Holy Thursday

[HomeTeamFamily]

My wife and I were approached tonight after mass about the possibility of our baby, if it is a male, to be a part of the feet washing ceremony on Holy Thursday.

Is there any precedence for this? Are there any rules regarding the age of participants? Should we be honored to be a part and not so worried about ruining the symbolism?

Thanks in advance!

[CatherineM]

The Rubric of the Sacramentary for Holy Thursday says, [i]viri selecti[/i] which means men. The USCCB has said that the use of men and women is okay. My biggest concern as a mom would be exposing a newborn to water that has been used on other people's feet. I've never seen an infant used before, but Jesus did say, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God." I'd just make them do him first.

[cappie]

The universal norm which reserves this rite to men as stated in the circular letter "Paschales Solemnitatis" (Jan. 16, 1988) and the rubrics of the 2002 Latin Roman Missal.

No. 51 of the circular letter states: "The washing of the feet of chosen men 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.' This tradition should be maintained, and its proper significance explained."

Regarding the place and number of those whose feet are to be washed, the rubric, which has remained unvaried in the new missal, describes the rite as follows:

"Depending on pastoral circumstances, the washing of feet may follow the homily.

"The men 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."

The number of men selected for the rite is not fixed. Twelve is the most common option but they may be fewer in order to adjust to the available space.

Likewise the place chosen is usually within or near the presbytery so that the rite is clearly visible to the assembly.

Thus, the logical sense of the rubric requires the priest, representing Christ, washing feet of a group of men taken from the assembly, symbolizing the apostles, in a clearly visible area.