Augustine University Marks Holy Thursday with Symbolic Washing of Feet Ceremony
By Ikpe Amuche
In a solemn ceremony held at the convocation hall, students and staff of Augustine University gathered on Holy Thursday evening to participate in the traditional washing of feet ritual. The event, initiated by Rev. Father Anthony Akinwale, commenced at 6 pm with the Holy Mass, during which he delivered a compelling homily on the symbolic cleansing of impurity through the act of foot washing.
Emphasizing the importance of allowing oneself to be purified by Jesus, Rev. Father Akinwale made reference to the story of Peter, urging the students to embrace the opportunity for spiritual cleansing not only for themselves but also for their families and country. After the homily, members of the University community were invited to participate in the foot washing ceremony. Notably, Rev. Father Akinwale corrected an initial oversight in the list of participants, ensuring the inclusion of women, in accordance with the Catholic Church’s allowance for both men and women to partake in this symbolic act of service and humility.
The ceremony proceeded with the rituals of the holy Mass, including the offering and the Holy Eucharist. After the Mass, attendees engaged in a period of adoration and veneration of the Holy Eucharist, during which the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences encouraged maintaining silence as a form of reverence and mourning in the presence of the Lord.
