“To Love is to Serve”: Archbishop Calls Faithful to Live Humble Service on Maundy Thursday

The Archdiocese of Bangalore prayerfully entered into the Sacred Triduum with the solemn celebration of Maundy Thursday at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Maundy Thursday holds a special place in the life of the Church, as it commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood, and recalls Jesus’ commandment of love through humble service. The celebration invites the faithful to reflect on Christ’s self-giving love, especially seen in the washing of the feet of His disciples, and to live that same spirit of service in their daily lives.

In his homily, Archbishop Peter Machado invited the faithful of the Archdiocese to reflect deeply on the meaning of love expressed through humble service. He emphasized that Maundy Thursday is not just a remembrance of an event, but a call to live the commandment of love in everyday life. He said, “Maundy Thursday reminds us that true Christian life is rooted in service. Jesus showed us that no act of love is small when it is done with humility. We are called to serve one another in our families, communities, and society.”

A significant and touching moment of this year’s celebration was the washing of the feet of couples, chosen specially in view of the Archdiocese’s observance of the “Year of Married Couples.” This gesture highlighted the importance of family life and the sacred vocation of marriage. In a moving expression of faith, the Archbishop invited the couples to wash each other’s feet, encouraging them to see love not just as a feeling, but as a daily act of service, forgiveness, and commitment. The moment became a powerful witness for all present, reminding families across the Archdiocese to live in mutual respect and humble love.

The Auxiliary Bishops also took part in this act of service. Rt. Rev. Arokia Raj Satis Kumar reflected, “When we bend down to serve, we lift up the dignity of others and become true disciples of Christ.” Rt. Rev. Joseph Susainathan added, “Service must begin in our homes and extend to society. In simple acts of love, we make Christ present in the world.” 

The liturgy then moved into a deeply prayerful moment as the Blessed Sacrament was taken in procession to the Altar of Repose. The faithful were invited to spend time in silent adoration, accompanying the Lord in His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. This quiet time of prayer allowed the people to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s love and sacrifice.

At the conclusion, the Parish Priest of the Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Christopher White, expressed sincere gratitude to the Archbishop, the Auxiliary Bishops, clergy, religious, and all the faithful who had gathered for the celebration. He felicitated the Bishops for their leadership and spiritual guidance and invited everyone across the Archdiocese to continue in prayerful silence before the Lord. The Maundy Thursday celebration thus became a meaningful beginning to the Sacred Triduum, inspiring the faithful of Bangalore to live a life of humility, service, and love in imitation of Christ.