Indian archbishop washes feet of marginalized on Maundy Thursday

In a moving Maundy Thursday celebration at Santhome Cathedral Basilica—the resting place of St. Thomas the Apostle—Archbishop George Antonysamy of Madras-Mylapore offered a powerful sign of inclusivity and compassion by washing the feet of society’s most marginalized on April 17.

Departing from the customary washing of 12 men's feet, Antonysamy washed the feet of a diverse group: three persons with mental challenges, two with physical disabilities, one visually impaired individual, two women, two men, a 12-year-old child who lost his mother, and a member of the third gender. 

The gesture, inspired by Pope Francis’ pastoral style, underscored the Church's mission to embrace those on the margins.

In his homily, Antonysamy reflected on the Eucharist as the ultimate expression of kenosis—self-emptying love.

“Jesus gave his body for our strengthening and his blood for the washing away of our sins. We who participate in the Eucharist must also live out this kenosis,” he said.

He challenged the congregation with a soul-searching question: “Am I ready to be fruitful in my life?”

He explained that true fruitfulness flows from a personal relationship with God, nourished by the liturgy and the Word. “That is why Jesus said, ‘Do this in memory of me.’ The Eucharist is a living memory of Christ’s enduring love.”

Reflecting on the ritual of washing feet, the archbishop highlighted its historical roots in Jewish hospitality, where slaves would wash the feet of guests. 

“Today, the priest washing the feet of the faithful is a joyful welcome into the life of Christ,” he said. “In Christ, no one is rejected. Those at the margins are brought to the center. We are all called to be humble servants who welcome others into the family of God.”

The prelate also shared a recent encounter from a visit to the Diocese of Jabalpur. During a seminar on synodality, he learned of an attack on a group of pilgrims by extremist elements. 

In a remarkable display of Christian witness, the faithful chose not to retaliate. “One priest told me he was guided by an inner voice urging him to remain calm and proclaim Christ’s love through peace,” he recounted.

Encouraging the faithful to deepen their intimacy with Jesus, Archbishop Antonysamy reminded them, “No matter what happens around us, we are called to reflect the nature of Christ.” Quoting Pope Francis, he added, “A priest is not made in the seminary alone; real formation begins in the family.”

The Maundy Thursday celebration at Santhome Basilica stood as a powerful testament to the Gospel values of humility, service, and the radical inclusion of all God’s children. - Ritchie Vincent