Devotees attend Maundy Thursday prayer services across Kolkata churches

Kolkata: Churches across Kolkata organised special Maundy Thursday prayer services on Thursday, with devotees gathering in large numbers to mark one of the most solemn occasions of the Holy Week ahead of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.In most churches, the services began in the evening as worshippers assembled for prayers, holy communion and reflection on the final moments before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, when Jesus shared bread with his disciples, as well as the washing of their feet.At Old Mission Church, the service commenced at 6 pm and drew many members. Ajit Sikder of the church said holy communion formed a central part of the observance. "There was holy communion, which commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples. We had different prayer services throughout the Holy Week," said Sikder. The Good Friday prayer service at the church would begin at 12 noon and continue till 3 pm.With churches across the city holding solemn observances and preparing for Good Friday services, Maundy Thursday set a reflective tone before Good Friday.A devotee attending the service said the observance held deep spiritual significance for the congregation. "Maundy Thursday is a time for prayer and reflection, and many people come to prepare themselves for Good Friday," said Priyanka Sarkar, a resident of Picnic Garden.At St Teresa's Church in Moulali, a practice session for mass was conducted for the altar servers of St Teresa's parish as part of preparations linked to the Holy Week observances.At Sacred Heart Church in Thakurpukur, the Maundy Thursday service began at 5 pm. A member of the congregation said the day was especially significant as it immediately preceded Good Friday. The Good Friday service at the church is scheduled to be held between 8 am and 10 am.At St Andrew's Church on Brabourne Road, special Good Friday service will begin at 9.30 am. Father Swarup Bar said the sermon would focus on the seven sayings of Jesus Christ from the cross. "The sermon will centre around Jesus Christ's seven sayings from the cross, which are about forgiveness, faith, responsibility and trust," said Bar.According to the New Testament, Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while Easter Sunday commemorates his resurrection three days later. Easter also signals the end of Lent, the 40-day period of prayer, penance and charity that begins on Ash Wednesday.