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CNS Story:
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POPE-FEET Apr-13-2006 (240 words) With photos. xxxi
Pope returns to practice of washing feet of laymen
By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service
ROME (CNS) -- Returning to a practice in effect before 1985, Pope Benedict XVI washed the feet of 12 laymen during the April 13 evening Mass of the Lord's Supper at Rome's Basilica of St. John Lateran.
The 12 men were chosen to represent the various lay movements and communities active in the Diocese of Rome.
From 1985 to 2001, Pope John Paul II washed the feet of 12 priests each year during the Holy Thursday Mass. Beginning in 2002, because of his weakened physical condition and his inability to walk, the pope had cardinals perform the foot-washing ritual, but always washing the feet of 12 priests.
However, in the first six years of his pontificate, Pope John Paul continued Pope Paul VI's practice of washing the feet of laypeople.
In 1974, Pope Paul washed the feet of 12 boys undergoing therapy for the effects of polio. In 1977, he washed the feet of 12 boys, ages 12-14, who were students at the Rome Diocese's minor seminary.
For several years, Pope John Paul washed the feet of elderly laymen, including a group of homeless men living at a shelter run by the Missionaries of Charity in 1980. In 1983, he washed the feet of 12 young men from Italy's Boys Town, and in 1984 the 12 were representatives of Rome parish youth groups.
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Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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