Bishop Eckman Visits ACJ for Mass and Foot-Washing Ceremony
Published on April 06, 2026
Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop Mark Eckman carried on a longstanding Easter tradition on April 2 as he visited the Allegheny County Jail to hold Mass and conduct a foot-washing ceremony with incarcerated individuals in celebration of Holy Thursday.
Installed by the Diocese last July, the trip to the ACJ was a first for Eckman, who followed in the footsteps of his predecessor, Bishop David Zubik, in visiting the jail during Easter Week.
Still, it wasn’t the first correctional facility Eckman visited as he went to SCI Green last October. That experience helped prepare him for Thursday’s ceremony with a population often overlooked by mainstream society.
“People are people,” Eckman said. “Yes, they made poor decisions and made mistakes and are where they’re supposed to be because of that, but they’re still loved by God, and a creature of God, and still worthy of redemption. Jesus didn’t discriminate when he came and died on the cross. That was for everybody.”
Several deacons and seminarians assisted Eckman in the Contact Visits Room as he led the assembled throng of incarcerated folks, jail workers and Foundation of HOPE staff in the ceremony. Following the Liturgy of the Word and the homily, the bishop knelt to wash the feet of a dozen incarcerated Catholic individuals, emulating the example Jesus set in the Bible in John 13:1-17.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist followed before the congregants enjoyed pastries and drinks.
Eckman said he had two things he hoped to have imparted to the incarcerated attendees on one of the most reverential days in the Christian calendar:
“One, that they’re loved by God and they’re not alone, and two, that there’s hope,” Eckman said. “Eventually they’ll get out of here and have the opportunity to live a better life and be with the Lord. So, they’re loved and there is hope.”
Media inquiries may be directed to Jesse Geleynse, Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Jail
jesse.geleynse@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-1267 or 412-760-4760 (cell).