Thiruvananthapuram: Flouting the directions of Pope Francis, the syro-Malabar Church has decided not to wash the feet of women on Maundy Thursday. With a circular from Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, Cardinal George Alenchrry, the Church has decided to stick by the age old tradition of washing the feet of 12 men or boys.Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter. It commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles as described in the canonical gospels. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, and is preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday. The ritual is said to have been performed by Jesus as one of his last acts for his disciples before he was crucified.

Since last year, there have been discussions and suggestions about it and the Church had also sought clarification from the congregation whether it is for the Eastern churches as well.

But, the Syro-Malabar Church stated that the direction were meant for the Latin churches only and hence the change does not concern the liturgical practices in the Eastern churches.