Tagle kisses feet of Brillantes, prays for clean elections

MANILA, Philippines – On Holy Thursday, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle performed the customary washing of the feet ritual to Commission on Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr and 11 other poll workers.

Rappler Carmela Fonbuena filed this report.

It’s Holy Thursday and I’m here at Paco Church in Manila, where Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle puts a twist in the Catholic tradition of the washing of the feet.

Recognizing the importance of the coming May elections, Tagle washes the feet of Commission on Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr.

CARDINAL LUIS ANTONIO TAGLE

ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA

“We invited our brothers who have important tasks in the coming elections.”

Joining Brillantes are other personalities tasked to make the elections clean and free. They represent the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.

In the bible, Jesus Christ performed the ritual on his apostles during the Last Supper – their final meal together. 

It is interpreted as an act of humility.

CARDINAL LUIS ANTONIO TAGLE

ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA

A nation in the dark. The people have long been waiting for the light, for the truth, for integrity — especially through a clean elections. Let’s hope that the country is ready for Holy Thursday, Good Friday until the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Holy Thursday kicks off 4 days of symbolic ceremonies commemorating the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

In the Vatican, Pope Francis also adds his personal touch to the ritual — choosing to wash the feet of young prisoners. 

The new pope highlights the importance of reaching out to those in need.

Carmela Fonbuena, Rappler. Manila. – Rappler.com