The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-03-23

peared first to the holy wnrper and then
to the disciples at Emmaus before show
ing himself to the apostles met together,
so this ceremony has always been a priv
ilege of this order of the clergy
The deacon goes to the gospel side. the
book is incensed. and. all standing rs dur
ing the gospel. the sublime chant 'Exul-
tet" is begun. At the words Therefore, on
this sacred night, receive, o Holy Father,
the evening sacrifice of this incense"
the five grains of incense are fixed in the
candle in the shape of a cross. The
candle is lighted at the words And now
We know the excellence of this pillar,
which the sparkling fire lights for the
honor of Cod Later the lamps are also
lit.
Reading the Prophecies.
The prophecies come next in order.
After these the catechumens were in
structed and prepared to receive baptism.
The prophecies are twelve in number,
and at the close of each follows tract
and prayer. Genufections are made be-
fore each prayer except the last. in which
is related the story of the three Hebrew
young men who preferred to enter the
fiery furnace rather than bow to an idol.
Most of the catechumens were taken from
paganism, and in this manner the Church
sought to impress them with her con-
demnation of idolatry.
Before the baptisms, the font was bless
ed Immediately the prophecies and in
structions ended In churches where there
ic &c ha
follows after the prophecies Otherwise
the clergy go to the font singing the
tract, las panteth the hart
Blessing of the Font.
Prayers are recited and a preface chant
ed in the course of which the waters are
divided in the form of cross by the
hand of the priest to show tha' through
the virtue of the cross their regeneratinG
power is derived; he touches them again,
to implant this virtue upon them, that
they may purify and vivify; then he
throws some drops toward the four parts
OF the world, to show that all nations
are called to the grace of baptism
The waters are breathed upon thrice in
the form of a cross, and the paschal can
are again breathed upon in the shape of
a Greek Psi = the initial of the word
spirit in that Ian suage.
At the close of these blessings, the peo-
pie are sprinkled and some of the water
reserved to be distributed to the faithful
Then some of the oil of catechumens and
chrism are poured into the font with ap-
propriate prayers, first separately, and
then together. Immediately after this the
baptisms followed
Litany and the Mass.
The litany is now sung. and during it
the priest and his ministers go to the
sacristy to robe themselves in white for
the mass, and the altar candles are light
ed.
At the close of the epistle the priest
thrice sings, "Alleluia,' which the choir
thrice repeats. Again he responds Con
fitemini Domino" c'Give praise to the
Lord, for he is good; for his mercy en-
dureth forever.')
In this mass there is no offertory, for
it would have taken too long for the
faithful to present their gifts; nor is the
"Agnus Der sung; and when the ablu-
ton is concluded, yespers are said. They
are composed of the briefest of the
Psalms.
In early days it was customary for
clergy and people to go in procession
early Sunday morning around the church.
in imitation of the visit of the three
Marys to the sepulcher. and still in some
places this is done, especially at st. Pet
er's in Rome.
Easter is dawning; the mathis OF this
day contain only one short nocturn, for
the night is far spent; the praises OF
lauds are intoned; the days of sorrow are
no more.
Clad in her festal garments and lifting
her voice is rejoicing, the Church sings
"AlieIuia. Alleluia! He is risen! AL
leluia.