separateurCreated with Sketch.

Why do priests take their shoes off before venerating the cross?

HOLY WEEK
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Philip Kosloski - published on 04/15/22
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
The custom of taking off shoes to venerate the cross on Good Friday is rooted in the Bible.

On Good Friday, the priest is the first one to venerate the cross and when he does, he will often take off his shoes.

Why is that?

First of all, taking off shoes before the veneration of the cross is written in the instructions in the Roman Missal.

This tradition has been part of the Roman Catholic liturgy for centuries and is clearly derived from the book of Exodus, where God asked Moses to take off his shoes.

Venerating the cross is a holy act, and in remembrance of Jesus' profound act of love, the priest (and sometimes even people in the congregation) will take off their shoes to show their gratitude to God.

Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.