On Maundy Thursday, we are reminded of the famous mural painting of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. The work of art depicting the 12 apostles with Jesus having the passover meal, is now housed in refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Holy Mary of Grace), in Milan, Italy. Paintings of the Last Supper also adorn many Catholic homes around the world.
Closer home in Bandra, Mumbai, we had life-size statues of the 12 apostles with Lord Jesus at the St. Andrew’s School grounds on Maundy Thurday, April 17. “This tradition has been continuing for generations,” said Fr. Clarence Fonseca, Parish Priest of St. Andrew’s Church, Bandra, one of the oldest churches in Mumbai, built by the Portuguese Jesuits in 1575.
Furthermore, on Good Friday, April 18, St. Andrew’s Church will conduct an enactment of the Crucifixion at 8 pm, after the English service at 6.30 p.m. The entire set-up is co-ordinated by Damian Cabral and his team from Chimbai village. Several other churches in India also conduct the Crucifixion scenes.
St. Peter’s Church, Bandra, draws the faithful from different parts of Mumbai during the Holy Week. “On Maundy Thursday, the blessing of the loaves of bread took place at 12.30 pm. We have people coming from as far as Panvel every year, to see the life-size statues,” says Paul Fishery, Prefect of St. Peter’s Confraternity.
Mount Carmel Church, Bandra, too had life-size statues of the 12 apostles with Lord Jesus at the Last Supper.
The tradition has also been continuing for decades in the churches at Uttan, Manori and Vasai. Parents travelled miles with their children for them to have a feel of the Last Supper.
