Thousands of Christians thronged churches in the district to participate in special services on Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper before his Crucifixion.
Jesus Christ washed and kissed the feet of his disciples during Last Supper as an act of humility.
To commemorate this act, priests washed and kissed the feet of 12 persons, representing the disciples of the Christ.
Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath led services at the Shrine Basilica of Dolours, Thrissur. He washed the feet of 12 priests.
There were day-long special services and prayers at churches.
Auxiliary Bishop Mar Raphael Thattil led services in Lourde’s Metropolitan Cathedral. The night of Maundy Thursday also marks the night on which Jesus was betrayed by Judas, one of his disciples, at the garden of Gethsemane.
It is followed by the observance of Good Friday, the day on which Jesus was crucified.