated at St Joseph’s Church by Fr Raymond Lee Seng Huat in Mandarin and at St Mark’s Church by Fr Simon Kontou in BM.
Bishop Julius, in his homily, reminded all that Holy Thursday is the day when Jesus Christ celebrated his final Passover with his disciples. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s institution of the sacrament of Holy Eucharist during the Last Supper prior to his arrest and crucifixion. He said through the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and are reminded that Jesus is present with us in bread and wine.
The prelate reminded us that as we received this gift, we must remember His sacrifice and to share in His love, to serve one another through our actions and willing to put the needs of others before our own.
On Holy Thursday, the traditional ritual of washing the feet has a deep meaning. Jesus Christ washed the feet of His disciples’ and told them to do the same for others signified that we are to love one another as the Lord has loved us.
At the end of the Holy Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was carried through the church in a procession and the faithful participated in adoration throughout the night. – Dospo
