The Passover Supper by Maria Valtorta

Dear brothers and sisters,

     With the grace of The Holy Spirit, I present to you the first ever visual design of the seating arrangement at "The Last Supper table AND the sequence followed by Jesus Christ for washing the feet of His Apostles" as per the book 'THE POEM OF THE MAN - GOD' by Maria Valtorta, Tamil edition. (Volume 5, Book 10, Chapter 598, Page 14,15,23-26) Book Authorized and  approved by Pope Pius XII, dated: 26 February 1948 and visualized by G. L. Arulraj, dated: 20 May, 2018.  This is the first ever visualizing attempt of the Last Supper table and Foot washing ceremony as per this book in the world.

    The Last Supper has been a popular subject in Christian art, dating back to early Christianity.  There exists a variety of artistic depiction by different artists.  Well known examples are Leonardo Da Vinci, Fra Angelico, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Valentin de Boulogne.  Below are few of their famous artistic works.

The Last Supper painted by Leonardo Da Vinci

Below is the famous painting 'The Last Supper' of Leonardo Da Vinci where he has tried to present the scene that occurred among the Twelve Disciples when Jesus announced that one of them would betray Him.  This is a late 15th century mural painting, completed somewhere during 1490s and is housed by the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Northern Italy.  This is one of the World's most renowned paintings. 

Last Supper by Tiepolo

Another similar depiction by Tiepolo

Last Supper by Jaume Huguet

Last Supper by Valentin de Boulogne

    Similarly there are still many more works done world wide by a various number of artists.  But do we know how the actual Last Supper took place?  Here is the answer we get from Maria Valtorta's book 'THE POEM OF THE MAN - GOD'.  Here is how Jesus Christ asks his Twelve Apostles to be seated at the Last Supper table.

Jesus said - And now to your seats. I here, and here (at His right side) John, and on the other side My faithful James. The first two disciples. After John My strong Stone, and after James he who is like the air. He is never noticed, but is always present and comforting: Andrew. Beside him, My cousin James. You are not sorry, My kind brother, if I give the first place to the first ones? You are the nephew of the Just One, whose spirit palpitates and quivers over Me this evening, more than ever. Have peace, father of My childish weakness, oak-tree in whose shadow the Mother and Son had solace! Have peace! . . . Beside Peter, Simon. . . Simon, come here a moment. I want to fix My eyes on your loyal face. Later I shall not see you well, because others will cover your honest face. Thank you Simon, for everything)) and He kisses him. Simon, when he is left free, goes to his seat, covering his face with his hands for a moment, with a gesture of distress. «Facing Simon, My Bart. Two honest wise men reflecting each other. They match very well. And beside him, you, Thaddeus, My brother. So I can see you. . . and I seem to be at Nazareth. . . when some festivity gathered us all together round one table. . . Also at Cana. . . Do you remember? We were together. A party. . . a wedding party. . . the first miracle. . . water changed into wine. . . Also today a festivity. . . and also today there will be a miracle. . . the wine will change its nature and will be. . .» Jesus becomes engrossed in His thoughts, His head lowered and isolated in His secret world. The others look at Him and do not speak. He raises His head again and stares at Judas Iscariot, to whom He says: «You will sit in front of Me.» «So much You love me? More than Simon, since You always want me in front of You?)) «So much. As you said.» «Why, Master?)) «Because you are the one who has done more than everybody for this hour.» Judas casts an ever-changing glance at the Master and at his companions. At Jesus with ironical commiseration, at the others with an air of triumph. «And near you, on one side Matthew, on the other Thomas.)) «So, Matthew on My left and Thomas on My right side.» «As you wish, as you like» says Matthew. «It is enough for me to have my Saviour in front of me.)) «Last, Philip. Now, see? Who is not beside Me in the place of honour, has the honour of being in front of Me.»

Seating arrangement as advised by JESUS:

     (John to Philip)

1 . John- Right side to Jesus.

2 . James ( Zebedee )- Left side to Jesus.

3 . Peter- Next to John.

4 . Andrew- Next to James ( Zebedee ).

5 . James (Alphaeus )- Next to Andrew.

6 . Simon (The Zealot)- Next to Peter.

7 . Bartholomew- Direct  Opposite to Simon ( The Zealot ) and diagonally opposite (Right side) to the Jesus.

8 . Judas Thaddeus ( Alphaeus )- Left side to Bartholomew and diagonally opposite (Right side) to the Jesus.

9 . Matthew- Left side to Thaddeus and Direct opposite to Jesus.

10.Judas Iscariot- Left side to Matthew and Direct opposite to Jesus.

11.Thomas- Left side to Judas Iscariot and diagonally opposite  (left side) to Jesus.

12.Philip- Left side to Thomas and diagonally opposite (left side) to Jesus.

Foot washing sequence following by JESUS:

     (Judas Iscariot to Matthew)

As mentioned in the picture, below is the order followed by Jesus Christ to wash the feet of his Twelve Disciples.
1 . Judas Iscariot

2 . Thomas

3 . Philip

4 . James  ( Alphaeus )

5 . Andrew

6 . James ( Zebedee )

7 . John

8 . Peter

9 . Simon ( The Zealot )

10. Bartholomew

11. Judas Thaddeus ( Alphaeus )

12. Matthew



Thank you,
Arulraj G L