Manila Archbishop leads washing of feet of 12 ‘apostles’

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will lead today the washing of the feet of 12 people from different sectors of society, including a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender or LGBT community at the Manila Cathedral.

Heeding the call of Pope Francis to become a more listening and compassionate church, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila said Advincula would wash the feet of those “who need our attention and concern.”

Among those who will participate are Ryan Capitulo of the LGBT+ community, a physician; journalist Raffy Tima; Commission on Elections spokesman Rex Laudiangco; Judge Caroline Rivera-Colasito; Intramuros Administrator Johhan Joseph Ararao and kalesa driver Cyril John Sunnga.

Advincula will also wash the feet of jeepney driver John Michael Roldan, Angkas rider Manuel Jorge Manarang, priest Ernesto Panelo, religious missionary Sr. Liane Rainville, farmer Alberto Mandia and Dumagat indigenous elder Iluminada Sta. Ana.

The washing of the feet is part of the Maundy Thursday mass at the Manila Cathedral at 5 p.m. It is part of the liturgy to commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the 12 apostles.

Last year, Advincula washed the feet of those who had played important roles in the May national and local elections.

Litter-free

Meanwhile, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David urged the faithful to observe a litter-free pilgrimage and maintain cleanliness this Holy Week.

David made the appeal in support of the call of EcoWaste Coalition for a trash-free Holy Week observance.

He asked Catholics to maintain cleanliness when visiting churches and pilgrimage sites.

EcoWaste earlier expressed hope that the people would also reflect on environmental issues in the Philippines.