April 2001 Liturgy Lesson - Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday
 
 
In January 1988, Cardinal Augustin Mayer, then prefect of the Congregation
for the Sacraments and Divine Worship, sent out a circular letter on
various aspects of the liturgical services of Holy Week. In discussing Holy
Thursday, he specifically repeated that it was men's feet that were to
Be washed. In case the English could cause doubt, the Latin says "viris,"
meaning male persons; if the document envisioned males and females, the
Latin would have been "hominibus."
 
Why all the fuss about who gets his or her feet washed? It is not a
Matter of indifference; in fact, it is critically important. Those who have
carefully studied the Gospel of John know that John does not record the
institution of either the Eucharist or the priesthood in the context of
the Last Supper; instead, he substitutes the foot-washing ceremony. You
will recall that Jesus notes that this is precisely the way His apostles
will be admitted to a share in His Ministry (Jn.13: 3-20). This gesture of
Christ's actually supplies for the "ordination" of the apostles in St. John,
which is the very reason why women's feet should not be washed on Holy Thursday.
 
The rubrics for the Mass of Holy Thursday state: "Depending on pastoral
circumstances, the washing of feet follows the homily. The men (viri)
who have been chosen are led by the ministers to chairs prepared in a
suitable place. Then the priest (removing his chasuble if necessary) goes to
each man. With the help of the ministers, he pours water over each one's
feet and dries them."
 
A text from the Holy See indicates that the requirement for using men
Is still in effect: "The washing of the feet of the chosen men (viri)
which, according to tradition, is performed on this day, represents the
service and charity of Christ, who came 'not to be served, but to serve' (Mt.
20:28). This tradition should be maintained, and its proper significance
explained (PS 51)."