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

is no longer seen, though form for this
is still retained in the Pontifcale.
On this day, save for the one celebrant
all the priests refrain from celebrating
mass. The explanation given is that it is
mot only as a manifestation of BORROW
and mourning, for which reason they alb
stain from offering the most holy sacrifice
on the following Friday and Saturday,
but to initiate in some manner our Lords
Supper, when, for the first time he per-
formed the function of high priest He
was the only celebrant, and the apostles
received communion from his hands,
(Abbe Mazzinelli)
Relic of Ancient Days.
In addition to this pious lesson, the
student may also see in this a remnant
of primitive discipline, when it was not
customary to celebrate the sacred mys-
teries as often as now, and there existed
both lay and ecclesiastical communion.
OF these the canons make frequent men
ton. To show their office and dignity,
the clergy wore both surplice and stole,
and received in advance of the people,
within the sanctuary rail.
a popular and erroneous idea has
arisen that this is the paschal communion
of the clergy. 1t is entirely false i'm
preston.
Bells at the Gloria.
The Gloria in Excelsis" is sung during
this mass and the bells ring out until it
is concluded; then they are no more heard
until Holy Saturday. Bearing in mind
the kiss of the betrayer. the kiss of peace
is not given at. the communion.
Two large Hosts are today consecrated
by the celebrant, one being reserved for
the next day, when no conservation takes
place Before washing his fingers he
puts the reserved Host into another
chalice, which is placed in the middle Of
the altar and covered with pail, paten.
and veil.
Banked with palms and lilies and otlf,r
costly flowers, repository has been pre-
pared to be the resting place OF the
blessed sacrament. Candles enrich it
with light. and no effort is spared to
adorn and beautify it. To this tomb, as
it is called. the reserved Host IS con-
veyed in solemn procession, with lights
and incense. Before the tomb guard of
honor is kept, and often many of the
faithful spend the night in the church in
prayer.
Stripping of the Affairs.
The Host is reverentIy placed within
the repository, while veil, in memory
of tho ,;pan grave clothes Is wrau0pd
about it, and the procession returns in
silence to the sanctuary. There vespers
are said, at the close of which the va
rious affairs of the church are stripped
of their coverings and ornaments. This
is to characterize the stripping OF the
garments from our Lord before he was
nailed to the cross.
As already stated, the holy oils for the
year are also blessed on Holy Thurs
day. This is done by the Bishop, who
today celebrates the mass. Besides his
ordinary ministers he is assisted by
twelve priests in chasubles and seven
deacons and seven subdeacons IN dali
MATES and tunics of white. When the
words of the canon, Per QUEEN haec ON
MIA" are reached, just before the ''Pater
Noster," the Bishop genuflects, purifies
his fingers, and proceeds to his faldstool
near the lowest step of the altar
credence table has been plcced nearby and
upon it a crucifix, two lighted tapers and
the Pontifcale.
Blessing Oil for the Sick.
When the Bishop is seated the arch
deacon approaches him and in loud
voice calls: "oleum Infrmorum" tthe
oil for the sick.
This is brought from the sacristy in
silver vase, over. which is spread a Grim
son veil. A subdeacon bears the vase,
and two acolytes precede him. He pre-
sents it to the archdeacon, who in turn
presents it to the Bishop. The latter lays
aside his mitre, rises. and in low voice
exercises and blesses the oil.
The desire is expressed that the Holy
Ghost be sent forth upon this fairness of
the olive which thou hast Youchsafed to
bring forth out Of green tree. for the
strengthening and refreshing of soul and
body: that by thy grace and benediction
whoever is anointed with this oil of
heavenly virtue may receive protection
of soul and body and deliverance from all
pains. all infrmities, all ills of soul and
body"
At the completion of the blessing the
vase is returned to the sacristy and the
ceremonies of the mass are resumed.
After the communion the Bishop re-