Manila archbishop to wash feet of ‘12 Apostles’ of clean elections

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Capiz)

MANILA, Philippines —Twelve individuals representing various sectors with key roles to play in the May 9 elections will serve as the “12 Apostles” at Manila Cathedral’s Maundy Thursday rite acting out the Gospel account of the Washing of the Feet.

At today’s evening Mass, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula will be washing the feet of three first-time voters, three Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials, two members of the electoral board, three Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) members and a broadcast journalist.

Participating are first-time voters Therese Paman, Kenny Roger, and Miguel Francisco Zabala; Comelec officers Joevy Domondon and Rose Ann Alejandro, and director Thaddeus Hernan; electoral board members Angelique Mabasa and Dante Parungao; PPCRV members Dr. Arwin Serrano, Alfie Diaz and Ric Galang; and the lone media representative, Tina Panganiban-Perez of GMA News.

Tradition

The Lenten tradition will be held for the first time in two years after most religious activities were suspended due to the pandemic.

The ritual commemorates how Jesus Christ washed the feet of his disciples in a gesture of humility, one of his last acts with his followers before his crucifixion.

“We need competent leaders and lawmakers with sincere intentions to serve the welfare of our communities,” said Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

Campaigning or partisan political activities are prohibited on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, as well as on the eve of the polls and on Election Day itself.

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