Boston, Mass., Mar 21, 2005 / 22:00 pm
After angering women during Holy Week last year, Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley decided that he will wash the feet of women and men Holy Thursday, after having consulted with the Vatican, reported the Boston Globe.
According to the archbishop’s spokeswoman, Ann Carter, the Congregation for Divine Worship “affirmed the liturgical requirement that only the feet of men be washed at the Holy Thursday ritual."
However, it said the archbishop could make a pastoral decision that is best suited for his diocese.
The archbishop’s decision drew praise from advocates for a greater role for women in the Church.