Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula, on Maundy Thursday, washed the feet of 12 “people of hope” during the evening mass of the Lord’s Supper.
In his homily, Advincula emphasized on the importance of “heartfelt remembering” on one’s faith and devotion.
“Spiritual forgetfulness will be to our detriment as we would not know who we are, what we ought to do, and what we can hope for. Constant recollection, on the other hand, would provide us assurance, direction, and inspiration. May silbi at epekto nga ba ang pananatili ng Diyos kung hindi naman natin ito inaalala at ginugunita? (Does God’s existence really serve a purpose and have an effect if we don’t remember it and commemmorate it?)” he said.
“The Eucharist is essentially a celebration of thanksgiving and praise to the Father due to the remembered good graces that come from him. The witness of scriptures and the re-presenting of Jesus’ sacrifice on the altar facilitate this living and effective memorial. Aware of our sins and grateful for God’s unconditional and endless love, we respond by offering our hearts with our gifts and by surrendering them to be transformed to be like that of Jesus,” Advincula added.
He recalled the Holy Gospel on Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet, noting that people must always follow the example of Jesus in humbling himself for those in need.
“This is what we are called to repeat after every mass – to divest of ourselves to lift up others, and to humble ourselves to take care of those in need, especially those who are exhausted and dirtied by life, and even those who betray, deny, and desert us, following the example of our master Jesus,” he shared.
“Kung susumahin, ipinaparating ng ating mga pagbasa na sa pamamagitan ng taus-pusong paggunita at pag-alala, napapatatag ang ating pagtitiwala at pananampalataya sa Diyos, nahuhulma ang ating puso ayon sa turo at halimbawa ni Hesus, at naibubunsod tayo sa misyon sa inspirasyon at paggabay ng Espiritu Santo,” he continued.
(To sum it up, our readings impart that through genuine commemmoration and remembrance, our belief and faith in God is being formed within our hearts according to the teachings and examples of Jesus, and it leads us to the mission of inspiring and guiding the Holy Spirit.)
At around 5 p.m., Advincula began washing the feet of the following individuals:
- Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD – Priest
- Sr. Mary Jane T. Valerio, MCST – Nun
- Mrs. Jhanella Aguado – Teacher
- Ms. Thessalonica Cadiz – Psychometrician
- Mr. John Rey Espinoza – Youth Representative
- Mrs. Leah Gatdula – Parent
- Mr. Philip Sumera – Charismatic Leader
- Dr. Anthony C. Leachon – Medical Doctor
- Ms. Lourdes Villaram – PPCRV member
- Mr. Jenneson Carl – Church Volunteer
- Ms. Marielle Alegue – TNK member
- Mr. Paterno Esmaquel – Media Personnel
According to the Archdiocese of Manila, the 12 individuals were chosen to represent the diverse ways of living out hope in today’s society.
The Washing of the Feet is a Catholic ritual done during Maundy Thursday, following the biblical story of Jesus Christ’s final act of service for his disciples by washing their feet after the Last Supper.
The ceremony is conducted by the priest presiding the mass of the Last Supper, often done to remind the community of Jesus’ humility and heartfelt service. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
