As Catholics observed Holy Week in the third week of April, Calapan Bishop Moises Cuevas reached out to those often forgotten.

On Maundy Thursday, he washed the feet of 12 inmates at the Calapan City District Jail.

The ritual was part of the Holy Thursday Mass at the jail chapel. It re-enacted Jesus Christ’s act of washing the feet of his apostles during the Last Supper.

Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, spokesperson of BJMP-Mimaropa, said the 12 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were chosen carefully to reflect Pope Francis’ call for a Church that listens and reaches out to the margins.

“This simple but powerful gesture reminds everyone—inside and outside prison walls—that the Church remains present, listening, and walking with those who seek redemption,” Anglo said.

In his homily, Cuevas reminded the inmates that “no one is beyond God’s mercy.”

“This is not about who we are or what we’ve done... It is about how much God loves us—even in our brokenness,” he added.

One inmate said the experience gave him hope.

“Para sa akin, parang pinatawad na rin ako ng Diyos. Hindi ko ito makakalimutan,” he said.

The Washing of the Feet is a long-standing Catholic tradition during Holy Week. It symbolizes humility, service, and spiritual renewal.

(with reports from JO3 Joefrie Anglo, IO-BJMP MIMAROPA)