The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-12-31
MIDNIGHT MASS
THIS SUNDAY
VIII be Celebrated in All the Catholic
Churches.
PROCLAMATION OF THE POPE.
The New Year, Which VIII End the
Present Century, Will be Eittingly
Ushered in--Will End it in
the Same Manner.

The year Of 1900 will be observed in all
Of the Catholic churches throughout the
world as a Jubilee Year, watch Is re-
garded as a year in which special graces
and blessings are obtained by the faith
full According 10 the old Mosaic law
the Jubilee Year was celebrated every
nifty years. and during this year slaves
were freed, and all lands which had beer
alienated from families reverted TO then
original owners. BY the special desire OF
the Holy Father Leo Kill, a midnieh'
mass will be celebrated in all the Catho-
liz churches, in which it IL practicable
on the Slst OF December, 1883, and also
on the same day. 1900, thus beginning and
ending the Holy Year with the sacrifice
OF the mass. -
THE UNIVERSAL DEClRDB.
The following universal decree was read
in all the Catholic churches In this city
last Sunday:
ut is most becoming that we who are
about to celebrate the commencement Of
the holy year. happily proclaimed by our
Holy Father. Leo XII, should in ths
depths of night rise to greet the Author
Of Time, and PROSTATE before His affairs.
offer the most acceptable Victim, who 10
the Immaculate Lamb assisting at the
sacred banquet so that at this most OPP
perfume time We may find the assistance
of His holy grace and mercy; for our
salvation IS nearer. Behold, now is the
acceptable zine: behid, now is the day
Of salvation: and II the Kingdom OF heAF-
en-. which ia the church on EARTH Is Tx
ened 10 the ten virgins going forth to
meet the bridegroom, each one OF us may,
on the occasion Of the solemn festiyity,
consider M attentiyely these ss-
cred words: Trim your lamps; Tor
behold. the bridegroom cometh: go
We forth 10 meet him since,
moreover, at midnight OF the last day OF
December, of the coming year, the pres
ent century will come TO an end and
new one will begin. 1t IS very appropriate
that thanks be given to God by some pi-
Gus and solemn ceremony for the bene-
fits received during the course of the
present century, and OWNS to the urgent
necessities OF the times, that greater ia
vors be implored in order TO begin aus
piciously the new era.
TO BEGIN THE NEW YEAR
Therefore. in order that the approach
ing year, 1900, may begin happily through
the suppliCation OF the assistance OF God
and his only begotten Son, our Redeemer,
and that IL may end, after prosperous
course by usherng in a still more happy
century, as 1t is right for US 10 expect
our Most Holy Father. Leo XIII. grs-
ciously comedies that, with the prudent
consent OF the ordinary OF every place,
at midnight, on the 5lst or December.
both Of the closing and OF the coming
year. I'm all churches and chapels whers
the Most Blessed Sacrament IL rightfuily
kept. the same most august Sacrament
may be exposed 10 alteration; and per-
mission Is given TO read or 10 sing at ths
same hour Coram Santissimo. one mass
OF the feast OF the Circumcision OF our
Lord and the Octave of the Nativity,
and permission is given by special favor
N the faithful TO receive Holy Commun-
ion. either during the mass or after ":
all necessary conditions to be observed.
"Au things 20 ths contrary norwftne
standing: thirteenth day of November.
1899"
Signed
c., Bishop OF Praeneste. Card.
MAZZELIsA,
Prefect Sacred Congregation OF Rits.
ID. PANEL Secretary.