Devotees observed Maundy Thursday with special prayer at St Assumption Church, Asha Niketan, Arera Colony, Bhopal. Archbishop Bhopal leo Cornelio offered Maundy Thursday special prayer.The Archbishop, leo Cornelio described the importance of the Maundy Thursday. The Maundy Thursday observance signifies the Biblical account of the last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples before his Crucifixion the next day and the institution of the Mass.According to the gospels, after the ‘last Supper’, Jesus led his close friends to the Garden of Gethsemane, the same place where he was soon to be arrested.
Jesus went off by himself to struggle in prayer about the coming ordeal telling his closest disciples, “I am deeply grieved, even unto death, remain here, and stay awake with me.” A little later, he came back only to find that the disciples had fallen asleep, so he gently chided them, saying, “Could you not stay awake with me one hourIJ Keep awake and pray…” (The whole story is found in Matthew 26:36-46.).
Remembering the instance of that day, Maundy Thursday prayer is being organised before Good Friday every year.There were many fathers and sisters present from Bhopal for the special prayer. After Maundy Thursday, the special prayers for Good Friday, marking the Crucifixion of Jesus, will be held on Friday.
Catholics across the city would finally celebrate Easter on Sunday marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is believed that Jesus was reborn three days after he was crucified. A special Mass would be held at all the churches from 10.30 pm on Saturday night. Prayers would be held on the morning of Easter Sunday too.