Manila archbishop to wash feet of 12 persons with disabilities

MANILA, Philippines - Twelve persons with disabilities (PWDs) will have their feet washed by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales as part of a Maundy Thursday ritual at the Manila Cathedral, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said yesterday.

“It’s a symbol of humility that all Catholics are there to serve other people,” said CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Health Care (ECHC) executive secretary Fr. Luke Moortgat.

He said the ritual represents Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper and God’s unconditional love for others.

“Jesus is saying, ‘I have set you an example, do the same.’ It is an example to help and to serve,” Moortgat said.

The ritual also marks the start of the triduum – the three days in which Jesus Christ suffered and died – leading up to the celebration of Easter.

The ECHC is a ministry of the church dedicated to pastoral care for the sick, the aged and the handicapped. – Helen Flores