Tagle to wash feet of migrants, refugees for Maundy Thursday

MANILA, Philippines —  The parents of slain overseas worker Joanna Demafelis and Fr. Teresito Suganub, who was among those kept hostage by the Maute terrorist group, are among the 12 individuals set to take part in this year’s Washing of the Feet on Maundy Thursday. 

The Manila Cathedral yesterday announced that for this year, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle would wash the feet of 12 individuals who are related to this year’s theme of embracing migrants, refugees or displaced people, based on Pope Francis’ New Year’s message.

Tagle, in his Easter message as president of Caritas Internationalis, said that “by rising from the dead, Christ invites us to roll away the stones that are blocking our own hearts and imagination and to share the journey with each other – in particular with the most vulnerable people, such as migrants.”

In emulating Jesus’ act of washing the feet of his disciples, Tagle will wash the feet of Crisanto and Eva Demafelis, whose daughter was found dead inside a freezer in Kuwait.  

“Their experience is a witness to the plight of our fellow Filipinos working abroad who despite the presence of danger, risked their safety to give their families in the Philippines a decent life,” the Manila Cathedral said in its announcement.

Suganub is from the prelature of Marawi and worked tirelessly to promote Christian-Muslim dialogue. 

Among the other participants are Catholic couple Masih and Shazia Irfan, who sought refuge in the country to avoid religious persecution in their homeland.

Danilo Pelayo, his wife Janet and daughter Danica were relocated from Paco, Manila to Cabuyao, Laguna.

Isidro Indao and Kaylo Bontolan are lumad leaders who represent those who fled their homelands because of massive militarization and destruction caused by logging and mining companies.  

Giovanni and Yolicres Badidles live separately due to their work as members of the Philippine Navy.

“Their lives are images of our soldiers who are displaced because of their assignments, as they willingly offer their lives to defend our nation,” the Manila Cathedral said.