Maundy Thursday in Surabaya Echoes the Service

Service is the message in the Holy Thursday eucharistic celebration in the Diocese of Surabaya, East Java.

KOMPAS/AMBROSIUS HARTO

The congregation witnessed a foot-washing ceremony during the Holy Thursday mass at the Pastoral House of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church or Surabaya Cathedral in East Java on Thursday (28/3/2024).

SURABAYA, KOMPAS — Selfless service even when betrayed is the message in the eucharistic celebration Maundy Thursday at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or Surabaya Cathedral, East Java, Thursday (28/3/2024) evening.

Service was present during the event of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples or 12 apostles before the last supper. Betrayal was the act of Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples, who handed Jesus over for crucifixion.

"Jesus knew he would be betrayed, but still served and set an example," said Diocesan Administrator Surabaya Diocese RD Yosef Eko Budi Susilo in his Maundy Thursday homily or sermon at the Surabaya Cathedral.

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Maundy Thursday begins the Holy Triday series to welcome Easter. After Maundy Thursday is the Good Friday service which commemorates the passion and death of Jesus in the crucifixion. Next is Holy Saturday or Easter Vigil to commemorate the wait for Jesus' resurrection. The peak is Easter Sunday.

KOMPAS/AMBROSIUS HARTO

The atmosphere in front of the Griya Adorasi of the Holy Heart of Jesus Church (Surabaya Cathedral) ahead of the Maundy Thursday mass in Surabaya, East Java on Thursday (28/3/2024).

Eko stated that Catholic followers in the Surabaya diocese should not follow Judas, who betrayed for worldly gain. "We must always follow the example of Jesus, our Lord, by serving and serving," he said to the 5,000 followers present at Surabaya Cathedral.

In a press conference celebrating Easter before Maundy Thursday, Head Pastor of Hati Kudus Yesus Parish, RD Cornelius Triwidya Tjahja Utama, stated that the congregation continues to pray for the unity of the Indonesian nation to be maintained amidst the political contestation of the general elections.

Along with the fasting month of Ramadan, national unity and solidarity remain strong in the spirit of love and solidarity. "The presidential election contest has been announced and we pray for the situation of the people to remain safe and orderly," said Utama.

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In every Eucharistic celebration, the congregation is always invited to pray for the nation and the state, including its leaders and officials. "In the series of Easter celebrations, the congregation is certainly once again invited to pray for the nation and the state," said Utama.

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

One of the church halls used by devout Catholic followers to attend Holy Thursday mass was held at the St. Servatius Church in Jatimelati, Kampung Sawah, Pondok Melati, Bekasi City, West Java, on Thursday (28/3/2024).

At the Holy Spirit Church, around 3,000 Catholic followers attended the Holy Thursday service. Despite the rain, the faithful did not hesitate to attend the mass led by Father Thomas Bani SVD.

In his homily, Parish Pastor RD Yohanes Setiawan said there are many types of leaders. However, the most important are leaders who serve and have humility, just as Jesus showed us.

Being a servant leader means serving in the parish and all categorical groups. It is indeed not easy to continue serving and being humble even though some parishioners always feel underserved.

So, according to Setiawan, serving each other, both in the church and in society, must be with sincere love.