The catholic community worldwide on Thursday March 28, 2024 commenced with the observation of the Easter Triduum which marks a three day period during which the church celebrates the suffering of Christ, His death and His resurrection.
Celebrating with the Christians at Regina Pacis Cathedral in Small Soppo on Holy Thursday, the chief custodian of the diocese of Buea Bishop Michael Bibi, highlighted three significant events commemorated on Holy Thursday which are : the institution of the Holy Eucharist which he noted that it is an act of thanksgiving, the institution of the priesthood and the commandment of love which Jesus gave to his apostles.
Emulating the savior Jesus who served in humility, the prelate washed the feet of twelve Christians just like Jesus himself washed the feet of His apostles and commanded them to do the same. He encouraged the Christian community to render services to one another in humility.
Holy Thursday he noted, is a day to celebrate the ministerial priesthood. In this light, the prelate exhilarated Christians to celebrate, support and pray for their priests so that they will continue to have the graces needed in their ministry. He equally challenged Christians to make efforts to be purified and to receive regularly the Eucharist which is a source of spiritual nourishment.
Bishop Bibi reminded the faithful that during consecration, transubstantiation takes place. That means, the whole substance of the bread is transformed into the body of Christ and the whole substance of the wine is transformed into the blood of Christ. Thus Christians he said, should live holy lives and should not deprive themselves from receiving the Holy Eucharist habitually.
The Easter Triduum it should be noted, begins on Holy Thursday evening and ends with vespers on Easter Sunday. This period helps the church to commemorate the Paschal Mystery.