Malaysian Catholics Mark Holy Thursday with Multilingual Liturgies, Strong Youth Participation

Catholic parishes across West Malaysia and the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak observed Holy Thursday with Maundy Thursday services conducted in multiple languages, including English, Bahasa Malaysia, and local vernaculars such as Iban and Bidayuh.

Many churches reported strong participation, particularly among young people.

In Kota Padawan, within the Archdiocese of Kuching, St. Anne’s Church hosted two Holy Thursday services on Thursday, one in English at 6 p.m. and another in Bahasa Malaysia at 8:30 p.m. Parishioners arrived early, eager to participate in the liturgy commemorating the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and Christ’s call to service.

Families, elderly parishioners, and children filled the pews, while latecomers were accommodated on chairs arranged in the church foyers. Mothers carried infants and soothed toddlers, guiding them through the prayers, while fathers and older faithful sat in quiet reflection, many holding rosaries before the Mass began.

Notably, a large number of young people attended the liturgies. Many came in groups or with their families, actively participating in hymns, listening attentively to the readings, and joining in silent prayer alongside older generations.

At St. Anne’s Church, Franciscan friar Fr. Don Don Ramirez, OFM, washed the feet of 12 parishioners, both men and women, reenacting Christ’s gesture of humility and service at the Last Supper.

The congregation watched in reverent silence as the priest knelt before each participant, pouring water over their feet, drying them with a cloth, and kissing them. In his homily, Fr. Ramirez emphasized both the spiritual and practical dimensions of the Gospel message.

“The hands that bless must also be willing to serve; the heart that follows Christ must learn to kneel before others,” he said.

He encouraged the faithful to carry this message beyond the church, practicing humility and service in their families, workplaces, and communities.

“The washing of feet is not merely ceremonial, it is a call to live the Gospel in everyday life,” he added.

After the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was transferred to a place of repose, where many parishioners remained for adoration.

Similar observances were reported in other parts of Sarawak and Sabah, with churches drawing large congregations of families and young people.