A _versus_ for the reception of the Eucharist was written by Radbert, _Laudes omnipotens, ferimus tibi dona colentes_ (_A. H._ 50. 239), “In reverence, Almighty, we bring our praises as gifts to Thee.” The Blessing of the Font on Holy Saturday inspired his _Versus ad Descensum fontis_ (_A. H._ 50. 242-3). Among the ceremonies most characteristic of medieval piety was that of _Mandatum_ or foot-washing, commemorating the act of Jesus in washing his disciples’ feet, (_John_ 13; 1-15). The name “Maundy Thursday” is a modern survival of the ancient terminology.[24] The hymn associated with this rite appears first in Gaul in the eighth or ninth century and may have been current in Italy in monastic centers. The antiphon, _Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est_, “Where charity is and love, God is there,” is at once the motive and refrain of this hymn, _Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor_ (_A. H._ 12. 24), “The love of Christ has united us,” which follows the scriptural account.[25] The student must turn once more to the great monastic centers of the Germanic world for processional hymns honoring royalty. Visits of kings and emperors to St. Gall and other noted monasteries were by no means uncommon; that colorful processions and demonstrations of loyalty were a part of their reception cannot be doubted. Walafrid Strabo celebrates the visit of Lothair to Reichenau with the hymn, R. Imperator magne, vivas semper et feliciter. (_A. H._ 50. 176) Live, O mighty emperor ever in felicity. Walafrid Strabo praised Charles, son of Louis the Pious, and Radbert, the Empress Richgard. Other processionals could be used on the occasion of the coming of any royal visitor. Vatican manuscripts offer evidence of contemporary processions in Italy and Rome, the city of their origin. From this source is derived the processional hymn _Sancta Maria, quid est?_ (_A. H._ 23. 74), “Sancta Maria, what meaneth this?” written for the procession which marked the eve of the Feast of the Assumption, about the year 1000. Specific directions for the route, the order of precedence and every detail of the ceremonial are available, while the hymn itself depicts the devotion and human appeal attending this night time scene in Rome.[26] III. Evolution in the Later Middle Ages