Pope Francis washes feet

[Phemie]

I just went to the Vatican’s website to search for Paschalis Sollemnitatis. The document appears to have been taken down.

So it appears I must relax my opposition to having my (female) feet washed by the priest, as I did a decade ago when I refused because of Paschalis Sollemnitatis and the Sacramentary. However I still see no instruction from the Vatican which approves of a group-participation foot-bath, so commonly practiced in American parishes.

I don’t recall ever finding that document on the Vatican website. I think I downloaded my copy from Adoremus or EWTN about 10 years ago when I started compiling such documents for my parish library.

The Roman Missal is clear that it is to be men, not boys and not women. Even if the traditional number has been 12, PS and the Roman Missal are mute as to the number to be chosen.

In recent years in my parish it’s been however many MEN we could recruit - rarely got to 12. This year it was men, women and children. The new Pastor insisted on 12 and a mix. When one man pulled out on Thursday we ended up with 11: 9 men, 1 woman and 1 little girl.

 

[Lucky7]

Here are the notes from the Bible on the USCCB site.

**

• [13:10] Bathed: many have suggested that this passage is a symbolic reference to baptism. The Greek root involved is used in baptismal contexts in 1 Cor 6:11; Eph 5:26; Ti 3:5; Heb 10:22.**

usccb.org/bible/john/13#51013005-d

I always thought that the washing referred to baptism as well which is why I was surprised to see that non-Christians were included in the feet-washing.

 

[CradleJourney]

After reading these posts and their various points of view, what I am wondering is if Pope Francis might, by this actions and by not giving (yet) a direct explanation, was in fact, deliberately offering us this opportunity to think and really consider what it is all about - all these different conversations we are having about Jesus, service, Tradition, rubics, laws, customs, gender, muslims, etc.?

I don’t know much about Jesuits, but provoking thought and debate seems to be in line with their style of teaching?

I know I have come to greater knowledge (or at least more questions to ponder) than if the Pope had simply done what had been done before.

 

[HelenRose]

I really appreciate this sort of response as opposed to the usual response I’ve seen lately in the forums which is a bunch of anger and name-calling towards posters who don’t fall in line with everyone else’s feelings about our new Pope. There are people out there, myself included, that are struggling and working through REAL feelings whether we understand them or not. Most of us are NOT happy with our feelings, but they are there for whatever reason.

Rather than admonish them, it would be much more helpful to pray for them or give them as much information and reassurance to allay whatever concerns or fears they may have. I would say that there are probably a lot of people out there *beyond CAF *who are struggling with this and I think it would be a huge mistake if other Catholics ignore it or get angry with them.

Thank you for listening because I think it needed to be said. I hope what I wrote was not offensive because it was not meant to be.

The Holy Spirit really does know what He is doing.
Blessed John Paul II gave us the Theology of the Body and guided the Church through very difficult times.

Pope Benedict laid a solid foundation of Theology on which Pope Francis will teach us how to practice that Theology.

Do not be afraid. Trust in God. Trust that our beloved Church is in good hands.

Also, take anything written in the popular media as probably slanted and basically rather stupid.

 

[Pulvis]

"Vatican City, March 29, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 1611 hits

Here is a press release Fr. Thomas Rosica, CEO of Salt & Light and Assistant to the Director of the Vatican Press Office, sent today to journalists regarding Thursday’s Mass celebrated by Francis at the Juvenile Detention Center, “Casal del Marmo”.

---

In response to the many questions and concerns raised over Pope Francis washing the feet of 12 young people at the Roman Juvenile Detention Centre on Holy Thursday evening, especially that two were young women, Fr. Lombardi has sent me the following information to be shared with you.

One can easily understand that in a great celebration, men would be chosen for the foot washing because Jesus, himself washing the feet of the twelve apostles who were male. However the ritual of the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday evening in the Juvenile Detention Centre in Rome took place in a particular, small community that included young women. When Jesus washed the feet of those who were with him on the first Holy Thursday, he desired to teach all a lesson about the meaning of service, using a gesture that included all members of the community.

We are aware of the photos that show Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, then-Archbishop of Buenos Aires, who in various pastoral settings washed the feet of young men and women. To have excluded the young women from the ritual washing of feet on Holy Thursday night in this Roman prison, would have detracted our attention from the essence of the Holy Thursday Gospel, and the very beautiful and simple gesture of a father who desired to embrace those who were on the fringes of society; those who were not refined experts of liturgical rules.

That the Holy Father, Francis, washed the feet of young men and women on his first Holy Thursday as Pope, should call our minds and hearts to the simple and spontaneous gesture of love, affection, forgiveness and mercy of the Bishop of Rome, more than to legalistic, liturgical or canonical discussions."

zenit.org/en/articles/vatican-spokesman-on-participation-of-2-women-in-foot-washing-ceremony

these are interesting times.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

More…
hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_VATICAN_POPE_TRADITIONALISTS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2013-03-29-16-43-17

and once again the media tries to create an artificial ‘dissent’ where there is none.

The only ‘blow’ should be a charitable, fraternal ‘upside the head’ one to those so-called journalists who are creating this artificial, incorrect attempt to try to categorize Christians and set them at each other’s throats.

It is NOT going to work. Most traditionalists are entirely too smart to have the wool pulled over their eyes. We have spent 40 years living through far, far ‘worse’ than a Pope’s entirely LICIT actions for himself in an OPTIONAL rite in one Mass!. Pope Francis is not ‘tearing down’ Pope Benedict and we’re not about to let this media circus try to make us think we’ve been betrayed, or that Christians are all about ‘who’s on top’.

Not going to work, people.

 

[HelenRose]

and once again the media tries to create an artificial ‘dissent’ where there is none.

The only ‘blow’ should be a charitable, fraternal ‘upside the head’ one to those so-called journalists who are creating this artificial, incorrect attempt to try to categorize Christians and set them at each other’s throats.

It is NOT going to work. Most traditionalists are entirely too smart to have the wool pulled over their eyes. We have spent 40 years living through far, far ‘worse’ than a Pope’s entirely LICIT actions for himself in an OPTIONAL rite in one Mass!. Pope Francis is not ‘tearing down’ Pope Benedict and we’re not about to let this media circus try to make us think we’ve been betrayed, or that Christians are all about ‘who’s on top’.

Not going to work, people.

 

[Edward_H]

and once again the media tries to create an artificial ‘dissent’ where there is none.

The only ‘blow’ should be a charitable, fraternal ‘upside the head’ one to those so-called journalists who are creating this artificial, incorrect attempt to try to categorize Christians and set them at each other’s throats.

It is NOT going to work. Most traditionalists are entirely too smart to have the wool pulled over their eyes. We have spent 40 years living through far, far ‘worse’ than a Pope’s entirely LICIT actions for himself in an OPTIONAL rite in one Mass!. Pope Francis is not ‘tearing down’ Pope Benedict and we’re not about to let this media circus try to make us think we’ve been betrayed, or that Christians are all about ‘who’s on top’.

Not going to work, people.

Well said.

 

[sojo]

I think it is unfair to the media to accuse them of originating a desire to foment dissent in the Catholic Church. I think we’ve all seen enough traditional Catholics on CAF have a serious problem accepting the Pope’s decision to wash the feet of women (and a Muslim). And this follows on worries that his refusal to wear a red cape, deny the red shoes, stay in the Casa de Marta and pay his own bills will result in the end of the Latin Mass. We have had more than one CAF member lament a possible total loss of faith over the new Pope. The reaction has been enough to get several threads locked down due to the disrespect shown the Pope. This even beats the chest thumping when Bl. JPII kissed the Koran!

I’m sure our own religion is fomenting enough dissent over the new Pope’s actions over the last few weeks to warrant any journalist who is assigned the religious “beat” to be justified in reporting our goings on. Just wish they’d get their facts about the Church straight.

The Pope himself told one reporter something very important. He said that Catholics should be following Christ, not the Pope. The Pope is nothing - merely a servant-leader. If a Pope’s actions lead one to stop believing in the Church, then it shows we have gone seriously astray.

I liked the finery of Pope Emmy-Benedict. It reminded me of the royalty of the throne of Peter, and the majesty of our Church. I also know that Benedict was a big fan of history and got a kick out of dusting off the old historical and traditional finery. He may have also felt that his personality lacked the charisma of JPII and he wanted to give us all a little extra to make up for that. He needn’t have… honestly, he was a lovely man, a fabulous teacher and his love for mankind (especially the weak and disabled) shown clearly in his pontificate.

But I’m loving the simple and profound teachings of Pope Francis. Talk about actions speaking louder than words. 3 popes in my adult lifetime - all great teachers and all taught in totally different ways. I am so blessed. We are so blessed. But momentous nonetheless so no need to bash the media for trying to report on it.

Just wish they’d get their facts straight now and then. Some of the stuff just makes me chuckle.

 

[Edward_H]

I think it is unfair to the media to accuse them of originating a desire to foment dissent in the Catholic Church. I think we’ve all seen enough traditional Catholics on CAF have a serious problem accepting the Pope’s decision to wash the feet of women (and a Muslim). And this follows on worries that his refusal to wear a red cape, deny the red shoes, stay in the Casa de Marta and pay his own bills will result in the end of the Latin Mass. We have had more than one CAF member lament a possible total loss of faith over the new Pope. The reaction has been enough to get several threads locked down due to the disrespect shown the Pope. This even beats the chest thumping when Bl. JPII kissed the Koran!

I’m sure our own religion is fomenting enough dissent over the new Pope’s actions over the last few weeks to warrant any journalist who is assigned the religious “beat” to be justified in reporting our goings on. Just wish they’d get their facts about the Church straight.

The Pope himself told one reporter something very important. He said that Catholics should be following Christ, not the Pope. The Pope is nothing - merely a servant-leader. If a Pope’s actions lead one to stop believing in the Church, then it shows we have gone seriously astray.

I liked the finery of Pope Emmy-Benedict. It reminded me of the royalty of the throne of Peter, and the majesty of our Church. I also know that Benedict was a big fan of history and got a kick out of dusting off the old historical and traditional finery. He may have also felt that his personality lacked the charisma of JPII and he wanted to give us all a little extra to make up for that. He needn’t have… honestly, he was a lovely man, a fabulous teacher and his love for mankind (especially the weak and disabled) shown clearly in his pontificate.

But I’m loving the simple and profound teachings of Pope Francis. Talk about actions speaking louder than words. 3 popes in my adult lifetime - all great teachers and all taught in totally different ways. I am so blessed. We are so blessed. But momentous nonetheless so no need to bash the media for trying to report on it.

Just wish they’d get their facts straight now and then. Some of the stuff just makes me chuckle.

Nicely put.

You’ve turned over several good points related to our Church…majesty, continuity on the really substantial points, reminders of the supernatural, depth, richness of its personality (not cookie cutter), Pope Francis’s emphasis for us to “get busy by serving”, etc. Our Church can’t be put into a little 4 corner red shoe box. Perhaps the Pope senses that our interior life in Christ needs to be invigorated at this point so that it spills out in a billion acts of love every hour.

 

[Julianna]

Well, for you three specifically, but for everyone in your situation. . . . I’ll be praying for you. That you’ll regain your faith in the Truth of God’s Church and that your faith will be stronger as it’s been tried in the fire, but also that you’ll learn to have faith in the Holy Spirit and truly accept that the gates of Hell WILL NOT prevail against the Church.

marci, mcall and hudson…

Why? why does this bother you? I don’t get it.

 

[HelenRose]

I think it is unfair to the media to accuse them of originating a desire to foment dissent in the Catholic Church. I think we’ve all seen enough traditional Catholics on CAF have a serious problem accepting the Pope’s decision to wash the feet of women (and a Muslim). And this follows on worries that his refusal to wear a red cape, deny the red shoes, stay in the Casa de Marta and pay his own bills will result in the end of the Latin Mass. We have had more than one CAF member lament a possible total loss of faith over the new Pope. The reaction has been enough to get several threads locked down due to the disrespect shown the Pope. This even beats the chest thumping when Bl. JPII kissed the Koran!

I’m sure our own religion is fomenting enough dissent over the new Pope’s actions over the last few weeks to warrant any journalist who is assigned the religious “beat” to be justified in reporting our goings on. Just wish they’d get their facts about the Church straight.

The Pope himself told one reporter something very important. He said that Catholics should be following Christ, not the Pope. The Pope is nothing - merely a servant-leader. If a Pope’s actions lead one to stop believing in the Church, then it shows we have gone seriously astray.

I liked the finery of Pope Emmy-Benedict. It reminded me of the royalty of the throne of Peter, and the majesty of our Church. I also know that Benedict was a big fan of history and got a kick out of dusting off the old historical and traditional finery. He may have also felt that his personality lacked the charisma of JPII and he wanted to give us all a little extra to make up for that. He needn’t have… honestly, he was a lovely man, a fabulous teacher and his love for mankind (especially the weak and disabled) shown clearly in his pontificate.

But I’m loving the simple and profound teachings of Pope Francis. Talk about actions speaking louder than words. 3 popes in my adult lifetime - all great teachers and all taught in totally different ways. I am so blessed. We are so blessed. But momentous nonetheless so no need to bash the media for trying to report on it.

Just wish they’d get their facts straight now and then. Some of the stuff just makes me chuckle.

I feel the same way about each of our Holy Fathers. Each one has brought riches to the Church in their own God given talents.

As far as the media goes. I am sure that there are many good reporters but the media knows that dissent sells. It is not just the Church they go after. It is everything. If they can get a good fight going, people will keep in tune. The secret here is to not play into their hands.

 

[godisgood77]

As I said, everything has unintended consequences…

You can say they’re wrong, and you’d be right, but perception is everything. Symbolism is everything.

Is symbolism everything or is reality and intent everything?

 

[jonathan_hili]

Wow, what a pontiff we have!

God bless him and may his reign be a long one!

What greater symbol is there of the all-reaching love of God in Christ than for his vicar on earth to wash the feet of non-Christians. Jesus washed Judas’ feet, and commanded we wash one another’s feet.

I remain astonished by this man, and his humility - and literally, as the etymology of humility (humus) means “on the ground”.

 

[HelenRose]

Is symbolism everything or is reality and intent everything?

May I add. Christ is everything.

 

[PJM]

=Phemie;10554632]If you say the black and do the red you only wash the feet of men.

It’s about the rubrics, not canon law.

Exactly

Meaning its a “church practice” which IS changable; while Doctrine and Dogma are not.

COULD IT BE THAT HIS HOLINESS WANTS TO SHOW INCLUSIVNESS? THAT WOMEN TOO HAVE SOULS, MINDS, HEARTS AND CAN MAKE GREAT CONTIBUTIONS:shrug:

 

[JustaServant]

All this over the washing of feet…
Incredible.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Well, as Father Z and canon lawyer Ed Peters point out, it is NOT about ‘foot washing’ or ‘having womens’ feet washed’. And that is where the media gets it wrong, and whether individual reporters MEAN TO or not, it’s where they do create an artificial ‘dissent’ and imply that traditionalists are having a spittle flecked nutty because the Pope is doing ‘wrong’.

BUT he isn’t and he didn’t in that HE is in a sense in a position to interpret the rubrics. The fact is, there IS a law which has been defined, by the Vatican, for centuries, as ‘men’, with the reason given that the footwashing represents Christ and HIS DISCIPLES (specifically because the number was 12, the relevant gospel passages, etc.)

Now it is also possible that in ADDITION to this representation, it can also represent Christ’s service to all (men and women) and since this is not a question of doctrine or dogma, the Church is quite free, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, to broaden its definition of ‘men only’ to ‘humanity --men and women’, and to make that the law instead of the current rubric ‘male only’.

So again, this is not about the traditionalists going ‘nuts’. It is about a specific ‘law’ which has nothing to do with infallible doctrine or dogma, which the Pope was free to interpret differently, and which now will probably be changed to reflect that. Should have probably been done before, but there is plenty of time to change it for next year. It’s no big deal. It’s not such a huge ‘little T’ that a BROADENING of interpretation will send us into a frenzy! The Pope didnt’ do anything wrong!

IOW, the whole ‘it’s a BLOW to traditionalists’ is a BUNCH OF BALONEY. And this kind of reporting and misrepresentation is the REAL problem, not what the Pope did.

 

[PJM]

For the past few years I’ve really been getting stronger in my faith and feeling like I wanted to devote more of my life to it, like maybe joining a third order or something like that. Since Pope Francis was elected my faith in the Church has become a huge question mark. I feel like I just have to wait and see what will happen.

Going to mass and praying used to be like the oasis of peace in the world for me, but the Popes actions have me very frightened. Now the thought of going to mass is very painful because something I love so much feels endangered.

Ive been researching Pope Francis to try and convince myself that things will be ok, because I really desperately want to trust and love him, but so far all I feel is fear.

I feel hollow and I really dont know what to do.

My DEAR friend,

The problem here is that your faith fomation seems to be lacking a ROCK foundation.

God IS in chatge, and God choose the Pope at this time for reasons he alone FULLY understands.

Francis is a Good; pious and Holy man who aims to show through His actions that our Church has ROOM for everyone, without out prejudice to gender, ethnic origin or past background.

Mark 14: 14-15 " At length he appeared to the eleven as they were at table: and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness of heart, because they did not believe them who had seen him after he was risen again. And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.”

Pope Francis is ONLY fulilling this Mandate as HE is guided by the Holy Spirit. Yes it’s differnt than recent Popes; but they too followed the prompts of the Holy Spirit.

**John 14: 16-18 **“And I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete, [meaning the Holy Spirit] that he may [WILL] abide with you for ever. The spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, nor knoweth him: but you shall know him; because he shall abide with you, and shall be in you.[meaning specifically Peter and the Apostles AND their Successors] **I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you.” **

Fulfilled:
John 20:21-22 “He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost”

And in John 17: 15-19 Jesus specifically GIVES HIMSELF as warratny of our Pope and the Magisterium being UNABLE to trach anything except HIS truth on ALL matters of Faith beliefs and Morals.

"I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from evil. They are not of the world, as I also am not of the world. Sanctify them in truth. Thy word is truth. ** As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.** And for them [ALONE and EXCLUSIVELY!] do I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. And not for them only do I pray, but for them also who through their word shall believe in me; AMEN!]

I PRAY you find comfort in these words

Love and Peace my friend!
pat/PJM

 

[PJM]

=Pulvis;10556472]"Vatican City, March 29, 2013 (Zenit.org) | 1611 hits

Here is a press release Fr. Thomas Rosica, CEO of Salt & Light and Assistant to the Director of the Vatican Press Office, sent today to journalists regarding Thursday’s Mass celebrated by Francis at the Juvenile Detention Center, “Casal del Marmo”.

---

In response to the many questions and concerns raised over Pope Francis washing the feet of 12 young people at the Roman Juvenile Detention Centre on Holy Thursday evening, especially that two were young women, Fr. Lombardi has sent me the following information to be shared with you.

One can easily understand that in a great celebration, men would be chosen for the foot washing because Jesus, himself washing the feet of the twelve apostles who were male. However the ritual of the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday evening in the Juvenile Detention Centre in Rome took place in a particular, small community that included young women. When Jesus washed the feet of those who were with him on the first Holy Thursday, he desired to teach all a lesson about the meaning of service, using a gesture that included all members of the community.

We are aware of the photos that show Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, then-Archbishop of Buenos Aires, who in various pastoral settings washed the feet of young men and women. To have excluded the young women from the ritual washing of feet on Holy Thursday night in this Roman prison, would have detracted our attention from the essence of the Holy Thursday Gospel, and the very beautiful and simple gesture of a father who desired to embrace those who were on the fringes of society; those who were not refined experts of liturgical rules.

That the Holy Father, Francis, washed the feet of young men and women on his first Holy Thursday as Pope, should call our minds and hearts to the simple and spontaneous gesture of love, affection, forgiveness and mercy of the Bishop of Rome, more than to legalistic, liturgical or canonical discussions."

zenit.org/en/articles/vatican-spokesman-on-participation-of-2-women-in-foot-washing-ceremony

these are interesting times.

ITS AMAZING ON THE “PICTURE CHANGES” WHEN all of the FACTS ARE KNOWN

Many Thanks for posting this.