Holy week to mark the last phase of Lent before Easter

Nagpur: The holy week in the Christian calendar started with Palm Sunday and will be followed by Maundy Thursday, Good Friday (the crucifixion of Jesus Christ), Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, which marks the resurrection of Christ into heaven.

Maundy Thursday: Archbishop/priests wash the feet of parishioners during the Maundy Thursday service. The day symbolises the washing of the feet of disciples by Jesus Christ. It commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus Christ shared the Passover meal with his disciples the night before he was crucified.

Good Friday: A day meant for fasting and penance. The way of the cross is enacted followed by the last seven words. "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do", before Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. Celebration of the lord's passion is followed by the veneration of the cross. Buns with a cross are consumed to end the fast.

Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil mass is offered at night. Easter is the biggest festival of the community which celebrates the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ after his crucifixion on Good Friday.

Easter Sunday: Prayers followed by celebrations mark the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven. Easter eggs, which are a mark of a new beginning, are gifted to family members, relatives, friends and close ones.

(Reporting by N Soumya)