The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-04-01
THE CLOSE OF LENT.


THE OBSERVANCE IN THE EPISCOPAL AND
CATHOLIC CHURCHES Observation-Disclosures
OF THE FIRE, THE PAscHAL CANDLE AND
THE BApTIsMAL FoSrs-PREPARINo FOR
EASTER.
In the Episcopal churches yesterday the closing day
OF Lent prayers said usua! in the morning but
no special services held The special ceremonies
in the Catholic churches were the blessing OF the new
Grcn OF the Paschal candle and OF the bapsma iont
The blessing OF the nre takes place generally IN tho
vebue or porch OF the church. where IRE rs struck
aud Goals lighted with II, after blessing which the
priest blesses the ne grains Of incense which are to
DO fixed in the Paschal candle The hre and grains OF
incense are sprinked holy water, and, Of the
new fire being put the thurblo with incense, the fire
and grains OF incensed In tho procession
which accompanies the celcbrant TO the porch dea-
con carries rod with three candles fixed the top.
and when IN returning TO the sanctuary he
appears inside the church one OF the three
candies is lighted, the deacon singing "Lumen
Chrsti' and the choir responding "Deo gratlas."
The chanting is done IN the middle Of The church,
aud when the procession reaches the altar the Two
other candles tho rod are lighted The paschA can
die then blessed lis place III the gospel side OF The
nitar tho fine grams OF incense are liked IN IL IN
tho form Of q cross During these ceremonies
Der OF prayers and several OF the prophecies
are read and then PROCESSION Is again formed which
goes 10 the baplisma tont which Is to be blessed.
The ccebrant then pours some oil The 'o OF Catcchu-
ens into the water IN the font in the form OF cross.
together. Alter miugiin. tho oil with the wafer aud
spreading all the ont the celcbrant and his as
sstants return 10 tho altar, where the Litany IS sung
Then the mass goes on. and Tor Tho irst time during
Holy Week tho "Glora IN Excelsis' is sung, aud the
ringing oil the church bells s also permitted. These
ceremonies werc yesterday tho same IN all the Catholic
PREPARING FOX EASTER.
After tho mass all the Catholic churches wero asr
in preparing Tor Easter Sunday. The most splendid
always put in use In honor OF the day
which commentaries tho Resurrection. Tho affairs
arc covered with flowers are abluzc with lights
I ne full ceremonals incidental TO solemn high mass
arc all gone through WITH and tho music is oven an
especial feature ITSELF extra singers and In In
stances orchesas being added TO the ordinary choirs
Sermons are preached in all tho churches. In the
Episcopal churches tho greatest care Is bestowed
preparing tho sacred edces tor the Easter celeba
ton The pillars a,ses and sanctuaries are
mented with evergreens and choice flowers, and the
entire interior made by various devices TO
Joyous appearance in harmony with the glorious fest
va special services hre lso ~ 10 ior % gay
highest order. Churches OF all denominations put
forth, or loss, though not IN similar way, some
endcavor TO JOIN IN with their Episcopaan and Catholic
brethren in giving scmbance OF festival ar TO The
celebration OF Easter.
The last day Of Lent signaIized ut Trinity Church
yesterday afternoon by confirmation service by
Bisnop Potter For halt an hour before the services
began Inc chimes rang out their cheerful sounds for
the hrst time during Holy Week. The church was
crowded with congregation that attended very ear
nesy to tho ceremony. Evening prayers commenced
three O'Clock and lasted Tor about threequarers OF
hour. and there about twenty boys and ten
men IN the CnOlr the singing was very Inc
Bishop Potter presided and, assisting him were Rev.
DR.. DIX, Rev Dr.. Ogleby Rev. MIR. huchings, Rev. Dr.
Anketcl Rev. Mr.. Unser and Rev. Mr. Robinson.
Tnere were about $50 candidates Tor confirmation tor
~ 1.-Two OF whom we're Germans and among them were
many old folks. Tho girls who were candidates APP
peared white dresses and vols The evening prayers
being over the confirmation service gone through
with aud was very simple Af:er some lnvocatory
prayers the candidates approached the sanctuary, two
by two and the Bishop then ad hands on them they
knclt before him, saying at the same time the follow
ing words Defend, Oh Lord this Thy child, with
Thy heavenly grace, that he may continue Thine for
and duly increase In Thy holy spirit more and
more until he come unto Thy everlasting Kingdom.
Amcn"
When this ceremony had been performed for tho
entire number of candidates Bishop Potter proceeded
address the newly confirmed of those simple
and eloquent but brict dsconrscs with which he
usually congratulates those who have received this
sacrament. He reminded them OF the new dignity
they had attained aud gave them some encouraging
words Of advice for the future. After some further
prayers ana chants the brought to . close