In a solemn liturgy at the Viatorian Province Center, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, remembered the events that took place on Holy Thursday, and its rituals that haven’t changed in nearly 2,000 years.
“Tonight, we remember the last meal Jesus had with his disciples,” Fr. Francis said at the outset. “In the context of the Passover meal, Christ identified himself as broken bread and wine poured out, the very action we carry out tonight.”
Before the consecration, however, Fr. Francis performed the ritual of the washing of the feet, an act of servant leadership that continues to be at the center of the Christian faith.
“It is in this action of washing the feet that Christ is present in the world,” he said. “By doing this, we are following his command, ‘Do this in memory of me.’ “
Following the Mass, Fr. Francis transferred the blessed sacrament in a procession to a side altar of repose, for Eucharistic adoration through Good Friday.