Propers for Maundy Thursday- Pre 1955 version

Maundy Thursday
or Holy Thursday

White
1st Class Feria

   The Mass today specially commemorates the Institution of the Blessed Eucharist at the Last Supper, and the Ordination of the Apostles, and is, therefore, a Mass of joy and thanksgiving. Hence the Church lays aside for the moment the penitential purple and assumes festive white vestments; the altar is decorated; the Gloria is said. During the Gloria the bells are rung, and from that time until Holy Saturday they remain silent.
   At pontifical Mass the oils at blessed for Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Extreme Unction and the consecration of altars and churches.
   On this day two Hosts are consecrated, one for the Mass now offered, and the other for the Mass of the Presanctified (hence the name) on Good Friday. After Mass this second Host is born in solemn procession, during which the Pange Lingua is sung, to the altar of repose.    The derivation of the word Maundy reminds us of the ceremony of washing the feet, called Mandatum, from the first words of the anthem: Mandatum novum do vobis [A new commandment I give unto you] (John, XIII. 34). The Mandatum takes place on this day because Our Lord washed the feet of His Apostles on this before the Institution of the Holy Eucharist from which this feast (in Latin Feria Quinta in Coena Domini) derives its most characteristic features. The Epistle, Gospel, Secret, Communicantes (special form), the Postcommunion, the procession of the Blessed Sacrament after Mass, and the placing of a consecrated Host on an altar called the Altar of Repose, where It is to remain until the following day, are all intended to commemorate the institution of the Divine Sacrament. This day was the real Feast of the Blessed Sacrament up to the time when a special and very solemn Feast was instituted on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. Private Masses are forbidden on this day. There is a general Communion at the Solemn Mass in which the priests take part, to commemorate the custom of ancient times, when in cathedral churches the holy Sacrifice was offered by the Bishop surrounded by his priests. Another ancient rite of this day is the blessing of the Holy Oils and the reconciliation of public penitents. The only trace of the reconciliation of the penitents in our present Roman Missal is the Collect of the Mass Deus a quo which is very ancient. In the early Middle Ages, when these ceremonies were observed, three Masses were celebrated on this day: 1 -- in memory of the institution of the Holy Eucharist, 2 -- for the blessing of the Holy Oils; 3 -- for the reconciliation of the public penitents. The first Mass is the only one that has been preserved, and at it the Bishop, surrounded by twelve priests, seven deacons, and seven subdeacons, blesses the Holy Oils in his cathedral church. After the Mass, the Altar is stripped in order to show that the Holy Sacrifice is interrupted and will not be offered again until Holy Saturday.





INTROIT ¤ Gal. 6. 14

   Nos autem gloriari oportet in cruce Domini nostri Iesu Christi: in quo est salus, vita, et resurrectio nostra: per quem salvati, et liberati sumus. -- Deus misereatur nostri, et benedicat nobis: illuminet vultum suum super nos, et misereatur nostri. -- Nos autem gloriari oportet in cruce Domini . . .
   But it behooves us to glory in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ: in Whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection; by whom we are saved and delivered. -- (Ps. 66. 2). May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may He cause the light of His countenance to shine upon us; and may He have mercy on us. -- But it behooves us to glory in the cross of Our Lord . . .
   The Gloria in excelsis is now said and the bells are rung and the organ played, after which they are not heard from again until Holy Saturday.
COLLECT

   Deus, a quo et Iudas reatus sui poenam, et confessionis suae latro praemium sumpsit, concede nobis tuae propitiationis effectum: ut, sicut in passione sua Iesus Christus Dominus noster diversa utrisque intulit stipendia meritorum; ita nobis, ablato vetustatis errore, resurrectionis suae gratiam largiatur. Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritu Sancti, Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum.
   O God, from whom Judas received the punishment of his guilt, and the thief the reward of his confession: grant unto us the full fruit of Thy clemency; that even as in His Passion, our Lord Jesus Christ gave to each a retribution according to his merits, so having taken away our old sins, He may bestow upon us the grace of His Resurrection. Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

EPISTLE ¤ 1 Cor 11. 20-32
Lesson from the first Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
Lectio Epistolae beati Pauli Apostoli ad Corinthios
[St. Paul relates the institution of the Holy Eucharist.]

   Fratres: Convenientibus vobis in unum, iam non est dominicam coenam manducare. Unusquisque enim suam coenam praesumit ad manducandum. Et alius quidem esurit: alius autem ebrius est. Numquid domos non habetis ad manducandum et bibendum? aut ecclesiam Dei contemnitis, et confunditis eos qui non habent? Quid dicam vobis? Laudo vos? In hoc non laudo. Ego enim accepi a Domino, quod et tradidi vobis, quoniam Dominus Iesus in qua nocte tradebatur, accepit panem, et gratias agens fregit, et dixit: Accipite, et manducate: hoc est corpus meum, quod pro vobis tradetur: hoc facite in meam commemorationem. Similiter et calicem, postquam coenavit, dicens: Hic calix novum testamentum est in meo sanguine: hoc facite, quotiescumque bibetis, in meam commemorationem. Quotiescumque emin manducabitis panem hunc, et calicem bibetis, mortem Domini annuntiabitis donec veniat. Itaque quicumque manducaverunt panem hunc, vel biberit calicem Domini indigne, reus erit corporis et sanguinis Domini. Probet autem seipsum homo, et sic de pane illo edat, et de calice bibat. Qui enim manducat et bibet indigne, iudicium sibi manducat et bibit: non diiudicans corpus Domini. Ideo inter vos multi infirmi et imbecilles, et dormiunt multi. Quod si nosmetipsos diiudicaremus, non utique iudicaremur. Dum iudicamur autem, a Domino corripimur, ut non cum hoc mundo damnemur.
   Brethren, When you come therefore into one place, it is not now to eat the Lord's supper. For every one taketh before his own supper to eat. And one indeed is hungry and another is drunk. What, have you not houses to eat and to drink in? Or despise ye the church of God and put them to shame that have not? What shall I say to you? Do I praise you? In this I praise you not. For I have received of the Lord that which I also delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread, and giving thanks, broke and said: Take ye and eat: This is My Body, which shall be delivered for you. This do for the commemoration of Me. In like manner also the chalice, after He had supped, saying: This chalice is the new testament in My Blood. This do ye, as often as you shall drink, for the commemoration of Me. For as often as you shall eat this bread and drink the chalice, you shall show the death of the Lord, until He come. Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body and the Blood of the Lord. But let a man prove himself; and so let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Body of the Lord. Therefore are there many infirm and weak among you: and many sleep. But if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But whilst we are judged, we are chastised by the Lord, that we be not condemned with this world.
GRADUAL ¤ Phil. 2. 8, 9

   Christus factus est pro nobis obediens usque ad mortem, mortem autem crucis. V.: Propter quod et Deus exaltavit illum: et dedit illi nomen, quod est super omne nomen.
   Christ became obedient for us unto death, even to the death of the cross. V.: For which cause God also exalted Him and hath given Him a Name which is above all names.

GOSPEL ¤ John 13. 1-15
† Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John.
† Sequentia sancti Evangelii secundum Ioannem.
[Washing of the feet. Humility of Our Lord Jesus Christ.]

   Ante diem festum Paschae, sciens Iesus quia venit hora eius, ut transeat ex hoc mundo ad Patrem: cum dilexisset suos, qui erant in mundo, in finem dilexit eos. Et coena facta, cum diabolus iam mississet in cor ut traderet eum Iudas Simonis Iscariotae: sciens quia omnia dedit ei Pater in manus, et quia a Deo exivit et ad Deum vadit: surgit a coena, et ponit vestimenta sua: et cum accepisset linteum, praecinxit se. Deinde mittit aquam in pelim, et coepit lavare pedes discipulorum, et extergere linteo, quo erat praecinctus. Venit ergo ad Simonem Petrum. Et dixit ei Petrus: Domine, tu mihi lavas pedes? Respondit Iesus, et dixit ei: Quo ego facio, tu nescis modo, scies autem postea. Dicit ei Petrus: Non lavabis mihi pedes in aeternum. Respondit et Iesus: Si non lavero te, non habebis partem mecum. Dicit et Simon Petrus: Domine, non tantum pedes meos, sed et manus, et caput. Dicit ei Iesus: Qui lotus est, non indiget nisi ut pedes lavet, sed est mundus totus. Et vos mundi estis, sed non omnes. Sciebat enim quisnam esset qui traderet eum: propterea dixit: Non estis mundi omnes. Postquam ergo lavit pedes eorum, et accepit vestimenta sua: cum recubuisset iterum, dixit eis: Scitis quid fecerim vobis? Vos vocatis me Magister et Domine: et bene dicitis, sum etenim. Si ergo ego lavi pedes vestros, Dominus et Magister: et vos debetis alter alterius lavare pedes. Exemplum enim dedi vobis, ut quemadmodum ego feci vobis, ita et vos faciatis.
   Before the festival-day of the Pasch, Jesus knowing that His hour was come, that He should pass out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world. He loved them unto the end. And when supper was done (the devil having now put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon the Iscariot, to betray Him), knowing that the Father had given Him all things into His hands and that He came from God and goeth to God: He riseth from supper and layeth aside His garments and, having taken a towel, girded Himself. After that, He putteth water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded. He cometh therefore to Simon Peter. And Peter saith to Him: Lord, dost Thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said to him: What I do, thou knowest not now: but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith to Him: Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him: If I wash thee not, thou shalt have no part with Me. Simon Peter saith to Him: Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him: He that is washed needeth not but to wash his feet, but is clean wholly. And you are clean, but not all. For He knew who he was that would betray Him; therefore He said: You are not all clean. Then after He had washed their feet and taken His garments, being set down again, He said to them: Know you what I have done to you? You call Me Master and Lord. And you say well; for so I am. If then I being your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that as I have done to you, so you do also.
OFFERTORY ¤ Ps. 117. 16, 17

   Dextera Domini fecit virtutem, dextera Domini exaltavit me: non moriar, sed vivam, et narrabo opera Domini.
   The right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength: the right hand of the Lord hath exalted me. I shall not die, but live, and shall declare the works of the Lord.
SECRET

   Ipse tibi, quaesumus, Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus, sacrificium nostrum reddat acceptum, qui discipulis suis in sui commemorationem hoc fieri hodierna traditione monstravit, Iesus Christus Filius tuus Dominus noster: Qui tecum . . .
   We beseech Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, that He Himself may render our Sacrifice acceptable to Thee, Who, by the tradition of today, taught His disciples to do this in remembrance of Him, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who with Thee liveth and reigneth . . .
PREFACE
Preface of the Holy Cross

   Vere dignum et iustum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus. Qui salutem humani generis in ligno crucis constituisti: ut, unde mors oriebatur, inde vita resurgeret: et qui in ligno vincebat, in ligno quoque vinceretur, per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem maiestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Coeli, coelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, socia exsultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti iubeas, deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes:
   It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who didst establish the salvation of mankind on the tree of the Cross; that whence death came, thence also life might arise again, and that he, who overcame by the tree, by the tree also might be overcome: Through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise:
SPECIAL FORM OF COMMUNICANTES

   Communicating and celebrating the most sacred day in which our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed for us: and also honoring in the first place the memory of the glorious and ever Virgin Mary . . .

SPECIAL FORM OF HANC IGITUR

   We therefore beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously to accept this offering of our service, and that of Thy whole family, which we make to Thee in memory of the day on which our Lord Jesus Christ gave to His disciples the Mysteries of His Body and Blood to be celebrated; and to dispose our day in Thy peace . . .
SPECIAL FORM OF QUI PRIDIE QUAM PATERETUR

   Who, the day before He suffered for our salvation and that of all men, that is, on this day, took bread into His most sacred and venerable hands . . .
   The Agnus Dei is said as usual, but the Pax or Kiss of Peace is not given; the three ordinary Prayers in preparation for the Communion, however, are said.
   Today the priest consecrates two hosts: one of which he receives, reserving the other for the next day, on which there is no consecration. After partaking of the Precious Blood, and before the ablutions, he puts the reserved Host into a separate chalice which the deacon covers wih a pall, a paten, and a veil, and places in the middle of the altar. Holy Communion is then given to the clergy and laity, and the Mass proceeds as usual.
COMMUNION ¤ John 13. 12, 13, 15

   Dominus Iesus, postquam coenavit cum discipulis suis, lavit pedes eorum, et ait illis: Scitis quod fecerim vobis ego Dominus et Magister? Exemplum dedi vobis, ut et vos ita faciatis.
   The Lord Jesus, after He had supped with His disciples, washed their feet, and said to them: Know you what I, your Lord and Master, have done to you? I gave you an example, that you also may do likewise.
POSTCOMMUNION

   Refecti vitalibus alimentis, quaesumus Domine Deus noster: ut quod tempore nostrae mortalitatis exsequimur, immortalitatis tuae munere consequamur. Per Dominum . . .
   Strengthened with life-giving Food, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our God, that what we do in our mortal life may bring us to the reward of life immortal with Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ . . .
   The Ite Missa est is said, the blessing is given and the Gospel of St. John is read, at the beginning of which the priest does not make the Sign of the Cross on the altar, but only on himself. After Mass the priest takes off his chasuble and vests in a white cope; then returning to the altar he incenses the Sacred Host reserved in the chalice. Preceded by the cross, torchbearers and the clergy, and accompanied by the deacon and subdeacon, he carries the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, or "Holy Sepulchre"1 prepared for its reception in a side chapel, where It will remain until the Mass of the Presanctified on Good Friday, when no consecration takes place. During the procession the hymn Pange Lingua Gloriosi Corporis is sung.
PANGE LINGUA2

   Pange lingua, gloriosi
Corporis mysterium,
Sanguinisque pretiosi,
Quem in mundi pretium
Fructus ventris generosi
Rex effudit gentium.

   Sing, my tongue, the Savior's glory:
Of His Flesh the mystery sing;
Of His Blood all price exceeding.
Shed by our immortal King.
Destined for the world's redemption
From a noble womb to spring.



   Nobis datus, nobis natus
Ex intacta Virgine,
Et in mundo conversatus,
Sparso verbi semine.
Sui moras incolatus.
Miro clausit ordine.

   Of a pure and spotless Virgin,
Born for us on earth below,
He, as Man with man conversing,
Stayed the seeds of truth to sow,
Then He closed in solemn order
Wondrously His life of woe.


   In supremae nocte coenae
Recumbens cum fratribus,
Observata lege plene
Cibis in legalibus,
Cibum turbae duodenae
Se dat suis manibus.

   On the night of His last supper,
Seated with His chosen band,
He, the paschal victim eating,
First fulfills the Law's command;
Then as food to all His brethren
Gives himself with His own hand.


   Verbum caro, panem verum
Verbo carnem efficit;
Fitque sanguis Christi merum:
Et si sensus deficit,
Ad firmandum cor sincerum
Sola fides sufficit.

   Word made Flesh, the bread of nature,
By His words to Flesh He turns;
Wine into His Blood He changes:
What though sense no change discerns,
Only be the heart in earnest,
Faith her lesson quickly learns.


   TANTUM ERGO SACRAMENTUM
Veneremur cernui:
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui:
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectui.

   Down in adoration falling,
Lo, the Sacred Host we hail,
Lo, o'er ancient forms departing
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying,
Where the feeble senses fail.


   Genitori, Genitoque
Laus et iubilatio:
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.

   To the everlasting Father
And the Son who reigns on high
With the Holy Ghost proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might and endless majesty.

   When they reach the place prepared, the Sacrament is again incensed by the celebrant.

The Stripping of the Altars






   When Vespers are not recited, the celebrant proceeds to strip the altars, reciting alternately the following psalm:
PSALM 21

Antiphon. Diviserunt sibi vestimenta mea: et super vestem meam miserunt sortem.
Antiphon (Ps. 21. 19). They parted my garments amongst them, and upon my vesture they cast lots.
This psalm is applied to the divine Redeemer suffering the torments of the Cross.

   Deus, Deus meus, respice in me: quare me dereliquisti? longe a salute mea verba delictorum meorum.
   My God, my God, look upon me: why hast Thou forsaken me? Far from my salvation are the words of my sins.

   Deus meus clamabo per diem, et non exaudies: et nocte, et non ad insipientiam mihi.
   O my God, I shall cry by day and Thou wilt not hear: and by night, and it shall not be reputed as folly in me.

   Tu autem in sancto habitas, laus Israel.
   But Thou dwellest in holiness, O Thou Praise of Israel.

   In te speraverunt patres nostri: speraverunt, et liberasti eos.
   In Thee our fathers have hoped: they have hoped, and Thou hast delivered them.

   Ad te clamaverunt, et salvi facti sunt: in te speraverunt, et non sunt confusi.
   They cried unto Thee, and were delivered: they trusted in Thee, and were not confounded.

   Ego autem sum vermis, et non homo: opprobrium hominum, et abiectio plebis.
   But I am a worm and no man: a reproach of men, and the outcast of the people.

   Omnes videntes me, deriserunt me: locuti sunt labiis, et moverunt caput.
   All they that saw me have laughed me to scorn: they have spoken with the lips, and wagged their head.

   Speravit in Domino, eripiat eum: salvum faciat eum, quoniam vult eum.
   He trusted the Lord, let Him rescue him: let Him deliver him, seeing He delighteth in him.

   Quoniam tu es, qui extraxisti me de ventre: spes mea ab uberibus matris meae. In te proiectus sum ex utero.
   For Thou art He that hast drawn em out of the womb: my hope from the breasts of my mother. I was cast upon Thee from the womb.

   De ventre matris meae Deus meus es tu: ne discesseris a me.
   From my mother's womb thou art my God: depart not from me.

   Quoniam tribulatio proxima est, quoniam non est qui adiuvet.
   For tribulation is very near; for there is none to help me.

   Circumdederunt me vituli multi: tauri pingues obsederunt me.
   Many calves have surrounded me: fat bulls have besieged me.

   Aperuerunt super me os suum, sicut leo rapiens et rugiens.
   They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.

   Sicut aqua effusus sum: et dispersa sunt omnia ossa mea.
   I am poured out like water, and all my bones are scattered.

   Factum est cor meum tamquam cera liquescens, in medio ventris mei.
   My heart is like melting wax in the midst of my bowels.

   Aruit tamquam testa virtus mea, et lingua mea adhaesit faucibus meis: et in pulverem mortis deduxisti me.
   My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws: and Thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

   Quoniam circumdederunt me canes multi: concilium malignantium obsedit me.
   For many dogs have compassed me: the council of the malignant have beseiged me.

   Foderunt manus meas, et pedes meos: dinumeraverunt omnia ossa mea.
   They pierced my hands and my feet: they have told all my bones.

   Ipsi vero consideraverunt, et inspexerunt me: diviserunt sibis vestimenta mea, et super vestem meam miserunt sortem.
   They look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and upon my vesture do they cast lots.

   Tu autem, Domine, ne elongaveris auxilium tuum a me: ad defensionem a meam conspice.
   But Thou, O Lord, remove not Thy help to a distance from me: look towards my defense.

   Erue a framea, Deus, animam meam: et de manu canis unicam meam.
   O God, deliver my soul from the sword: my darling from the power of the dog!

   Salva me ex ore leonis: et a cornibus unicorniam humilitatem meam.
   Save me from the lion's mouth: and my affliction from the horns of the unicorns.

   Narrabo nomen tuum fratribus meis: in medio ecclesiae laudabo te.
   I will declare Thy Name unto my brethren: in the midst of the church will I praise Thee.

   Qui timetis Dominum laudate eum: universum semen Iacob glorificate eum.
   Ye that fear the Lord, praise Him: all ye seed of Jacob, glorify Him.

   Timeat eum omne semen Israel, quoniam non sprevit, neque despexit deprecationem pauperis.
   Let all the seed of Israel fear Him. Because He hath not slighted nor despised the supplication of the poor man.

   Nec avertit faciem suam a me: et cum clamarem ad eum, exaudivit me.
   Neither hath He hid His face from me: but when I cried unto Him, He heard me.

   Apud te laus mea in ecclesia magna: vota mea reddam in conspectu timentium eum.
   With Thee is my praise in the great church: I will pay my vows in the sight of them that fear Him.

   Edent pauperes, et saturabuntur: et laudabunt Dominum, qui requirunt eum: vivent corda eorum in saeculum saeculi.
   The poor shall eat and be filled, and they shall praise the Lord that seek Him: their hearts shall live for ever and ever.

   Reminiscentur et convertentur ad Dominum universi fines terrae.
   All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn unto the Lord.

   Et adorabunt in conspectu eius universae familiae gentium.
   And all the kindreds of the Gentiles shall adore in His sight.

   Quoniam Domini est regnum: et ipse dominabitur gentium.
   For the kingdom is the Lord's: and He shall have dominion over the nations.

   Manducaverunt, et adoraverunt omnes pingues terrae: in conspectu eius cadent omnes qui descendunt in terram.
   All the fat ones of the earth have eaten and have adored: all they that go down to the earth shall fall before Him.

   Et anima mea illi vivet: et semen meum serviet ipsi.
   My soul also shall live unto Him: and my seed shall serve Him.

   Annuntiabitur Domino generatio ventura: et annuntiabunt coeli iustitiam eius, populo qui nascetur, quem fecit Dominus.
   The generation to come shall tell it unto the Lord: and the heavens shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, whom the Lord hath made.

Antiphon. Diviserunt . . .
Antiphon. They parted . . .

The Maundy
or the Washing of the Feet






   At a convenient hour, after the unclothing of the altars, a signal is given with the clapper, and the clergy assemble for the Maundy or the Washing of the feet. The prelate or superior wears a purple stole and cope over his amice and alb, and with the deacon and subdeacon vested in white dalmatics, comes to the appointed place. The celebrant puts incense into the thurible, served by the deacon. Then the deacon, holding the Gospel book before his breast, kneels before the celebrant and asks a blessing; having received it, while two acolytes stand by with lighted candles, and the subdeacon holds the book, he makes the Sign of the Cross over teh book and incenses it and sings, in the usual way, the Gospel of the Mass: Before the festival-day, as above. After this the subdeacon takes the Gospel book open to the officiating priest to kiss, and the deacon incenses him as usual. Then the celebrant removes his cope, girds himself with a cloth, and assisted by his ministers, begins the washing of the feet of twelve clerks or twelve poor people chosen for the ceremony. While the subdeacon holds the right foot of each of those whose feet are to be washed, the celebrant, kneeling before him, washes the foot, wipes and kisses it, the deacon handing him a towel for the wiping. Meanwhile the following chants are sung by the choir.
ANTHEM ¤ John 13. 34

   Mandatum novum do vobis: ut diligatis invicem, sicut dilexi vos, dicit Dominus. -- Beati immaculati in via: qui ambulant in lege Domini. -- Mandatum novum . . .
   A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, saith the Lord. -- (Ps. 118. 1). Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord. -- A new commandment . . .
ANTIPHON ¤ John 13. 4, 5, 15

   Postquam surrexit Dominus a coena, misit aquam in pelvim; coepit lavare pedes discipulorum suorum: hoc exemplum reliquit eis. -- Magnus Dominus, et laudabilis nimis: in civitate Dei nostri, in monte sancto eius. -- Postquam . . .
   After our Lord was risen from supper, He put water into a basin, and began to wash the feet of His disciples: to whom He gave this example. -- (Ps. 47. 2). Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised in the city of our God, in His holy mountain. -- After our Lord . . .
ANTIPHON ¤ John 13. 12, 13, 15

   Dominus Iesus, postquam coenavit cum discipulis suis, lavit pedes eorum, et ait illis: Scitis quid fecerim vobis ego Dominus, et Magister? Exemplum dedi vobis, ut et vos ita faciatis. -- Benedixisti, Domine, terram tuam: avertisti captivitatem Iacob. -- Dominus Iesus, postquam . . .
   Our Lord Jesus, after He had supped with His disciples, washed their feet, and said to them: Know you what I your Lord and Master have done to you? I have given you an example, that ye also may do likewise. -- (Ps. 84. 2). Thou hast blessed, O Lord, Thy land; Thou hast turned away the captivity of Jacob. -- Our Lord Jesus . . .
ANTIPHON ¤ John 13. 6-8

   Domine, tu mihi lavas pedes? Respondit Iesus, et dixit ei: Si non lavero tibi pedes, non habebis partem mecum. V.: Venit ergo ad Simonem Petrum, et dixit ei Petrus: Domine, tu mihi lavas pedes? Respondit Iesus, et dixit ei: Si non lavero tibi pedes, non habebis partem mecum. V.: Quod ego facio, tu nescis modo, scies autem postea. -- Domine, tu mihi . . .
   Lord, dost Thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said to them: If I shall not wash thy feet, thou shalt have no part with Me. V.: He came to Simon Peter, and Peter said to Him: Lord, dost Thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said to them: If I shall not wash thy feet, thou shalt have no part with Me. V.: What I do, thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. -- Lord, dost Thou wash my feet?
ANTIPHON ¤ John 13. 14

   Si ego Dominus, et Magister vester lavi vobis pedes: quanto magis debetis alter alterius lavare pedes? -- Audite haec, omnes gentes: auribus percipite qui habitatis orbem. -- Si ego Dominus . . .
   If I your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, how much more ought you to wash one another's feet? -- (Ps. 48. 2). Hear these things, all ye nations: give ear, ye that inhabit the world. -- If I your Lord . . .
ANTIPHON ¤ John 13. 35

   In hoc cognoscunt omnes, quia mei estis discipuli, si dilectionem habueritis ad invicem. V.: Dicit Iesus discipulis suis. -- In hoc cognoscunt . . .
   By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another. -- Said Jesus to His disciples. -- By this shall all men know . . .
ANTIPHON ¤ I. Cor. 13. 13

   Maneant in vobis fides, spes, caritas, tria haec: maior autem horum est caritas. V.: Nunc autem manent fides, spes, caritas, tria haec: maior autem horum est caritas. -- Maneant in vobis . . .
   Let these three, faith, hope, and charity, remain in you; but the greatest of these is charity. -- And now there remain faith, hope and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. -- Let these three . . .
ANTIPHON

   Benedicta sit sancta Trinitas, atque indivisa Unitas: confitebimur ei, quia fecit nobiscum misericordam suam. V.: Benedicamus Patrem, et Filium cum sancto Spiritu. -- Quam dilecta tabernacula tua, Domine virtutem, concupiscit, et deficit anima mea, in atria Domini. Benedicta sit . . .
   Blessed be the holy Trinity and undivided Unity: we will praise Him, because He has shown His mercy. V.: Let us bless the Father, and the Son, with the Holy Ghost. -- (Ps. 83. 2, 3). How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. -- Blessed be the holy Trinity . . .
ANTIPHON ¤ I. John 2. 3, 4

   Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. V.: Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor. V.: Exsultemus, et in ipso iucundemur. V.: Timeamus, et amemus Deum vivum. V.: Et ex corde diligamus nos sincero. V.: Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. V.: Simul ergo, cum in unum congregamur. V.: Ne non mente dividamur, caveamus. V.: Cessent iurgia maligna, cessant lites. V.: Et in medio nostri sit Christus Deus. V.: Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. V.: Simul quoque cum beatis videamus. V.: Glorianter vultum tuum Christe Deus: V.: Gaudium, quod est immensum, atque probum. V.: Saecula per infinita saeculorum. Amen.
   Where charity and love are, there is God. V.: The love of Christ has gathered us together. V.: Let us rejoice in Him and be glad. V.: Let us fear and love the living God. V.: And let us love one another with a sincere heart. V.: Where charity and love are, there is God. V.: When, therefore, we are assembled together. V.: Let us take heed, that we be not divided in mind. V.: Let malicious quarrels and contentions cease. V.: And let Christ our God dwell among us. V.: Where charity and love are, there is God. V.: Let us also with the blessed see. V.: Thy face in glory, O Christ our God. V.: There to possess immeasurable and happy joy. V.: For infinite ages of ages. Amen.
   After the Maundy, the officiating priest washes his hands. Then returning to the place whence he came he puts on the cope, and standing with his head uncovered, he says:

   Pater noster (secreto)
   Our Father (silently)

V.: Et ne nos inducas in tentationem.
V.: And lead us not into temptation.

R.: Sed libera nos a malo.
R.: But deliver us from evil.

V.: Tu mandasti mandata tua, Domine.
V.: Thou hast commanded Thy commandments, O Lord.

R.: Custodiri nimis.
R.: To be exactly observed.

V.: Tu lavasti pedes discipulorum tuorum.
V.: Thou hast washed the feet of Thy disciples.

R.: Opera manuum tuarum ne despicias.
R.: Despise not the work of Thy hands.

V.: Domine, exaudi orationem meam.
V.: O Lord, hear my prayer.

R.: Et clamor meus ad te veniat.
R.: And let my cry come unto Thee.

V.: Dominus vobiscum.
V.: The Lord be with you.

R.: Et cum spiritu tuo.
R.: And with thy spirit.

Oremus -- Adesto, Domine quaesumus, officio servitutis nostrae: et quia tu discipulis tuis pedes lavare dignatus es, ne despicias opera manuum tuarum, quae nobis retinenda mandasti: ut, sicut hic nobis, et a nobis exteriora abluunter inquinamenta; sic a te omnium nostrum interiora laventur peccata. Quod ipse praestare digneris, qui vivis et regnas Deus: per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Let us pray -- Be present, O Lord, we beseech Thee, at the performance of our service: and since Thou didst vouchsafe to wash the feet of Thy disciples, despise not the work of Thy hands, which Thou hast commanded us to retain: that as here the outward stains are washed away by us and from us, so the inward sins of us all may be blotted out by Thee. Which do Thou vouchsafe to grant, who livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.

1   The faithful who, in Holy Week, shall visit the Blessed Sacrament in the "Holy Sepulchre" during two days and shall say five time the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father in thanksgiving for the institution of the Holy Eucharist, and besides this shall utter these same prayers for the intention of His Holiness, can gain: Indulgence of 15 years. -- Plenary, once on these two days, under the usual conditions. -- P.P.O. n. 118.
2   Indulgence of 7 years. -- 5 years, for the two strophes Tantum Ergo Sacramentum with verse and prayer. -- Plenary, under the usual conditions, if this hymn or at least the two last verses Tantum Ergo Sacramentum with verse and prayer are daily recited during a month. -- P.P.O. n. 136.