Holy Thursday - Foot Washing Ritual

[FrDavid96]

in a parish nearby anyone who wants to have their feet washed amy go up to the front of the church and have their feet washed and then they wash the person behind them. Is this ok?

No. The Church describes how this ritual is to be done, and what you’ve described as happening is not even close to that.

The Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper is one of the most important and solemn liturgical events of the entire year (indeed, the Triduum as a whole is the most important event). Much too important to be trifled-with in the way that you’ve described.

 

[Halos1n2Horns]

But aren’t we all striving to be apostles for Christ?

I was told that Mary was there and that one woman can have there foot ( feet) washed representing her. Does this make sense?

Halos

 

[jmcrae]

But aren’t we all striving to be apostles for Christ?

I was told that Mary was there and that one woman can have there foot ( feet) washed representing her. Does this make sense?

Halos

Mary was not present at the Last Supper. If she had been, then it would have been her proper place to have washed the feet of Jesus and His disciples, since she was a woman.

The reason the disciples were arguing about who was going to wash their feet, in the first place, was because there were no women present - not even Mary.

But Jesus set it up in the first place that there would be no women there, by telling them to find a man who was carrying a water jar (women’s work) - in those days, men did not do women’s work to show chivalry, or if the woman was sick - if a man was doing women’s work, it was because he had no women in his household. So, Jesus was making sure there was no way the disciples would be able to find someone to wash their feet - in a way, He was kind of instigating the argument, but I suppose He was also watching to see what they would do, and whether they would choose to serve one another.

 

[Through_Him]

There is something incredibly creepy about watching a celibate man washing the feet of women.

I have to agree with you. Our priest does do this but I don’t join in. There is something going wrong here. It can be managed but I wonder. I wish that he would have all 12 or more people go to the front like was described on one post and do the washing( aka rinsing) instead of going all around the room and washing with an assistant. I read a prayer book while it is going on. Some people say I am a bit prudish, but my husband does not attend he is protestant but if he did he would have a fit. There is something going wrong with our Church and it has to stop.

 

[RosaMystica]

Well, let me tell you from personal experience…

Last year, our Priest asked ME to participate in the washing of the feet on Maundy Thursday. I was a little reticent, but what the Priest asks of you, you do, right?

IT WAS CREEPY!!! I did not like it. I did not like him touching my feet…only my husband and my podiatrist should be doing that! It also forced me to wear pants to Mass, because I wasn’t about to have a man kneeling in front of me while wearing a skirt.

In addition, he washed the feet of children as part of the 12.

I will not be repeating that experience, even if I am asked. (And yes, I am a college-educated, modern woman who happens to believe everything the Church teaches!)

I had a similar experience. In our parish, the RCIA candidates are the recipients of the foot washing, and I was told that I would be participating. I didn’t object, because I didn’t know better, but it was creepy for me too. WAY too intimate for a celibate man to be touching my bare foot - yuck!! I also kind of resent the fact that those of us who didn’t know better were put in this position.

 

[1holycatholic]

This evening at Mass seven of the twelve were women.

They were seated in chairs, six on each side of the altar.

They were seated up there from the beginning of Mass through the entire consecration. They left the altar after during distribution of the Blessed Sacrament.

 

[Phemie]

This evening at Mass seven of the twelve were women.

They were seated in chairs, six on each side of the altar.

They were seated up there from the beginning of Mass through the entire consecration. They left the altar after during distribution of the Blessed Sacrament.

We only had 7, all men. Chairs were lined up in front of the first pews. Each person picked up a chair, set it in front of the altar, had their foot washed and when all were done, they set their chairs back where they’d been and walked back to their pews.

 

[jwatza]

Tonight we had 12 men and 1 woman. The woman represented Mary and all of us–don’t know if this was correct, but everything was done very respectfully.

 

[Jimzz12]

I have a question regarding the ritual washing of feet on Holy Thursday Mass.

In a nutshell, is it valid for women’s feet to be washed in that ritual?

Here’s what Bishop Peter J. Eliot says on the matter

"The washing of the feet of twelve “men” is specified in the Roman Missal, clearly to represent the twelve apostles. That is the classical tradition, required by the Latin word viri for whose feet wish be washed (cf. *Roman Missal, Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Washing of Feet, *and *Cermonial of Bishops, *no. 301). The Holy See would have to grant permission for a change in this tradition.

Some may claim that the authorization of female alter servers makes it more difficult not to include women among those whose feet will be washed. In this case, it is argued that the symbolism now extends to include all believers and not only the apostles. However, if ever a permission is granted in favor of this view, one would hope that the group of twelve persons would include both sexes. Washing *only *the feet of women, as has happenec in some places, is an ideological statement, and the sacred liturgy must never be subjected to ideology. This is why the Plenary Meeting of the Congregation of Divine Worship, May 1987, reacted strongly against the proposal as something coming fom feminism (cf. Notitiae, no. 255 [October 1987] , pp. 1017-1018).

Sources: jp2institute.org/admin_elliot.html

In my words, as deficient as they are, I would say that the washing of the feet of twelve unmarried men is more commendable than just twelve men, in general. To aid in the seeking of vocations to the priesthood, it would be, generally, better to wash the feet of men in their youth who have reached the age of 18 and who are not married. The diocese should send notices to all pastor priests to actively seek, throughout the liturgical year, young men who meet the criterion so that, there will be a pool of young men to draw from. Let the women in their lives encourage them. Women give strength to men like that of nothing else. Let the women keep thier shoes and sandles on their feet. It is unjust to burden women with worry over whether they should have to discalced and have their feet washed too. They will need their shoes and sandles to effectively carry the burden of their men who undoubtedly will have moments of weakness. We have an obligation as Christ’s faithful to seek out and find young men to become new apostles of Christ. We have an obligation to give clear roles to the men and women of God. This apparent disparity is a unity in Christ’s mission of the Cross, where the women held firm and the men struggled under weight of sin.

These words ran through my own mind while sitting in my cathedral church last night, “Why do you lash me? I am your sheep. Why do you beat me as though I am tied to a column? I do not lock horns with you; I am not a goat, but a beaten sheep. Why have you denied me? Wen will I be rid of this evil? Christ please help me find a way to release the temptation to anger.” And, he did. Arrested in the jail. The cathedral church empty of Him. He is locked away and I cannot reach him. I am always unable to touch Him, only He touches me. But, now, he is in-chains and I cannot even stretch my hand out. He is nowhere to be found. The only left is His breath. The breath He breathed out in a whisper when He breathed life into me and gifted me a soul. That is the only evidence I have of Him now. I love Holy Thrusday Mass. Christ gives me his quietude. It reminds me that we keep Christ imprisoned in our hearts. The only thing attaching me to Christ is my letting the seed of faith within me seek the Word, which is a whisper; a truly latent God. Too often we hold Him hostage, not letting Him the liberty to reach out, to preach and touch the hearts of His men, women, and children. When we do this we deny the rights and dignity assured be Christ. We make Him out to be a liar and a thief. This is in essence where the hard-heartedness comes from. Washing the feet of twelve men exactly as Jesus did on His last corporal night is a distinctly espiscopal act. Gaze at the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Jesus was fully aware of the mission of the Cross from his youth, and disturbed by it. Disturbed by His mission, He did not worry. Discalced (without shoes), He embraces the Cross, even from his childhood, in a singular Love for the Father and his flock. Gaze at the icon, and you see Mary cannot bear to look at what disturbs her child. It is far too painful for a mother. She can only provide her son with strength and encouragement. Alas, this is not where it ends. A spear will driven into His side. Jesus was never worried. He was filled with Love. This let’s us know that worry comes from Satan. How is it that Jesus can not worry? Please, Christ teach me how to not worry and have confidence in your Mercy. Our Lord realized the Mission of the Cross, as a babe, without shoes or sandle. When He washed the feet His Apostles. They were without shoe or sandle. This was when He began to realize it for them.

Thank you Jesus for burying my anger.

 

[EvelynEVF]

This year we had 12 people, but I didn’t count how many men vs. women. it was done very respectfully and the setup and take down were smoothly integrated. In past years we have had the free-for-all everybody washes and gets washed, even the pastor, which was weird. i appreciate the change.

We also had tons of chant and incense, which was just delightful. I know it’s been an encounter with Mystery when I lie down to go to sleep that night and I can still smell the incense in my hair

 

[maryjk]

GGrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Last night, not only did we have women. We also had CHILDREN. Three of them young enough to have not made their First Communion.

One of the little girls sat there with this big grin on her face, swinging her legs back and forth like she was at a birthday party.:banghead:

Of the 12, we had TWO men.

 

[Jimzz12]

GGrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Last night, not only did we have women. We also had CHILDREN. Three of them young enough to have not made their First Communion.

One of the little girls sat there with this big grin on her face, swinging her legs back and forth like she was at a birthday party.:banghead:

Of the 12, we had TWO men.

If Cardinal Bevilacqua is still there to hear it complain to him about the injustice and violation of your basic human rights under Canon Law. Also, I recommend you contact Archbishop Justin Francis Rigali.

 

[CarmeliteGirl25]

I honestly didn’t know about the differences in the Liturgy. I went up to participate willingly and have my feet washed. If I had known that it was not allowed, I would NEVER have done it and I don’t plan on doing it again. It was kind of creepy. A deacon washed my feet and he kissed them afterwards, which I didn’t know was involved. Hmmmm… My spiritual director is a priest at this parish. Next time I see him, I’m going to talk to him about it.

 

[jc-servant]

There is something incredibly creepy about watching a celibate man washing the feet of women.

There is nothing remotely creepy about a holy priest humbly serving anyone.

I had my female feet washed along with other men and women on a retreat for ministry volunteers. It was not during a mass or on Holy Thursday. We were being prepared to begin a new year of service to the youth of our parish. I cannot imagine any other thing that could have driven home in a more powerful way the need for us to serve others with a humble heart. There was not any skin contact with water being poured over a foot in a basin and then patted dry with a towel between the hands of the priest and the person’s foot.

It was an amazing thing that I have never forgotten. To have such a holy man serve me when I did not feel worthy of such service in any way. It brought me to tears then and it still does now when I think about it This was the priest who gave me my first communion as a convert. In that special moment, I could understand in a small way what the apostles must have felt to have Jesus kneel at their feet.

I don’t know what personal issues you might be projecting onto these humble servants of Christ such that you see something ugly in an innocent act. If you see creepiness in this simple act, then I suppose we women should not be touched for annointing of the sick or confirmation or anything else either that requires a priest? Perhaps, it would only be OK in your mind if we went to one of the married priests in the Latin or another rite since they would not be “celibate”?

 

[Volodymyr]

RITE OF WASH FEETS

Just interesting to read your comments on this rite. Such rite in Orthodox church is performed by Bishop in Kathedral Sobor washing feets of twelve priests. I have heard that Patriarch Katolikos of Armenia washes feet of two bishops, two priests, two deacons, and six soldiers. But not women and children.

http://www.pravmir.ru/uploads/8422.jpg

 

[Grace_Angel]

GGrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Last night, not only did we have women. We also had CHILDREN. Three of them young enough to have not made their First Communion.

One of the little girls sat there with this big grin on her face, swinging her legs back and forth like she was at a birthday party.:banghead:

Of the 12, we had TWO men.

Likewise at my parish 11 women, 2 males and 3 children.
What is it with some priests? Why do they bother calling themselves Catholic?
It made me so angry. and still am.
GraceAngel.

 

[abort73catholic]

Well, last night, I (a 17-year old female) had my foot washed. What we do at our parish is have the people getting their feet washed sit at designated pews, close to the center aisle. When it comes time for the “ritual”, our priest goes up and down the aisle, and washes a single foot.

At our parish, we tend to seek not only adult men, but also adult women. We ask seniors in high school (which I am not…I am a junior), and those who recently made their First Holy Communion. One of the people last night was a young Marine who has just returned home recently. I don’t know how they choose the others. But last night, I would say we had a pretty equal amount of males and females.

I do not see anything wrong with it because the way I see it, Jesus was humbling Himself to be a servant to ALL…not just to men.

 

[benedictgal]

Well, last night, I (a 17-year old female) had my foot washed. What we do at our parish is have the people getting their feet washed sit at designated pews, close to the center aisle. When it comes time for the “ritual”, our priest goes up and down the aisle, and washes a single foot.

At our parish, we tend to seek not only adult men, but also adult women. We ask seniors in high school (which I am not…I am a junior), and those who recently made their First Holy Communion. One of the people last night was a young Marine who has just returned home recently. I don’t know how they choose the others. But last night, I would say we had a pretty equal amount of males and females.

I do not see anything wrong with it because the way I see it, Jesus was humbling Himself to be a servant to ALL…not just to men.

However, the Tradition of the Church holds that the feet of 12 men are to be washed. The Church is very specific. In fact, the Holy Father set the example last night when he washed the feet of 12 priests (a cardinal was included). To reduce this to a matter of segregating women is to completely miss the point.

Jesus was doing this within the context of the Last Supper, where he was instituting two Sacraments: the Eucharist and the Priesthood. When St. Peter protests about Jesus washing his feet, the Lord tells him that if He does not do this, Peter will have no part in his inheritance. If you listen to the dialogue between the two, Peter then tells Jesus to wash the rest of him. Jesus tells him that one who is already clean does not need a bath, only the feet need to be washed. Furthermore, Scripture notes “how beautiful are the feet of the one who brings the Good News.” The apostles (except for Judas) would be carrying the Good News of Jesus Christ while on their feet.

 

[Jimzz12]

There is nothing remotely creepy about a holy priest humbly serving anyone.

I had my female feet washed along with other men and women on a retreat for ministry volunteers. It was not during a mass or on Holy Thursday. We were being prepared to begin a new year of service to the youth of our parish. I cannot imagine any other thing that could have driven home in a more powerful way the need for us to serve others with a humble heart. There was not any skin contact with water being poured over a foot in a basin and then patted dry with a towel between the hands of the priest and the person’s foot.

It was an amazing thing that I have never forgotten. To have such a holy man serve me when I did not feel worthy of such service in any way. It brought me to tears then and it still does now when I think about it This was the priest who gave me my first communion as a convert. In that special moment, I could understand in a small way what the apostles must have felt to have Jesus kneel at their feet.

I don’t know what personal issues you might be projecting onto these humble servants of Christ such that you see something ugly in an innocent act. If you see creepiness in this simple act, then I suppose we women should not be touched for annointing of the sick or confirmation or anything else either that requires a priest? Perhaps, it would only be OK in your mind if we went to one of the married priests in the Latin or another rite since they would not be “celibate”?

Foot washing is for men always anticipating service in the ordained fatherhood. Women by their very nature are ordained toward motherhood. This is seperate from the Christian baptismal priesthood. The very nature of being man or woman puts a person in the direction of the selection to ordained fatherhood or ordained motherhood.

viri selecti are the words used in the instruction and tradition. The washing of feet is not a nice thing to experience. Emotion by its very nature leads to the cult of needing more experience ad nauseum. The foot of a woman is distinctly different from the foot of a man in several ways. Her foot, indeed, even has a different biological function as it is connected directly to the stimulation of reproductiveness. In the domestic church when a man approaches the woman it is often through her feet. This is an act of humbleness. Look at the holy icons. The woman who is Mary treads with a shod-foot. The Christ, himself, died shoeless. The man’s foot, or should we say in the words of the Proto-Gospel that which is in Gensis.

To men: “He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”

The heel is the heel of Adam, who is Jesus. Now, Jesus is the heel, in otherwords; the foot of Adam. Jesus the Foot of Adam washes the Feet of Men. The feet of men who will follow in His footsteps. The Foot serves the feet.

Womanhood is brought forth to carry men over the “thorns and thistles” brought forth from the ground. Women by their very nature do not serve the Heel. She protects the heel of the many men she carries on her throne.

All women are the queen of all men.

 

[jmcrae]

I am so lucky to be at a parish that follows the rubrics of the Church at least for the most part - and in the areas where we are not, we are working to change and conform ourselves to the proper way.

In our case, we had nine teenage boys and three adult men playing the role of the Apostles - members of the Confirmation class, and members of the Knights of Columbus.