Christians in the city observed Maundy Thursday in the long-standing traditions of piety as the solemn mood of the Easter Triduum, three days prior to Easter, set in.
Priests and bishops led the ceremonies, performed here on Wednesday night, Thursday morning and evening according to the traditions of the various churches.
At the St. Mary's Basilica, seat of the Syro-Malabar Church, Bishop Thomas Chakkiath led hundreds of faithful through the significant moments of the institution of the Eucharist, the central mystery for Catholics.
The bishop washed and kissed the feet of 12 elders of the parish, who represented the 12 Apostles whose feet Jesus washed as a sign of humility and love before participating in the last supper.
Bishop Joseph Karikkassery led the ceremonies at the St. Francis Assisi Cathedral.
Ceremonies recalling the New Testament account of the day prior to Jesus' crucifixion were observed in other churches in the city. Rev. T. A. Jain led church members at a solemn Mass in the morning at CSI Immanuel Church, Broadway. Maundy Thursday observances in the Syrian Orthodox and Jacobite churches were held on Wednesday night and early on Thursday.
The Holy Week, week leading to Easter Sunday, is the culmination of the Lenten season during which the Passion and death of Jesus is relived by Christians.
