St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1895-04-07
CHURCHES OF ST.PAUL
THEMES OF DISCUSSION IN THE
PULPIT TODAY.
TODAY is PALM SUNDAY.
Last Week of Lent Always OBJ
served as a Time of Special
SOlemnity-Easter Music.

The last week of Lent has ever been
observed by Christians as time OF
special solemnity, in commemoration
of the awful important events which
occurred in our Lords life. In primi-
tive times it was known as Great
week., and Holy week." So strict
was the observance that business was
generally suspended. and fasting OBJ
served with greater strictness than In
the other weeks of Lent. Special acts
of mercy and charity were shown by
Christian emperorS, who used to let
prisoners free and close the courts of
law during Holy week. 'Indulgent
week" was another name given to this
holy season by the early Christians,
this name probably pointed to our
Lords work of redemption, and His
great love in going forward willingly
on this day to meet His sufferings. The
day is also called "Hosanna Sunday
in some parts of Europe and the East.
But the name by which it is now
known to us is Palm Sunday" from
the ancient custom of branch bearing.
In the ancient English church the
blessing of palms took place before the
beginning of the Holy Eucharist. After
the deacon had read the account of our
Lords triumphal entry, the palm, yew,
or willow branches being laid upon
the altar, the priest, vested in red silk
cape, pronounced a. blessing over them,
followed by four collects. A process
sion then passed around the church
singing anthems, and distributing the
I, x,oI,1 1t !, Il, IL
bration of the Holy Eucharist. This
beautiful ancient custom is perpetu-
ated in the English and Episcopal
ehirrcfc:; h:' decorating the altar and
chancel- with palm leaves.
Monday In Holy wec.: co'1memn-
ties our blessed Lord in destroying the
barren fig tree.
Tuesday, the last day of our Lord s
public teaching and administration
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS the actual he
ginning of the events which reached
their climax on Good Friday. The
"Tenebrae' was sung on the evening
of this day and the two succeeding
days, a relic of the ancient night
watehings which accompanied the
Hastings of this week.
Z IHuISudy, CONTINUITY CdlltQ Mduu-
day Thursday in honor of the in
stitution of the Holy Eucharist. do
this in remembrance of me" is one
the unceasing obligation Of which has
never been doubted. The custom of
washing the feet of the poor in i'm
itation of Christ's humility is still
practiced in some portions of the
Christian church. Although this GUS
tom has not been observed in the En-
glish church since the latter part of
the seventeenth century a, vestige of
this ceremony is still retained in the
Chapel Royal. The bishop who acts
as. almoner and his assistants being
girded with long linen towels during
the distribution of aims to the poor.
Friday, commonly called, "Good Fri
day. Commentaries as every Chris
tan knows the crucifixion of the
Saviour of the World. In early En-
glish times it was also known as
Long Friday 1.-THE Reproaches,' -
1.-THE Three Hours Agony Services -
and the stations of the Cross" are
extra parochial services In commemo-
ration Of this event of our Lords life