Thousands of people in the city participated in Maundy Thursday observances at various churches, recalling the Passion of Jesus Christ.
Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry led the services at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Broadway. Archbishop Francis Kallarakka presided over the ceremonies at the St. Francis Assisi Cathedral.
The Maundy Thursday observances call to mind the establishment of the Eucharist and the Mass as per the New Testament traditions.
This is the night on which Jesus had his Last Supper with his disciples ahead of Judas betraying him to the Roman soldiers, the New Testament accounts tell.
Maundy Thursday is the day of the Holy Week during which the humility of Christ is recalled with the leading celebrants washing and kissing the feet of 12 chosen persons, representing the Disciples of Christ.
