Kerala Syro-Malabar Catholic Church decides not to wash women's feet
The foot-washing ritual on Maundy Thursday is observed to mark the same performed by Jesus to his disciples before he was crucified.
Kochi: The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church has decided not to perform the foot-washing ritual for women on Maundy Thursday on the condition that the Vatican has exempted Eastern Congregation from it.
In a circular issued by Cardinal George Alencherry head of the Syro-Malabar Church stated that the Church will keep the Eastern tradition of washing the feet of only men or boys. The foot-washing ritual on Maundy Thursday is observed to mark the same performed by Jesus to his disciples before he was crucified.
"It was clarified that the decree is meant for the Latin Church only Both the Decree and the letter of the Holy Father, which prompted it, mention specifically only 'Roman Missal'. Thus, this change does not concern the liturgical practices in the Eastern Churches," the circular stated.
The Synod of Bishops in the Syro-Malabar Church has also decided that the church will wash the feet of only 12 men or boys following liturgical tradition.
Fr Jose Vailikodath of the Thrikkakkara Blessed Sacrament Church of the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church had created a sensation by washing the feet of 12 women as part of the sacred rituals on Maundy Thursday last year.