Back in 1967 I was in 8th grade, I was also an altar boy. Being in Catholic school in those days with real nuns was kind of like being in the army. You never volunteered for anything. Sister would volunteer you instead. These were the old style spit and polish nuns. They knew Catholic theology backswords and forewords. They could probably argue canon law better than any bishop. They were the Perry Mason’s of the faith. They always won their case.
A week or two before holy week. I find the memory does not want to cooperate much after 60 years. Any way, a week or two before holy week sister Ester comes into class, and tells us Father Collins needs 12 boys to get their feet washed on Holy Thursday. Most of the guys were not fond about that idea so we all crouched low in our desks. No good I was one selected. She was still short on a full compliment of victims so she had Sister Regina finish her dirty work.
Monday of holy week Father Collins got us all together in the church and went thru the rubrics of the ceremony. At least we got to keep our shoes on during practice. One of my classmates, I think Neil Martucci, said no way he was going Thursday, no way he is taking his shoe and sock off in front of a whole church of people.
Holy Thursday came and no Neil. All of us guys started laughing, we called him Judas. I can’t remember if they found a replacement for Neil or not. Turns out all of us sweated the event for nothing. Just like most things in life the anticipation is always worse than the real thing. No big deal we paraded up to the front of the communion rail, took off one shoe and sock and waited for the priest. I was thankful mom made sure I had a new pair minus the holes. Priest came over, knelt, splashed a few drops of water then wiped with the purifier cloth and went on to the next guy. Mean time you put your shoe and sock back on and it was over in no time.
Monday after Easter sister Ester begins with a “Neil Martuci! Stand up”. Then like the army she berated him for being a deserter. “you classmates went thru it but not you, you know what they are calling you don’t you? Judas! because you are Judas you betrayed us all”.
This actually came to mind as I watched the Foot washing at St. Gertrude the great on live stream. They are sedevacanists so they do things before Bugnini’s reign of terror starting in 1948. They washed the feet of 13 men. Bishop McGuire explained why. He said yes it symbolizes Christ washing the feet of the apostles but with 13 instead of 12. Some say the tradition started because St. Mathias was selected to replace Judas so it would be 13 original apostles. Others say it was because Paul was picked to join the 12 making it 13. But the bishop also said there is a story of an apparition which supports the tradition. He said each week a wealthy man would wash the feet of 12 of the poor men in the village in imitation of Christ. Afterwords he treated them to a meal at his home. One day a 13th man showed up. This man was not like the others, he was beautiful in a manly way. This 13th visitor turned out to be an angel sent from God to show his pleasure for the man’s actions.
I think I like the last explanation best.