Pope Benedict on the Washing of the Feet

“God comes down and makes himself a slave, washes our feet so that we might sit at his table,” the Holy Father explained during his homily. “In this the whole mystery of Jesus Christ is expressed, and the meaning of the redemption becomes visible.” ROME, APRIL 13, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI revived a Maundy Thursday tradition by celebrating the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

During the Mass in the latter part of the day, the Pope carried out the traditional washing of the feet of 12 men.

In recent years, because of his ill health, Pope John Paul II had celebrated this Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Now, Benedict XVI, as Bishop of Rome, has returned to his cathedral across town to commemorate the Last Supper, in which Jesus instituted the sacraments of the Eucharist and holy orders.

By the Pope’s decision, the money collected during the Mass will be allocated to help rebuild houses destroyed by landslides in the Philippines last February.

On Good Friday, Benedict XVI will commemorate the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s Basilica and at night he will preside over the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum.