Post by Bonobo on Apr 6, 2012 10:56:15 GMT 1
Poland marks Maundy Thursday
06.04.2012 08:48
Archbishop of Warsaw, Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, led the faithful in prayer on Maundy Thursday, washing and kissing the feet of twelve elderly men at St. John's Cathedral.
The solemn ritual, which was echoed by bishops at cathedrals across Poland, recalls the Last Supper, in which Christ washed the feet of his apostles on the eve of his Crucifixion.
“We are beginning the three Holy Days in the liturgical year of the Church,” Cardinal Nycz declared.
Speaking of Christ's gesture of humility, he noted that “it teaches us that we ourselves must continue with the conviction of serving others, showing love to our fellow men.”
The cardinal added that it is also a day of prayer for those who are preparing to join the priesthood and those who have just begun their vocations.
Elsewhere in Poland, scenes from the Passion Play - which portyays the last days of Christ - were enacted at the 17th century Sanctuary of Kalwaria Zebrzrydowska in southern Poland, one of the favoured pilgrimage destinations of the late Polish pontiff, Pope John Paul II.
As it traditional, scenes from the Last Supper were played by clergyman. On Good Friday, an enactment of the Crucifixion itself will be staged.
06.04.2012 08:48
Archbishop of Warsaw, Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, led the faithful in prayer on Maundy Thursday, washing and kissing the feet of twelve elderly men at St. John's Cathedral.
The solemn ritual, which was echoed by bishops at cathedrals across Poland, recalls the Last Supper, in which Christ washed the feet of his apostles on the eve of his Crucifixion.
“We are beginning the three Holy Days in the liturgical year of the Church,” Cardinal Nycz declared.
Speaking of Christ's gesture of humility, he noted that “it teaches us that we ourselves must continue with the conviction of serving others, showing love to our fellow men.”
The cardinal added that it is also a day of prayer for those who are preparing to join the priesthood and those who have just begun their vocations.
Elsewhere in Poland, scenes from the Passion Play - which portyays the last days of Christ - were enacted at the 17th century Sanctuary of Kalwaria Zebrzrydowska in southern Poland, one of the favoured pilgrimage destinations of the late Polish pontiff, Pope John Paul II.
As it traditional, scenes from the Last Supper were played by clergyman. On Good Friday, an enactment of the Crucifixion itself will be staged.
