Washing of the Feet

The Washing of the Feet is a traditional component of the celebration in many Christian Churches. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Mass of the Lord's Supper begins as usual, but the Gloria is accompanied by the ringing of bells, which are then silent until the Easter Vigil. After the homily the washing of feet may be performed. The service concludes with a procession taking the Blessed Sacrament to the place of reposition. The altar is later stripped bare, as are all other altars in the church except the Altar of Repose. In pre-1970 editions, the Roman Missal envisages this being done ceremonially, to the accompaniment of Psalm 21/22,[35][36] a practice which continues in many churches. In other Christian denominations, the stripping of the altar and other items on the chancel also occurs, as a preparation for the somber Good Friday service.