Malaysian Prelate Simon Poh Emphasizes Real Presence of Christ in Eucharist at Maundy Thursday Mass

Archbishop Simon Poh led the Maundy Thursday service at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Kuching, eastern Malaysia, highlighting the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

In his homily, Archbishop Poh stressed the significance of the altar and the ambo as sacred spaces where the Word of God is proclaimed and the bread and wine are consecrated into the Body and Blood of Christ. “In every Catholic Church in the world, there will always be an altar for Mass and an ambo for the Word of God,” he said. “These are not mere stages, they are sacred spaces where we encounter Jesus.”

The archbishop outlined the gestures and rituals that express Catholic belief in Christ’s presence during Mass: standing to hear the Gospel, kneeling during the consecration prayer, and responding “Amen” when receiving Holy Communion. He explained that these actions are not merely symbolic but reflect a living faith in the real presence of Christ.

“The hands that bless must also be willing to serve; the heart that follows Christ must learn to kneel before others,” Archbishop Poh said, linking the rituals of the Mass with a call to humility and service. He reminded parishioners that the words of Jesus, “Do this in memory of me,” have guided the celebration of Mass for nearly 2,000 years, preserving the sacramental tradition instituted at the Last Supper.

During the Mass, a large quantity of small white hosts was consecrated for use in the Good Friday service, when thousands of faithful are expected to venerate the Cross. After the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was carried in a Ciborium in a solemn procession to an altar of repose. Archbishop Poh likened this to Jesus’ journey from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he prayed and faced betrayal by Judas Iscariot.

“Tonight, Jesus invites us to keep watch with him,” he said. Parishioners remained in silent prayer before the consecrated hosts until midnight, mirroring the vigil of Peter, James, and John in the Garden.

The archbishop also explained the significance of the tabernacle, the secured box where the Blessed Sacrament is kept. A red lamp is lit when the consecrated hosts are present, signaling Christ’s presence. Catholics genuflect before the tabernacle as a gesture of reverence and recognition of the real presence of Jesus.

Archbishop Poh emphasized that the Mass is central to Catholic identity, with Holy Communion forming the core of faith. “Since the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, Catholics have celebrated the Eucharist for almost 2,000 years,” he said. “Through this sacrament, we encounter the risen Lord in every Mass and every quiet moment of prayer before the tabernacle.”

He urged the faithful to actively participate in the Mass, believe in the real presence of Christ in the consecrated host, and pray for healing and forgiveness. “Pray to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world: ‘Say the word, we shall be healed,’” he said.

The Maundy Thursday service also underscored the continuity of Catholic tradition, demonstrating how liturgical practices, standing, kneeling, and responding during Mass, connect parishioners to centuries of faith. Archbishop Poh reminded the congregation that these gestures are not mere formalities but expressions of a living belief in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.