By Valentine Obienyem
The expression “joy and sorrow”—an oxymoron—beautifully captures the meaning of Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday). This was clearly explained by Fr. Chigozie Jidere (Fr. Nwayo), who concelebrated the Mass of the Last Supper with Fr. Maximus Okonkwo, highlighting the depth and importance of the day.
From the very beginning of his homily, Fr. Chigozie Jidere illustrated what a priest ought to be: a teacher and a shepherd. He posed a striking question: why is the Gloria sung today in the midst of Lent? He explained that this day is exceptional because it commemorates three profound mysteries—the institution of the Holy Eucharist, the institution of the priesthood, and the giving of the new commandment of love.
For this reason, the Church sings the Gloria with joy. Yet he noted that this joy unfolds against an atmosphere of tension, as Jesus Christ had already become a wanted man by the Sanhedrin. Consequently, the initial joy gradually gives way to sorrow as the liturgy leads into the Passion. Thus, what begins in celebration ultimately deepens into solemn reflection.
Quoting the solemn words of Jesus Christ – “Do this in memory of me” – he drew a profound and illuminating connection between the Eucharist and the Passover of the first reading. Just as God declared, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you,” instituting the Jewish Passover as a sign of deliverance and covenant, so Christ offers not the blood of lambs but Himself as the true and perfect sacrifice. In Him, the old finds its fulfilment: He becomes both Priest and Victim, the Lamb who is slain yet lives.
He further explained that by commanding the apostles to break bread and share the wine in His memory, Christ instituted both the Eucharist and the priesthood. This authority has been handed down through unbroken apostolic succession to priests today—the apostolicity of the Church. In this light, he also explained the doctrine of the Real Presence.
Emphasizing the dignity of the Mass, Fr. Jidere noted that the priest acts in persona Christi—in the person of Christ. It is Christ Himself who celebrates through the priest. Therefore, the personal state of the priest does not affect the efficacy of the Mass or any sacrament he administers. Here he reminded us of Donatism.
He then called on the faithful to support their priests, especially through prayer. Priests, he reminded us, are human and susceptible to weakness; they should be treated with understanding, shown leniency, and corrected in love when necessary.
Reflecting on the new commandment of love, he pointed to Christ’s washing of the apostles’ feet as a concrete expression of humble service. I was privileged to be among those whose feet were washed. He added that Christ continues to cleanse us daily through the Sacrament of Penance, washing us even when our sins seem overwhelming.
Fr. Jidere also explained that the liturgy of the day unfolds in five parts:
Liturgy of the Word
Washing of the Feet
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose
Adoration
Each part carries deep meaning. The transfer of the Blessed Sacrament signifies Christ’s withdrawal into solitude, while the period of adoration recalls His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He asked His disciples to watch with Him for an hour. In our chaplaincy, different groups took turns to keep watch in adoration, each for an hour.
All these reveal the beauty and fullness of the Catholic faith. The second reading (1 Corinthians 11:23–26) concludes with the words: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the chalice, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” This forms one of the acclamations after the consecration—Mysterium fidei (“The mystery of faith”).
The faithful respond in different forms, including:“When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.” The Latin rendering—Quotiescumque manducamus—is both pleasing to the ear and compelling to pronounce.
As the Blessed Sacrament was transferred to the altar of repose, the choir rendered the deeply moving hymn, Pange Lingua, drawing the celebration to a solemn and contemplative close.
