The Pope to wash the feet of twelve guests of the reception centre in Castelnuovo di Porto – Holy Thursday among refugees

On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis will spend time in Castelnuovo di
Porto with young refugees who are hosted by the Reception Centre for Asylum
Seekers, known as the Centro di Accoglienza per Richiedenti Asilo, or CARA. The simple but eloquent visit will include the celebration of the
Rite of the Washing of Feet. The Pope will stoop to wash the feet of 12
refugees as a sign of service and attention to their situation.

During the
Jubilee Audience held on Saturday, 12 March, in speaking about the act of the
washing of feet, Pope Francis stated: “By washing the feet of the Apostles,
Jesus wished to reveal God’s mode of action in regard to us, and to give an
example of his ‘new commandment’ (Jn 13:34) to love one another as He has loved
us, that is, laying down his life for us”. Delving deeper, he added that love
“is the practical service that we
offer to others. Love is not a word, it is a deed, a service; humble service, hidden and silent”.
Indeed, “it is expressed in the sharing of
material goods, so that no one be left in need”. It is, moreover, “the
lifestyle that God suggests, even to non-Christians, as the authentic path of
humanity.”

In light of these considerations we
can understand the symbolic value intended by Pope Francis’ visit to the CARA in Castelnuovo di Porto and his bending down to wash the feet
ofrefugees. His actions mean to tell us
that it is important to pay due attention to the weakest in this historic
moment; that we are all called to restore their dignity without resorting to
subterfuge. We are urged to look forward to Easter with the eyes of those who
make of their faith a life lived in service to those whose faces bear signs of
suffering and violence.

Many of these young people are not
Catholic. Therefore this gesture by Pope Francis takes on even more eloquence.
It points to respect as the royal road to peace. Respect means being aware that
there is another person beside me. A person who walks with me, suffers with me,
rejoices with me. A person whom, one day, I may one day lean on for support. By
washing the feet of refugees, Pope Francis implores respect for each one of
them.

Rino Fisichella