Rahi Washes Feet of Prisoners in Roumieh
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi washed and kissed the feet of 12 inmates in the country's largest prison in Roumieh on Holy Thursday.
“Whether you have committed a small or big crime, Jesus is with you,” he said in his sermon.
"Each person is valuable. God washed the feet of people to teach humility," said the patriarch.
Al-Rahi hoped the Lebanese authorities would meet the demands of inmates, including health and hospital care, improved security inside prisons and a solution to overcrowding.
Top security and military officials, priests, nuns and civil society representatives attended the rite in the courtyard of one of the blocks of the 200,000 square meter prison.
The feet-washing ritual is meant to be a gesture of service, and re-enacts a rite Jesus performed on his apostles before being crucified.
Holy or Maundy Thursday is part of the Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday. It is observed a day before Good Friday.
Al-Rahi has been carrying out the ritual at Roumieh Prison in the past years to draw attention to Lebanon's overcrowded prisons and to call for speedy trials.
G.K.
M.T.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/205407 |