Holy Thursday marks the beginning of the sacred Triduum – the three solemn days in the Catholic tradition leading to Easter Sunday. It is a night rich with symbolism, reverence, and a call to serve.
At Holy Name of Mary Parish in Rydalmere, Parish Priest Fr Vincent Savarimuthu reminded parishioners of the importance of trying to imitate Jesus by taking on the role of a servant.
“Jesus guides us as a good shepherd. He is always leading us to the great pastures of truth.
Parish Priest Fr Vincent Savarimuthu delivers his homily during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday at Holy Name of Mary Rydalmere on 17 April 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
“On Holy Thursday, Jesus has asked every one of us to reflect Him in our relationships, by loving and serving one another,” he said.
Fr Vincent invited parishioners to use the Easter Triduum as a time for personal introspection.
“If you have got anything against yourself, against others, and if you still are carrying the baggage of anxieties, worries, grievances, great feelings, let us surrender everything unto Jesus Christ.”
He added, “Let us take this time, as well as tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, to reflect on God’s love for us and let us always pray that we may always be loving persons to one another.”
Fr Chukwunonyerem (Chinonye) Akamadu washes the feet of parishioners during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday at Holy Name of Mary Rydalmere on 17 April 2025. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
At the heart of the Holy Thursday liturgy is the Washing of the Feet, a powerful re-enactment of Jesus’ final gesture of humility and love on the eve of his Passion.
The parish was filled with a spirit of reverence as Fr Vincent led the symbolic ritual accompanied by his team.
Twelve parishioners, a mix of males and females of all ages, came forward and sat on designated chairs—six to the left, six to the right. One by one, their feet were gently washed and dried, echoing the actions of Christ and reminding all present of the call to humility and service.
Following the ritual, the Offertory and Presentation of the Holy Oils took place. Three sacred oils – the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Oil of Holy Chrism which were blessed earlier by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, were brought forth by three parishioners. Each oil represents a vital sacramental part of the Church’s life and mission.
A parishioner offering the Oil of the Sick to Fr Chukwunonyerem (Chinonye) Akamadu. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
The evening concluded with the solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament. It was carried to a special place in the corner of the church, where the faithful were invited to remain in prayer and quiet reflection – a spiritual vigil to accompany Christ in His final hours.
As the night unfolded, it served as a living reminder of the depth of Jesus’ love and the invitation to imitate Him – not only in worship but in daily acts of compassion, humility, and grace.
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