Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP reflected on the often-overlooked presence and contribution of women in the events of the first Holy Thursday, in his homily for the Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney on 2 April.
Preaching to a full cathedral at the beginning of the Sacred Triduum, Archbishop Fisher drew on the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper to ask, “Where were the women on that first Holy Thursday night?”
While the apostles were tasked with preparing the Passover meal, he noted that in first-century Jewish culture the practical work of sourcing and preparing food would have fallen largely to women. “Acknowledged or not, the women of Jesus’ company probably did most of the work,” he said.
The archbishop pointed to earlier Gospel scenes, including the household of Martha and Mary in Bethany, to illustrate the central but often unrecognised role of women in supporting Christ’s ministry.
He also reflected on the washing of the disciples’ feet, describing it as a task typically reserved “for a slave or for a woman”. In taking on this role, Christ demonstrated that “Christian authority is service”.
Archbishop Fisher suggested that while the men were present for the institution of the Eucharist, the women remained close in other essential ways – through service, prayer and fidelity. He referenced artistic tradition, including a depiction by Blessed Fra Angelico, which places the Virgin Mary at the Last Supper, to underline their spiritual presence.
Contrasting the actions of the disciples with those of the women who followed Christ, he said the men faltered in Gethsemane and fled at Jesus’ arrest, while the women remained steadfast.
“They were organisers and intercessors, while the men were concelebrants and witnesses,” he said.
The homily connected this Gospel reflection to the life of the church today, highlighting the extensive contributions of women across the Archdiocese of Sydney in education, administration, charitable works and parish life.
“We can be proud of the contributions of Catholic women and men to church and society,” Archbishop Fisher said, while adding that more could be done to ensure the right people are serving in the right roles.
He concluded by encouraging the faithful to look to the example of the women of the Gospel as models of discipleship – present “close to Christ, at work, at prayer, and ready for whatever the morning will bring.”
During the evening, many of the faithful continued the Holy Thursday tradition of visiting altars of repose, taking part in the Seven Churches pilgrimage across Sydney.
Pilgrims moved between 102 participating churches late into the night in prayer and quiet reflection. This year, the pilgrimage extended beyond the Archdiocese of Sydney to include churches from the Maronite Catholic Eparchy and the Diocese of Broken Bay and Diocese of Parramatta, reflecting the breadth and unity of the Catholic community across the city.
Earlier in the day, the cathedral hosted the annual Chrism Mass, during which the archbishop blessed the oils of catechumens and the sick and consecrated the sacred chrism for use across the archdiocese. The liturgy also saw priests renew their promises, expressing the unity of the presbyterate and their participation in Christ’s priesthood.
