The Mass of the Lord’s Supper has taken place at St Chad’s Cathedral tonight (Thurs 29 March).

Canon David Oakley, Rector of St Mary’s College, Oscott, concelebrated the Holy Thursday Mass with His Grace, Archbishop Bernard Longley.

Canons, and priests from the college, were also in attendance.

A key part of this Mass is the Washing of the Feet – a deeply symbolic ceremony which follows the Lord’s example in washing the apostles’ feet.

Archbishop Bernard, assisted by altar servers, knelt on the floor and washed and kissed the feet of six seminarians from Oscott, and six parishioners from the Cathedral.

As he moved along the row, the Archbishop paused briefly in front of each person and presented them with a gift of a rosary and special card.

St Chad’s will host a number of services over the following days of the Sacred Triduum that includes The Liturgy on Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening.

These services will also be celebrated in parish churches across the Archdiocese.