LGBTQ, IP persons among those whose feet washed by Cardinal Advincula

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula washed the feet of 12 persons from the different sectors on Maundy Thursday.

Advincula led the Evening Mass for the Lord’s Supper at the Manila Cathedral on Thursday.

The washing of the feet is part of the liturgy as it commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles.

The Manila archbishop washed the feet of Dr. Ryan Capitulo from the LGBT community, broadcast journalist Raffy Tima, Commission on Elections spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco, Judge Caroline Rivera-Colasito from the judiciary, Johhan Joseph Ararao from the Intramuros Administration, kalesa driver Cyril John Sunnga, jeepney driver John Michael Roldan, Angkas rider Manuel Jorge Manarang, mission station priest Ernesto Panelo, religious missionary Sr. Liane Rainville, farmer Alberto Mandia, and Dumagat indigenous elder Iluminada Sta. Ana.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila had said this significant practice of the Catholic Church is a “symbolic act of humility, service, and love which is also associated with acts of charity and compassion.”

During his homily, Advincula encouraged the Filipino faithful to follow the acts of Jesus.

He also emphasized that true love is seen in deeds and not only through words.

“Ang pag-ibig ay hindi lamang naririnig o nararamdaman. Ang pag-ibig ay ipinapakita na tulad na ginawa ni Jesus. Kaya huwag kayong basta maniniwala sa mga taong nagsasabing mahal kita pero hanggang salita lang. Huwag kayong magpapaloko sa mga matatamis na salita o nakakakilig na pakiramdam, hanapan ninyo ng gawa,” he said.

(Love is not just heard or felt. Love is shown as Jesus did. So don't just believe those people who say that they love you but only through words. Don't be fooled by sweet words or exciting feelings. They should be showing it through deeds.)

“Because true love is seen in deeds. Let us also not be afraid to show our love for God and for others. Huwag tayong matakot, at huwag natin ikahiya na ipakita natin ang ating pag-ibig sa ating pamilya, sa mga mag-asawa, magkakapatid, magkakamag-anak,” he added.

(Because true love is seen in deeds. Let us also not be afraid to show our love for God and for others. Let's not be afraid, and let's not be ashamed to show our love to our family, spouses, siblings, relatives.)

Last year, Advincula washed the feet of 12 individuals who worked during the national and local elections.—LDF, GMA Integrated News