Time for reflection

Holy Week is the last week of Lent immediately preceding Easter or Resurrection Sunday and observed by Christians as a time to commemorate and enact the suffering (Passion) and death of Jesus through various observances and services of worship.
“In Catholic tradition, the Easter Triduum begins on Thursday evening of Holy Week with Eucharist and concludes with prayers on Easter Sunday. By reliving the darkness of Holy Week and Good Friday we can truly understand the light and hope of Sunday morning!” says Fr Daniel Fernandes.

 Christians remember Maundy Thursday as the day of the Last Supper when Jesus washed the feet of all his disciples thereby establishing a ceremony known as the Eucharist. Catholic services include a ceremony in which the priest washes the feet of 12 people. The word Maundy comes from the command (or mandate) given by Jesus at the Last Supper, that we should love one another,” he adds. For Lola and Roy Coutinho and their two daughters it is a very important time of religious observances.

“For us Catholics, Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. It is a time for reflection and spiritual preparation. We explain to the kids the significance of this week and of simple sacrifices and thinking of the less fortunate. We never miss the three important days of Holy Week — Maundy Thursday, the solemn mass and the washing of feet; Good Friday — the stations of the cross, a reflection on the  Seven Last Words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel and a day of fast and abstinence; and Easter Sunday - when we celebrate the risen Lord with friends and family,” says Lola.

For Protestants Jennifer and Ranjan Abraham, observances are slightly different. “When the children were little, we would all attend a children’s service at St Mark’s after which Hot Cross Buns and a cool glass of juice are given to the little ones. For grown-ups, there is a  Reflection on the Cross at noon which we will be attending this Good Friday. On Resurrection Sunday, the greatest day in our Christian calendar, we will be participating in a church service. Some people also attend the Sunrise Service.”