Maundy Thursday tradition

CLERGY men and women will be shining shoes in keeping with an age old Maundy Thursday tradition.

Bishops and vicars in Oldham will take to the streets in a modern twist of Christian clergy washing feet the day before Good Friday. The Rev Derek Palmer, vicar of Oldham Parish, will lead the local effort.

On the night before he was crucified, Jesus hosted what would be his last supper.

Before they ate their meal, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, an unclean task normally reserved for servants.

By washing the feet of his followers Jesus demonstrated to them that his followers were to serve, bring healing and live humbly. This was his “new commandment”, or Maundy, and day became known as Maundy Thursday.

For the past 2,000 years clergy re-enact the last supper and wash the feet of their parishioners on the night before Good Friday.

For more information and to find your nearest shoe shine, call George Lane on 0161-828 1428.