Mumbai: Christians have commenced the Paschal Triduum, comprising Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. This follows Palm Sunday, which marked Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling ancient prophecies of his royal authority.
Father Nigel Barrett, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Bombay, noted that Holy Week is the heart of the Christian faith, commemorating the final week of Jesus Christ’s life. "Spanning eight days from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, it invites the Catholic world to reflect on the Cross and Christ’s victory over death," he said.
Maundy Thursday Recalls Last Supper and Washing of Feet
Today, on Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, the faithful recall the Last Supper. Here, Jesus transformed the Passover meal into a new covenant, offering himself as the true Lamb. Father Joe D’Souza, parish priest at Our Lady of Health Church, Kalbadevi, explained that ‘maundy’ derives from the Latin mandatum, meaning commandment. "The mandate is to love one another beyond creed and caste," D’Souza said. The day is marked by the ritual washing of the feet, mimicking Jesus’ humble act toward his apostles.
Good Friday follows, remembering the crucifixion. In Santacruz, the Christian Sevak Federation (CSF) will organise the 37th annual ‘Way of the Cross’ pilgrimage. Beginning at 9:30 am on 3 April at Sacred Heart Church, the walking pilgrimage features dramatic enactments across Santacruz, Vakola, and Kalina. Joseph Dias of the CSF stated that the event combines music, prayer, and theatre. This year’s theme focuses on praying for persecuted Christians and those affected by the recent anti-conversion law passed by the Maharashtra state assembly.
Fifteen Stations Enacted Depicting Jesus' Path to Crucifixion
The 15 enacted Stations of the Cross include Jesus’ arrest, his sentencing by Pontius Pilate, the three falls, and the compassionate act of Veronica wiping his face. "On Good Friday, we remember the sacrifice on the cross. Though he endured crucifixion, he transformed the cross from punishment to grace," Barrett added.
The week concludes with Holy Saturday’s vigil and conclude on 5 April with Easter Sunday’s Resurrection. Father Barrett described Holy Week as the "mountaintop of history," where Jesus proved his kingship by conquering the grave.
In Rome, Pope Leo XIV will make history on Good Friday by carrying the Cross through all 14 stations of the Via Crucis at the Colosseum. He will be the first pope to do so for every station since the tradition was revived over sixty years ago.
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