Maundy Thursday 2007

I just came back from praying and keeping watch with the Lord Jesus in the Garden.

First off, here's the place of adoration, the Garden Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, being prepared before the Mass began.

Once again, my parish was privileged to have 5 priests concelebrating the Mass of the Lord's Supper with us commemorating the Institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Institution of the Ministerial Catholic Priesthood.

They were Fr. Mark, our assistant parish priest and the main celebrant, Fr. Marshall, our parish priest, Fr. Ross, the Australian Air Force Chaplain and Fr. Fabian Dicom, Chancellor of the Diocese of Penang who is currently on his sabbatical and Fr. Decroix, MEP who is currently retired.

Here, you can see them lined up while Fr. Fabian proclaims the Gospel.

For many people, the highlight of the Mass is of course the washing of the feet.

Fr. Mark, as the main celebrant, had the honour of performing this act of humility and self abasement in imitation of the example of the Lord Jesus this year.

12 men, from all walks of life in the parish were chosen for this event.

Sometimes, because of our familiarity with the Gospel account, we fail to appreciate the utter novelty of this act of Jesus who washed the feet of His disciples, including Nathanael who had acclaimed Him Son of God and King of Israel and Peter who had confessed Him Messiah. It must have been a totally unprecedented and, in the case of the Apostles, most uncomfortable and awkward experience.

Try it out sometime. Parents, wash the feet of your children, husbands, wash the feet of your wives, teachers, wash the feet of your students. It is easier to wash than to be washed, I can tell you that. Many would be in tears after this ceremony.

Here, in this photo, you can see Fr. Mark kissing the feet after he washed it, in imitation of Pope John Paul's example.

The celebrating priests.

The offertory.

The Roman Canon was used. Great!
Censing the gifts.

Hic est enim calix Sanguinis Mei.

Through Him, with Him, in Him.

Ecce Agnus Dei.

After the Mass, Fr. Ross, in humeral veil, but no cope, carried the Blessed Sacrament in procession to the place of reservation.

The old canopy was used. Neat.

The servers in procession before the Blessed Sacrament.

Fr. Ross reposed the Sacrament on the altar, venerated Him and departed, leaving the people to keep vigil with the Lord, to watch and wait and pray not to be put to the test.

A section of the people who processed behind the Blessed Sacrament and crowded to venerate the Lord.

The servers taking their place in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Throughout the whole time, I was impressed by the silence that engulfed the place even though there were many people present. I could hear the crickets chirping. I was wonderfully conducive to prayer.

As Jesus watched and prayed in the Garden, this year's adoration was held in the Garden Shrine of Our Lady.

Or Lady, looking at her Son.

More Garden-y views.

A different perspective.

These images highlight the Garden feel of the place.

Fr. Mark then led in the singing of the Tantum Ergo and the Sacrament was then processed back into the Church to the prepared altar of repose in the sacristy. The Passion has begun.

The altar of repose.