This Holy Thursday, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle is set to wash the feet of the parents of Joanna Demafelis, the slain OFW from Kuwait who was found stuffed inside a freezer.
“Their [Demafelis’ parents] 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 a statement.
Aside from Demafelis’ parents, Cardinal Tagle will also wash the feet of Father Teresito “Chito” Soganub, the priest taken hostage by the Maute Group during the Marawi siege.
“Father Teresito “Chito” Soganub, a priest from the Prelature of Marawi, has worked tirelessly for Christian-Muslim dialogue in Mindanao. Even after his agonizing ordeal as a hostage during the Marawi crisis, he says he still believes in promoting understanding and peace among peoples. In this Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons, his living witness is a beacon of faith and communion,” the Manila Cathedral added.
The Manila Cathedral also said Demafelis’ parents and Father Soganub will be among 12 people to be present during the Holy Thursday Mass to be held at 5 pm at the cathedral.
The Washing of the Feet is a symbol of the Lord’s command to mankind: love one another. The ritual will take place during the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
