Morris tribune., 1905-04-15

these chosen ones, after having pro.
claimed the praises of the Redeemer.
consigned to death, many of them by
the people whom they instructed.
The noise made at the conclusion OF
the service reminds us of the convul-
sions of nature at the Savior's death,
and the production of the light still
burning and shedding it's light abroad,
recalls the Resurrection of the Savior,
and His effulgence on the world.
Thursday is called by us Holy, or
Maunday Thursday, the second name
being derived from the Latin word
mandatum, or "precept;" the first
word of the anthem GA new COM
mandment 1 give YOU" The office in
the morning consists of the mass, al
most in every respect like that OF any
other day. 1t is performed in white,
contrary to the usage in this peniten-
tial time. But at its close, very
beautiful function takes place. AS, on
the following day, it has been of most
ancient custom not to consecrate the
sacred elements, previous consecra
ton is made on this day of bread into
the divine Sacrament of our Lords
body. The consecrated species is
borne in solemn procession to an al
tar, splendidly lighted up, where it is
preserved till next day. This forms
what Catholics know by the name OF
the "Sepulchre; and it is customary
to visit with devotion in the evening
the churches where such affairs are
most reverently prepared.
Friday, called by all other nations
that I know, holy, has received
amongst us alone, the better and
more moving title Of 'the good" The
service throughout is lugubrious and
sad; the altar is stripped of all orna-
ment, the floor and seats in the church
are bare. the sacerdotal vestment
black. After some moments of silent
prostration, the priest proceeds to
broken and almost disordered service;
the Passion according to ST. John is
chaunted, in the same strain as was
St. Matthew's on Palm-Sunday; then
follow prayers for all orders of men;
the image of Christ crucified is I'M
yelled with solemnity (having been
kept covered for fortnight before,)
and reverently kissed by all the clergy
on their knees, while the Improperia,
or s'reproaches," as they are called,
are sung to the most pathetic music;
and finally, procession like that of
The preceding day, having brought
;he consecrated species from the side
altar, the priest receives them, and
he service ends with Vespers solemn
y recited.
The services on Holy Saturday be-
rims with the blessing of the new fire.
The Paschal Candle is then blessed.
The deacon, after begging the bless
ng of the celebrant, proceeds to the
Gospel side of the altar, and from the
,ook of the Gospels sings the beauti-
ul prayer in which the blessing takes
,lace, a chant attributed to the great
Saint Augustin. This EXultet beauti-
ully joins the two-fold object of the
ceremony, for while it prays that this
candle may continue burning through
he night to dispel it's darkness, it |
peaks Of it as a symbol of the Fiery |
Pillar, which led the Israelites from
Egypt, and Of Christ, ever true and
lever failing Light.
During the canticle the candle is
lighted from the triple candle, signi- |
wing the instant Of our Lords Resur-
ection when the divine power re-
tored His body to life. This Paschal
1andle remains lighted at the princi-
al services until Ascension Day,
howing how Christ remained with
lis apostles and disciples.
Then the prophecies, twelve in
lumber, from the Old Testament, are
cad. This was the final preparation
f the catechumens, and by prayers
fter each prophecy the church i'm
resses the lessons expressed in the
receding prophecy. Then follows
he blessing of the Font.
The procession moves to the Bap
istry, acolytes carrying the Paschal
jandle, while two others carry the
Ioly Chrism and the Oil of the cate
humens. With many solemn pray
RS, the water which is to be the in
trument Of the divine work of regen-
ration, is blessed. The celebrant
iv1des it in the form of cross to sig
ify that it is by the cross that it re-
elves the power of regenerating the
ouls of men. Then he places his
and upon it as the mere contact of
he consecrated hand of Pontiff or
'riest produces salutary effect as
ften as they act in virtue of the
riesthood Of Christ dwelling within