Article by Parish SOCCOM (Vinnie Beatrice Yapp)
Pictures by SOCCOM (Romeo, Johnstone & Jonathan)
Sandakan: Thursday of the Lord’s Supper (Maundy Thursday) was celebrated on 6th April 2023 at 7.30pm. More than 800 parishioners gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sandakan. The mass was presided over by His Lordship Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom and con celebrated by Rev. Fr Thomas Makajil. On the same day, Holy Thursday was celebrated at St Joseph’s Church by Rev Fr Raymond Lee Seng Huat in Mandarin and St Mark’s church by Rev Fr Simon Kontou in Bahasa Malaysia.
His Lordship Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom, in his homily, reminded all that Holy Thursday is the day when Jesus Christ celebrated his final Passover with his disciples. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s institution of the sacrament of Holy Eucharist during the Last Supper prior to his arrest and crucifixion. Through the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and are reminded that Jesus is present with us in bread and wine.
The prelate reminded us as we received this gift, we must remember His sacrifice and to share in His love, to serve one another through our actions and willing to put the needs of others before our own. On Holy Thursday, the traditional ritual of washing the feet has a deep meaning. Jesus Christ washed the feet of His disciples’ and told them to do the same for others signified that we are to love one another as the Lord has loved us.
His Lordship Bishop Julius performed the washing the feet of 12 parishioners in the rite symbolises kindness, love, humility and equality that all should practice.
At the end of the Holy Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the church in procession to a place of reposition and the faithful are invited to participate in adoration throughout the night.