This year Holy Thursday at Our Lady of the Valley provided an opportunity to reflect on the Sacraments of Service (Holy Orders and Matrimony) in a special way woven throughout the liturgy. Fr. Saji emphasized that the Easter Tridiuum contains the most important three days of the year for Christians and explained that on Holy Thursday we specifically celebrate the washing of the feet, the institution of the Eucharist and the institution of the priesthood.
This year in addition to an appreciation for the priesthood and the connection to the Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith, the other sacrament of service was highlighted as married couples were selected for the washing of the feet. Six couples representing all three parishes (Elgin, La Grande, and Union), a range of years married from newlyweds to over 50 years, and involvement in different ministries participated. Furthermore, Fr. Saji’s homily included a reference to a St. Teresa of Calcutta statement that service is what distinguishes Christianity from other religions.
The liturgy concluded with a procession for the transfer of the Blessed Sacrament to the Marian Chapel. This provided parishioners an opportunity to spend time with Jesus in reflection, an opportunity to ponder service and implications for each of our lives based on Jesus’ humble and loving example of sacrifice.
See more pictures from Holy Thursday at OLV on Facebook.
