KOCHI: Fr Jose Vailikodath of the Thrikkakkara Blessed Sacrament Church of the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church has created a sensation by washing the feet of 12 women as part of the sacred rituals on Maundy Thursday. Fr. Vailikodath went ahead with the ritual though the liturgical practice of the Syro-Malabar Church prohibits washing women’s feet.
Fr Vailikodath followed in the footsteps of Pope Francis who last year made a departure from the practice the church followed from its inception and washed the feet of women. The Pope had exhorted his fellow priests to follow him this year. The Syro-Malabar Church has, however, sought more time to implement the reformative move its supreme head has advocated.
Fr Vailikodath said he was following the example the Pope set. “Last year also we have conducted the washing of the feet of women,” he said. Syro Malabar church spokesperson Fr. Jimmy Poochakkatt said the Church will take a decision on the washing the feet of woman after the synod—the meeting of all the bishops—which is held every January and August. “Changes in the liturgical practices in Syro-Malabar church can be taken only in a synod,” he said.
The matter has been discussed with the authorities concerned in Vatican and the Pope also concurred it, he said. Fr. Poochakkaatt said Fr Vailikodath’s washing of women’s feet has come to his notice through the media and it will be discussed in the appropriate forum.
