Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-03-27
THE CLOSING OF LENT
Holy Week Observed With
Great Solemnity.
THE CHURCH SERVICES
THE AFFAIRS STRIPPED OF ORNA-
MENTS TODAY.
Ceremonies of Good Friday and the
Services Commemorative Of
the Resurrection.

Holy Week, which began last Monday,
has been one of exceeding solemnity among
the Christian churches, more particularly
the Catholic and Episcopal denominations
This week also marks the closing of Lent,
and is the period of most sorrowful signifi-
canoe of that season.
Daily services have been held in the
churches since Monday, and will be con-
tinued to the close OF the period. This Is
the day designated as Maundy Thursday,
when, in the Catholic churches the affairs
are stripped of all ornaments, in commence
ration of the stripping of the clothes from
the body of Christ. But one mass is said
now instead of three, as in earlier times.
The washing of the feet of twelve poor per-
sons by the principal prelate or priest oc-
ours today. This ceremony was observed
at the Franciscan monastery this morning.
A large congregation was present at the
ceremony. In Rome the pope washes the
feet of thirteen persons, all priests, on this
day, in commemoration of the humbleness
of Christ
Tomorrow will be Good Friday, which day
has been observed since a very early
period as the time ofsthe crucifixion of the
Savior. In England and Ireland and some
states Of the Union it Is legal holiday,
and all over the Christian world 1t Is re-
garded as the most solemn anniversary in
the religious calendar. Special prayer and
mourning Is part of the services of the
day and the kiss of peace is omitted In
detestation of the kiss of Judas. The cere-
monies are conducted in black vestmentS
to lend a somber aspect to the occasion,
and the churchmen pray solemnly for all
men, both in and out of the church, or Of
other sects, Jews and pagans.
Tenebrae Completed Tomorrow.
The tenebrae. an important office of the
IN
After the prayers the cross is unveiled
and the clergy and laity in turn adore and
kiss the crucifx, kneeling thrice.
The weird ceremony of the funeral of
Christ is another observance among the
Catholic affiliations.
Services will be held in practically all Of
the Catholic and Episcopal churches on
Good Friday.
At st. Aloysius Church at 10 noon, the
solemn service of the Three Hours Agony
of the Saviour will be observed. This serv-
ice lasts from u to 3, the hour of the
death of the Redeemer. For many years
the Seven Last Words" by Mercedante
was the music performed on this day, but
beginning with Good Friday, 1901, a change
was made. The program now rendered is
identical with the one in use at st. Francis
Navier'S Church, 10th street. New York.
The music of the Passion is by Geunod
1t is sung with organ and string orchestra
accompaniment In connection with this
composition are sung hymns, motets, etc,
by Rheinberger, Tinel. Dixon, Klein and
Haydn. Congregational singing is also in
PRODUCED in appropriate hymns.
The discourse will be by Rev. John A.
Conway, s. ].
St. Patrck's, st. Matthews. ST. Teresa s.
st. Dominic's and others will also conduct
special services.
In Protestant Episcopal Churches.
At Trinity Episcopal Church tomorrow
evening at o'clock there will be an ora
torio recital under direction Of VIM. A.
Kirkpatrick, the organist when the largely
augmented choir will render 1.-The Man Of
Sorrows" an original composition by Mr.
Kirkpatrick, and THE Crucifixion," by Sir
John Stainer.
There will be two services at ST. Johns
Episcopal Church tomorrow, one at II am
and the other at 4:15 pm. The music on
both occasions will be sung by the choir
unaccompanied by the organ.
Holy Saturday is the last day Of Lent
and after the solemn services Of the day
the great Joy in the resurrection is evil
denced by the removal Of all the symbol
isms of sorrow, which are replaced with
those of giadness. The affairs are decked
with flowers and the services are conducted
in white vestments, and the whole at
mosphere Of the church scenes Is reflective
Of rejoicing.
All the churches of every denomination
in the city will have a special service for
Easter Sunday and the day is regarded as
one Of universal gladness because Of the
triumph Of the Savior over the flesh,