Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop Mark Eckman had two messages for incarcerated men at the Allegheny County Jail during his first visit on Maundy Thursday: God loves them, and there is hope.
“God wants us to share an eternity in heaven,” Eckman said.
About 50 men gathered in the jail’s contact visiting room to commemorate the Last Supper with Mass and a foot-washing ceremony led by Eckman, who became bishop last year. The visit follows a tradition established by Bishop Emeritus David Zubik.
As part of Holy Week in the Christian church, leading up to Easter Sunday, Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a meal with his disciples and washed their feet as an act of servant leadership.
Around 2:30 p.m. Eckman shook hands with each attendee as they entered the community room before taking a seat in front of a makeshift altar. Devotional items were set up just feet from a corner with Disney-themed murals and a stack of children’s chairs and rugs used when families visit.
During Mass, two incarcerated men delivered readings.
The first rested his arms on the podium, leaning slightly toward a microphone set at the bishop’s height. In a soft voice, he read from Exodus before returning to his seat in the third row.
The second adjusted the reading glasses perched on his head, pulling them down to read from 1 Corinthians, then pushing them back up when he finished.
Those in attendance bowed their heads in prayer, murmured responses and listened attentively. The only minor disruption was the sound of correction officers’ keys jingling in the hallway from which everyone had entered the room.
During his homily, Eckman spoke about liturgical colors, which represent specific seasons and feasts.
“We wear green most of the year. Green is the color of hope,” he said, addressing a room of men dressed in green correctional uniforms.
Jean Marie Farina, chaplaincy coordinator for the interfaith nonprofit Foundation of HOPE, said she invited men who regularly attend Mass to participate in the foot-washing ceremony.
After compiling a list of names, she placed slips of paper into a bowl, prayed for guidance and drew the participants at random.
The 12 men selected — symbolizing the 12 disciples — were brought to the front of the room and seated before the bishop. They removed their slides or Velcro sneakers and the sock from their right foot.
Kneeling, Eckman washed and kissed each man’s foot.
Other incarcerated men, Foundation of HOPE staff, correctional officers and jail employees watched in silence.
Tre’ Thomas, senior program director for the Foundation of HOPE, held his hand over his heart as he observed the ceremony.
The jail inmates were not made available for comment.
Eckman told reporters afterward it was important to visit the jail and said he hoped Maundy Thursday would remind people of their shared humanity.
“Their bad decisions [the incarcerated men] made do not define them,” Eckman said.