We are now in the period of Lent, so over the next few weeks I’m continuing to look at the traditions, this week – Palm Maundy Thursday.
Maundy Thursday celebrates the day of the Last Supper. At the Last Supper, Jesus commanded that people should love one another, he then washed the feet of his disciples as an act of kindness.
To celebrate Maundy Thursday, the Pope traditionally washes and kisses the feet of 12 people – usually members of the church. In the UK, the Queen takes part in the Ceremony of the Royal Maundy where she gives coins called Maundy money to deserving senior citizens.
It is the only occasion on which the Queen visits others to make awards, as recipients of honours usually come to her. It is held at different cathedrals around the country, one man and woman and 1p for each year of the monarchs age. The coins are specially minted 1p, 2p, 3p & 4p coins.
More information can be found here.
The monarch distributesMaundy money but Lent is an opperunity for us all to give to charity, this is why St Fillan’s has a Lenten appeal.