Christians in Patna are busy with their final preparations for Easter, April 20.

The Easter celebrations would start with Maundy Thursday, also called the Holy Thursday. It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus before he was crucified. Thousands of Christians would participate in prayer services held across the city’s various churches. Clearly, it is a week for introspection, as special prayer services would be later held for Good Friday too.

Highlighting the significance of Maundy Thursday, Father Devasia, the vicar-general of Patna Archdiocese, said: “Maundy Thursday is observed to commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. During the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, spread the message of love and established ‘priesthood’. Accordingly, the priests in the churches wash the feet of 12 people during a special Mass on Maundy Thursday.”

He added that the special Mass would start around 5pm on April 17 and continue for the next two hours. It would be followed by adoration prayers, which would continue almost till midnight.

After Maundy Thursday, the community would observe Good Friday. The day marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. The devotees would offer their Good Friday prayers. At the Queen of the Apostles Church, Kurji, the Good Friday prayers would start with an morning enactment of the Passion of Christ.

Later during the afternoon prayers, devotees at the church in Kurji and around the city would find the priests in red vestments (piece of clothing worn during church services) offering prayers and spreading the message of love, brotherhood and forgiveness.

Special prayers would be offered at Padri-ki-Haveli in Patna City.

At St Joseph’s Pro Cathedral, Bankipore, devotees are expected to take out a procession at St Joseph’s Convent High School ground around 4pm.

“The procession would include carrying of the Cross from the campus of St Joseph’s Convent High School, It would end at the cathedral,” said Father Jerome Dungdung, head of the parish.

Catholics across the city would finally celebrate Easter on Sunday marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “It is believed that Jesus was reborn three days after he was crucified. A special Mass would be held at all the churches from 11.30pm on Saturday night. Prayers would be held on the morning of Easter Sunday too,” said Father Devasia.