Bisbee daily review., 1908-04-19
E x A s S* T .s E * R IN THE CHURCHES


The Catholic Church on Friday eommemorated the day Of passion and deaSh of the Savior In the entire liturgy of the church there are no more impressive features than those of this day. The sanctuary Is bare and tfnadorned. The alter Is stripped Of it's ornaments and the curcifx alone remains yelled in black. six unlig ted candles stand at the altar. When the priests make their way to the sanctuary they prostrate themselves in utter abasement. On Good Friday the priest Is rather the spokesman and representative of the congrega- ton present They follow and take part in the various acts of reparauoa he performs. This is the key to a rigat understanding to the whole function. The services are divided into four parts-the three lessons. the solemn prayers. the adoration of the cross. the mass of the presanctified.
 In the first division the ministers approach the sanctuary in utter sill ence. The vestments are black On the altar there is neither missal nor altar cloth. When the ministers reach the altar they prostrate them selves in silence. Then they read the three lessons, two from the old Testa- ment and one the passion according to St. John. These lessons are the earliest forms of the church's service.
 The solemn prayers which follow bear evidence of remote antiquity The litany, the eucharistic prayer and the collect were the early church forms. In the prayers of Good Friday is a good example of the collective prayer and the responsive ''Te roga- mus audinos."
 The adoration of the cross was the third section of the days prayers and service. The celebrant lays aside his chasuble, the symbol of his priestlS dignity. and is first to humble him self. He receives the yelled cross and standing at the side of the altar he uncoyers a small part. raising It slightly for the people to see and sings in low voice Behold the wood of the cross on which hung the salvation of the world"
 Candles on the altar are lighted when the mass for the presanctitied is said. This Is in reverence for the coming presence of Jesus Christ. The clergy go in procession to the chapel of repose and bring back to the high altar the blessed sacrament which has been reserved in a chalice. During the procession the choir sings the t'veviiio Regis
 On this day alone throughout the year the caurch suspends the offering of the holy sacrifice of the mass. When the blessed sacrament is brought to the altar the priest bids the people pray and himself prays aloud. eingiag the "Pater Noster." As soon as the priest departs the altar is stripped. The sanctuary is empty, it's light is gone and no lamp burns in any part Of the church The naked cross standa alone to proclaim the mourning of the spouse for the crucifxion of her Lord.
 Holy Saturday for a thousand years. was devoted to prayer and fast ing, in Tatching-the spirit of the holy woneR at the sepulchre until the morning of the resurrection. The service of the mass that is now ob- served oR Saturday night, extending to the resurrection morning. The services are divided into two sec tions-the blessing and the mass.
 Easter services will be the efful- ent overwhelming and renewal after the resurrection. Easter will be the great feast day of the church, follow ing the holy weeks prayers and deYo- iioas