Maundy Thursday observed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Christian denominations in the city observed Maundy Thursday by re-enacting the Washing of the Feet, the Biblical act of Christ washing the feet of the apostles.  Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis led the Washing of the Feet ceremony at the St Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom. The Latin Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram M Soosaipakiam led the services at the St Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Palayam. Services were also held in other churches across the city. The Holy Week was the perfect occasion to fill your hearts with the grace of the Lord and wash away sins, Soosaipakiam said. Ambition was not a bad thing, but as Christ told his disciples, the one who craved to be first should be last and should serve others, Soosaipakiam said. ‘’That is what Christ meant when he said, ‘If I then, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.’ Every parent wishes that his or her offspring to rise high in life. It is not a bad thing. But few know how to go about it the right way,’’ Soosaipakiam said. On Good Friday, the faithful will observe the Stations of the Cross, commemorating Christ’s final journey bearing the cross to Calvary, by conducting a solemn procession through the city. Three rites will jointly organise the procession at 7 am, which will start and conclude at the St Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral. Major Archbishop Baselios Cleemis will deliver the inaugural message and Archbishop Soosaipakiam, the concluding message. Similar processions will be conducted by Churches all over the city. Vettucaud ChurchGood Friday ceremonies will begin at the Madre de Deus Church, Vettucaud, at 6 am. The Way of the Cross will be observed at 3 pm, a statement said. The ceremonies on Holy Saturday will begin at 11 pm which will be followed by Holy Mass. Easter services will be held at 7.30 am on Sunday.