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Holy Thursday Mass

Holy Thursday Mass

Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, was celebrated at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Ndola on 17th April 2025. The Mass was presided over by the Archbishop of the Ndola Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Phiri, and marked the beginning of the Easter Triduum. Holy Thursday holds great significance in the Catholic Church as it commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. It is also the day Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, setting an example of humble service and love. During his homily, Archbishop Phiri urged the faithful to follow Christ’s example of humility and servant leadership. He warned against the “disease called pride” that often creeps into our hearts, especially when we begin to believe praise from others and start thinking of ourselves as more important than others. He emphasized that pride is especially dangerous for people in authority, as it distorts how they see and treat others. The Archbishop challenged everyone to reflect on how they treat one another — do we treat people as fellow human beings or as objects, especially when we hold power over them? He also addressed the issue of gossip, calling it a destructive force in families, workplaces, and communities. He noted that many people speak about others without offering any help or support. Instead, he encouraged the faithful to look for something good to say, even if it’s as simple as complimenting someone’s smile or teeth — anything that lifts up rather than tears down. The Archbishop then reenacted the washing of the feet, following Christ’s example at the Last Supper. The Mass concluded with the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, marking the beginning of the night watch with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The celebration was a reminder of the call to humility, service, and love, especially as the Church entered into the most sacred days of the liturgical year.