New Britain herald., 1930-04-18
|ROME OBSERVES l DEATH 0F CHRIST
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of Christ, and some precious relics. Pope AScendS Stairs

Pope AscendS Stairs
 Pope Plus TX ascended these stairs on Sept. 19, 1870. the day be- fore the Italian troops effected their entry into Rome and thereby ended the papacy's temporal power, which was not resumed until the creation of the Vatican City state by the Lateran treaties of last year,
 In every one of Rome's 400 churches the Good Friday mass of the pre- -sanctifed" was celebrated in the presence Of vast congrega- tions. In each the Host, consecrated the day before, Holy Thursday. was reverently borne from the altar of reposc" to the main altar, the choir chanting the 7th century hymn, "VexiIla Regis by Nenantius For tunatus. Its English title is, 'The Banners of the Cross Advance"
 Thereafter came the ceremony Of the Veneration of the cross. The yelled crucifiN was taken down from above each altar. and gradually un- covered. the clergy chanting the "Ecce Lignum Crucis." whose first line, translated, IS Behold the Wood of the Cross. on which hung tho salvation Of the world" The priests then removed their shoes in sign of reverence. knelt and bowed three times, and kissed the crucifiX. plac- cd on the altar steps. Thercupon the laity were permitted 10 approach and perform the same act of hom- age.
 Really Not Mass
 The mass or the day which fol- lowed really was not mass at all. but simply the communion of the particular Celebrant, using the pre- vlously consecratcd sacrament. The host was incensed. wine and water were poured into the chalice, and after the recital of the "Pater Nos ter" (Our Fathcr) and another prayer, the priest in each case took communion. The altar bells. whose tlnkling on other occasions an- nounces the more solemn features of the mass. were today replaced by wooden clappers. Almost im- mediatcly after the priest com munion, the service in every case terminated, and the sanctuaries were deserted.
 At St. John Lateran. cathedral of the Roman diocese, the celebrant was Cardinal Pomph. A beautiful cross-shaped rcliquary containing bits of the true cross, was employed for the veneration ceremony there. The services at St. Peters. over in the Vatican City, were conducted bv Cardinal Pacelh, Papal secretary Of state. In the afternoon the office of 'Tenebrae," with the "Lamenta- tions" and "Misercr." was chanted. and the blessing impartcd with relics of the cross. the centurion's lance. and the Holy Veil" of St. Veronica.
 Service This Evening
 Ihls evening the devotion 10 Maria Dcsolata' (Mary Desolate) will be practiced in practically all the churches. H begins after sum- set, and consists of sermon on the Bessed Virgins sorrows. the recital Of the rosary. and the singing Of the famous 'Stabat Mater" whose refrain translated, runs:
 Holy Mother, pierce mo through, In my heart each wound renew, Of my Saviour crucifcd."
 santa Maria Del Popolo, ttular church of Cardinal Mundelein of Chicago, and Santa Maria in Via, utular of Cardinal Hayes Of New orh, were among the many churches dedicated to the Virgin in which this ceremony will be ohscrv cd, accompanied by programs of sacred music.
 In accordance with long standing custom, all the thcaters and moving picture houses in Rome will be clos cd tonight, in sign Of mourning.