MANDATUM: WASHING OF THE FEET

Introduction

The washing of the feet on Holy Thursday (also known as the Mandatum) is a ritual reenactment of Jesus washing the feet of his twelve apostles during the Last Supper. It is one of the most prominent features of the Mass of the Lord's Supper, marking the beginning of the Paschal Triduum.

Significance and Symbolism

The act symbolizes Christ's "boundless charity" and serves as a direct example of humility, teaching that true greatness in God's Kingdom is found in serving others. The name "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum (command), referring to Jesus' words in John 13:34: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you". In Catholic tradition, the ritual also points to the institution of the priesthood and spiritual cleansing, reminding priests of their calling to be servants. 

Practice

The washing usually takes place after the homily during the evening Mass on Holy Thursday. While traditionally 12 men were chosen to represent the 12 Apostles, Pope Francis modified the liturgical law in 2016 to officially allow both men and women to participate, reflecting the diversity of the "People of God". The priest or bishop removes his outer vestment (chasuble), girds himself with a towel, and pours water over the feet of the selected individuals, drying them and sometimes kissing them as a sign of reverence.

Variations

Catholic and Anglican are often involve the priest washing the feet of a representative group from the congregation. Eastern Orthodox frequently performed by a bishop washing the feet of twelve priests at the end of the Divine Liturgy. Seventh Day Adventist's practice it as the "Ordinance of Humility" before their quarterly communion. The Anabaptist traditions (e.g., Mennonites, Brethren) often practice it as a regular ordinance during their Lovefeast.

Reference

https://www.facebook.com/StAmbrose.us/videos/why-holy-thursdaywhy-do-we-wash-feet-on-holy-thursday-and-what-is-the-last-suppe/655404569090476/?locale=ms_MY

https://www.facebook.com/DrTonyLeachon/posts/washing-of-the-feet-by-cardinal-jose-advincula-i-am-extremely-grateful-i-couldnt/1222650255975156/#:~:text=2025%F3%B0%9E%8B%F3%B1%9F%A0-,Washing%20of%20the%20Feet%20by%20Cardinal%20Jose%20Advincula%20:%20I%20am,Tony%20Leachon&text=Liberty%20Mendoza-,Dr.,God%20bless%20you%20more%2C%20Doc.&text=&text=Blessings%20overload%20%F0%9F%99%8F.&text=We%20are%20so%20blessed%20to,TONY!.&text=DOC%20TONY%20I%20AM%20SO,ADORABLE%20SIMMY%20AND%20CUTE%20LILY!&text=God%20Bless%20po.&text=May%20you%20be%20blessed%20by,Keep%20along%20God's%20path.&text=May%20God%20bless%20you%20more!&text=God%20bless%20you%20Doc%20Tony!

https://www.facebook.com/BasilicaBatangasCity/posts/the-%F0%9D%90%96%F0%9D%90%9A%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%A1%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%A0-%F0%9D%90%A8%F0%9D%90%9F-%F0%9D%90%AD%F0%9D%90%A1%F0%9D%90%9E-%F0%9D%90%85%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AD-observed-on-holy-thursday-during-lent-recalls-the-moment/1022083540072395/#:~:text=2025%F3%B0%9E%8B%F3%B1%9F%A0-,The%20%F0%9D%90%96%F0%9D%90%9A%F0%9D%90%AC%F0%9D%90%A1%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%A7%F0%9D%90%A0%20%F0%9D%90%A8%F0%9D%90%9F%20%F0%9D%90%AD%F0%9D%90%A1%F0%9D%90%9E%20%F0%9D%90%85%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AD%2C%20observed%20on%20Holy%20Thursday%20during,www.youtube.com/@basilicabatangascity

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Brief history and symbolism of feet washing on Holy Thursday. (2026). Aleteia — Catholic Spirituality, Lifestyle, World News, and Culture. https://aleteia.org/2022/04/14/a-brief-history-and-symbolism-of-feet-washing-on-holy-thursday/

‌Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday | EWTN. (2025). EWTN Global Catholic Television Network. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/washing-of-the-feet-on-holy-thursday-4315

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