Special Celebration of Holy Thursday Mass at St. Joseph Chaldean Cathedral

On the evening of Thursday, April 17, 2025, His Excellency Bishop Mar Bashar Matti Warda, Bishop of Erbil, presided over the Washing of the Feet and Holy Thursday Mass at St. Joseph Chaldean Cathedral. He was accompanied by Fr. Savio Handula, the parish priest, along with a number of deacons and a large congregation of faithful. Additionally, twelve youth from the middle and high school levels participated in the foot-washing ritual.

The celebration began with evening prayers, followed by the Holy Mass, which concluded with a procession of the Blessed Sacrament in the church hall, in preparation for the night prayer with Jesus in His Passion. The Mass was offered for the Archdiocese, its priests, and their families, with a special blessing for the priests on the occasion of their feast day.

In His homily, His Excellency reflected on the event of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, an act that demonstrated humility and service. He emphasized that this service is not just a physical act but a spiritual call for all of us to follow Christ’s example in loving and serving others, regardless of their status or position. He also discussed the meaning of love that does not stop even in the face of betrayal, reminding us that love is not measured by merit, but is an unlimited grace.

His Excellency called on everyone to open their hearts to God’s love, explaining that each person is called to live this love, which serves with humility, forgives all wrongs, and opens the doors of mercy to all.