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On behalf of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney prayerfully asked Jesus, “Help us to know you, in your body, blood, soul, and divinity, in the Eucharist” while presiding over a bilingual Mass of the Lord’s Supper on April 2, Holy Thursday evening, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J.
The Mass commemorates the institution of the sacraments of the Eucharist and Holy Orders by Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper, Bishop Sweeney washed the feet of select faithful to symbolize the service and charity of Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve.” By example of washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus demonstrated how Christians are to love one another through humble service.
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During his homily in English and Spanish, Bishop Sweeney asked Christ, “Help us to love as you love, help us to watch one another’s feet. Help us to be with Mary when we share in the mystery of the cross and to know that you have conquered sin and death.” He then added, “How happy and blessed are we to be called, to be here at the supper of the Lamb.”
Msgr. Geno Sylva, the cathedral’s rector and diocesan vicar for special projects, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Sweeney. Father Jared Brogan, director of the diocesan Worship Office, was the master of ceremonies.
The Mass was followed by an outdoor procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the gym, where adoration was held until midnight.
Holy Thursday in Paterson: Bishop embodies Christ’s servant love #Catholic – ![]()
On behalf of the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney prayerfully asked Jesus, “Help us to know you, in your body, blood, soul, and divinity, in the Eucharist” while presiding over a bilingual Mass of the Lord’s Supper on April 2, Holy Thursday evening, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J.
The Mass commemorates the institution of the sacraments of the Eucharist and Holy Orders by Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper, Bishop Sweeney washed the feet of select faithful to symbolize the service and charity of Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve.” By example of washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus demonstrated how Christians are to love one another through humble service.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
During his homily in English and Spanish, Bishop Sweeney asked Christ, “Help us to love as you love, help us to watch one another’s feet. Help us to be with Mary when we share in the mystery of the cross and to know that you have conquered sin and death.” He then added, “How happy and blessed are we to be called, to be here at the supper of the Lamb.”
Msgr. Geno Sylva, the cathedral’s rector and diocesan vicar for special projects, concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Sweeney. Father Jared Brogan, director of the diocesan Worship Office, was the master of ceremonies.
The Mass was followed by an outdoor procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the gym, where adoration was held until midnight.