Kerala's influential Syro-Malabar Catholic Church today did not follow Pope Francis' decree that women should be included in the traditional foot-washing ceremony on Maundy Thursday.
However, a parish priest of Blessed Sacrament Church, Thrikkakkara, controlled by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, sent shock waves among its conservative clergy by including 12 women in the foot-washing ritual, which is said to have been performed by Jesus for his disciples before he was crucified to signify an act of humility.
Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Church, Fr Jose Vayalikkodath justified his decision to include women in the foot-washing ritual, saying he was "just implementing a revolutionary decision" taken by supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church--the Pope.
The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Major Archiepiscopal Church in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, the Pope.
It was in January this year, Pope Francis issued a decree revising the rules for the traditional foot-washing ritual on Maundy Thursday. In his decree, the Pope had said the rite should no longer be limited to men and boys, but also include women and young girls.
"Our Church had not taken a decision regarding implementation of the new rules issued by the Pope. The synod of Syro-Malabar Church had not met after the issuance of the decree by Vatican. Moreover, it was not made mandatory this year," Syro-Malabar Church spokesperson Fr Jimmy Poochakkatt told PTI.
He also pointed out that some Latin dioceses have also not implemented the new rule.
He said next meeting of the synod of Syro-Malabar Catholic Church will discuss the decree issued by the Pope.
Taking serious note of the ritual performed at the Blessed Sacrament Church, Thrikkakkara, Poochakkatt said the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church will examine why it took place in only one Church under its control.
"Our Church head Cardinal George Alencherry had given an explanation to all parish priests regarding the Pope's declaration revising the rules for the traditional foot-washing ritual on Maundy Thursday. But it happened in one parish in our Church. We will examine it," Poochakkat said.
Vayalikkodath said he had performed same ritual last year
but now it has become a big issue after the Syro-Malabar Church did not follow the decree issued by the Pope.
"I just performed parish duty by implementing Pope Francis' message that there should be no discrimination against marginalised particularly women and downtrodden. He is a servant of Gospel. Pope Francis' life itself is a big message for humanity," he said.
"Moreover, I had not received any circular regarding Syro- Malabar Church's decision on this issue," he said.
Vayalikkodath also said his parish members, comprising about 100 households, "are so happy" about his decision to include women in foot-washing ceremonies.
