Catholics bring ‘washing of feet’ into homes

Modest practice: Jamie washing her father Alex’s feet at their home in Bayan Lepas while her mother Joanna and sister Ashley look on.

GEORGE TOWN: Christians here observed Maundy Thursday in never-before ways – washing each other’s feet in homes.

Holy Thursday, usually the start of a marathon of church services in the run-up to Easter Sunday, commemorates the Last Supper that Christ shared with his disciples before crucifixion.

A ceremony of the washing of feet is part of Maundy Thursday events, where clergy washes the feet of 12 people who symbolically represent the original 12 disciples of Christ.

However, under the movement control order’s (MCO) requirement for social distancing, Catholics are being advised to bring this symbolic act of servitude into their homes.

In Bayan Lepas, the Cheng family performed the ceremony for the first time, with parents and children kneeling to wash each other’s feet.

With a simple pail, washcloth and steel bowl, mother Joanna Yen first washed the feet of her children Jamie, nine, and Ashley, seven, before the two cleaned the feet of their mother and father Alex Cheng.

“Every year, we go to church and see it being done, but this is the first time I have done it myself.

“It was very meaningful and something different from what we usually do at Easter, ” said Yen, 37.

Separately, Yen also washed the feet of her parents, describing it as an “honour”.

“Personally, I think I have spent more time ‘attending’ mass than ever before as I now watch sermons over YouTube from all over the world when I have the time.

“My parents, as well, are watching live telecasts of mass almost every day at home, ” she said.

At the Church of Divine Mercy in Sungai Ara nearby, the altar has been decorated for Holy Thursday, though pews will be empty for the Easter season for the first time ever.

Mass and services from the altar are being broadcast live over Holy Week, and the church even attempted a “spiritual” ceremony of feet washing for Maundy Thursday.

Twelve chairs, each bearing the names and photos of different communities, sat on the altar to represent the 12 groups who would have had their feet washed by parish priest, Fr Martin Arlando.

They included front line medical staff, emergency response teams, migrant workers, refugees as well as service providers like delivery drivers, cleaners, refuse workers and supermarket personnel.

“We have so conveniently ignored some who serve in their own capacity. During this pandemic, there are many jobs that are not celebrated, but have been seen to be absolutely essential to keep our society going, ” Fr Martin said.

Christians around the world celebrate Good Friday today, followed by Holy Saturday tomorrow and then, Easter Sunday – the most important date in their religious calendar.