To “honor the dignity and work of immigrants,” US Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi helped Bishop Marc Andrus wash the feet of two children Thursday at Saint John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in San Francisco.
The Democratic leader’s ceremony coincides with Pope Francis’ similar ceremony in Rome to mark Holy Week. As he did last year, the pope broke with the tradition of washing only priests’ feet during the Mass for the Last Supper – this time, washing the feet of disabled people.
Closer to home, Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai washed the feet of 12 Roumieh prison inmates on Holy Thursday , calling for the quick trial of inmates who have been held without receiving sentences.
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai washed the feet of 12 prison inmates on Holy Thursday. The ritual commemorates Jesus’ gesture of humility towards his apostles the night before he was crucified[/caption]
During his sermon at Roumieh prison, Rai said that he considers every person “innocent until proven guilty.”
The feet washing ritual commemorates Jesus’ gesture of humility towards his apostles the night before he was crucified.
Top photo: U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (left) prepares to pour water on the feet of Yamile Cruz, 10, with the help of Bishop Marc Andrus during a Holy Week foot-washing ceremony at Saint John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in San Francisco. Photo: Leah Millis, San Francisco Chronicle
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