Catholic Archbishop William Goh washing the feet of one of 12 parishioners at the Church of the Holy Cross, as part of its annual Maundy Thursday mass. Half of them were women, a first this year following a new ruling issued by Pope Francis in January that women can participate in the ceremony.

The tradition, signifying humility and service, is a re-enactment of biblical history, when Jesus Christ washed the feet of his disciples the day before he was crucified.

Christians observe Good Friday today, which marks Christ's death on the cross.

About 1,200 worshippers attended the Maundy Thursday service at the church in Clementi.