This Lenten season, many Catholics are taking time off to reflect and observe many rituals. Maundy Thursday, a public holiday in many countries, is a time to recall events as they are recorded in the Scriptures. Countries may not observe the same traditions, but the essence of the Lenten season is basically the same for devout Catholics across the world. The symbolic acts made by Jesus Christ before and during the Last Supper are given focus.
One of the Maundy Thursday rites that dates back to the 19th century, and which Roman nobles have become accustomed to, is washing of the feet. It brings to mind how Jesus washed the feet of his apostles. The phrase Maundy Thursday itself was culled from the Latin "mandatum" which is essentially Jesus' mandate to his followers after he washed the apostles' feet - to love one another just as He had loved them. It can be noted that Pope Francis in years past had always provided the supreme example of the symbolic act of washing feet, and at one time, had washed the feet of prisoners detained near the Papal seat in Rome.
This Maundy Thursday, Pope Francis is slated to wash the feet of inmates of Rebibbia prison situated in Rome. He will also celebrate the traditional mass of the Lord's Supper. A couple of years ago, among those who comprised the inmates whose feet were washed by the Pope were Muslims and females. The simple act of washing the feet conveys love and humanity, then, that must be shown to all regardless of gender, race & religious beliefs and status in life.
Another rite that many Catholics all over the world practice is visiting churches/basilica. At each stop, people silently pray. Unfortunately, many people visit several churches during Holy Week with the sole intent of photographing themseves and posting the photos in social media sites. The seven stops actually signify the seven Stations of the Cross made by Christ on His way to Mt. Calvary. Most cathedrals would have visual reminders of the last hours of the Savior, Jesus Christ. After performing the Maundy Thursday meditation and rituals, Catholics feel uplifted.
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