Guwahati: In a ceremony recalling Jesus washing his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper, Assam Don Bosco University Vice-Chancellor Stephen Mavely washed the feet of six males and six females representing the faculty, staff and students.
Then heeding vice chancellor’s invitation several pairs of students, faculty and staff spontaneously came forward and washed each other’s feet in a symbolic gesture of service and humility.
“It was indeed an act of humility which I have never done before, me washing the feet of another person,” said Assistant Professor P. Joseph who washed the feet of a security staff.
Several pairs of students, faculty and staff took turns to come before the assembly and wash each other’s feet.
Fr Mavely said he was following the example Pope Francis who included men and women in the feet washing ceremony on Holy Thursday, first day of the Easter Triduum, during which celebrant priest traditionally washed the feet of only men folk.
After reading of the passage from John’s Gospel (13:1-15) which narrates the incidents of the Last Supper, the vice chancellor wrapped a towel around his waist, knelt down before each one of 12 people and poured water on their feet, wiped off the water with a towel and kissed the feet.
“Each time I perform this action which Jesus did for his disciples, it has a deep impact on me. It makes me convinced that only from a position of service to others one can exercise authority,” Fr Mavely shared at the homily.
Following the symbolic act of Jesus, the Salesian priest invited other members of the congregation gathered for the Holy Thursday Eucharist to wash each other’s feet.