Maundy Thursday: The Beginning of the Easter Triduum
Parishioners began trickling in early, eagerly awaiting the start of the first day of the Easter Triduum, Maundy Thursday. It is the day we commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper with His 12 disciples before His passion and crucifixion. It is also the day we remember Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, symbolising love and humble service that we are called to reciprocate.
As the church began to fill, other ministers were seen assisting in various roles to ensure the celebration proceeded smoothly. Among them were the sacristan, choir, hospitality ministers, altar servers, photographers, and many more.
At 8 o’clock, the church bell rang several times, indicating the start of this special Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Rev Fr Dominic Santhiyagu. Together with him were two visiting seminarians from College General, as well as Br Daniel Chan, who is attached to our parish this year. Fr Dominic shared that Maundy Thursday also marks the institution of the priestly ministry and the Holy Eucharist.
In his homily, Fr Dominic spoke on the priesthood, explaining that it can be divided into two: the common priesthood, which includes all of us baptised Christians, and the ministerial priesthood—a vocation for men called and ordained to serve as priests.
Fr Dominic shared his inspirational journey in the priesthood, recounting the highs and lows he has experienced over his 19 years as a priest. He also spoke of the priests who have been pivotal in his life, expressing gratitude for their support, wisdom, and encouragement.
He went on to emphasise the importance of conversion. As human beings, none of us is perfect, and we are prone to sin. However, we have a Good Father who is always waiting for us to return to Him, regardless of our sinfulness. The season of Lent and Holy Week is a timely reminder for us all to repent and be reconciled with God. In surrendering ourselves to God, we experience His healing presence and peace that the world cannot give.
Lastly, Fr Dominic spoke about acts of service. On this special day, we were especially reminded the importance of humility and being of service to others. Many times, ego breaks relationships, separates, and scatters families and communities. Jesus sets the perfect example of humility by washing the feet of his disciples, despite being their Master and Lord. We too are called to show our love for others through similar acts of service.
Following the homily, the washing of the feet ritual took place, with Fr Dominic washing the feet of 12 members of the parish. He also encouraged the congregation to make use of washing of the feet stations set up outside the church to perform this act of love for one another.
During the Maundy Thursday celebration, the oils to be used for all the rites and sacraments of the Church were also presented. These oils, the Sacred Chrism, the Oil of the Catechumens, and the Oil of the Sick, were blessed during the Chrism Mass held the previous week at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, there was no final hymn. Instead, the Blessed Sacrament was transferred to the House of St. Joseph, where an altar of repose had been set up. This is because the three liturgical services that take place during the Triduum—Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil—are a single celebration that unfolds for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Parishioners adjourned to the altar of repose to spend time with the Lord in silent adoration, comforting Him in His agony at Gethsemane. By Aloysious Ignatious Fabian