Chapter the Fifth on Hearing Mass, During the Season of Lent

The Christian who enters into the spirit of the Church during this season of Lent, will find an increase in his soul of that holy fear of God, which the psalmist tells us is the beginning of wisdom. The remembrance of his sins, the practice of the holy penances of Lent, the example of a God expiating our sins by fasting in the desert, the Church's ceaseless prayer for her guilty children : all combine to arouse him from the indifference which so easily fastens on the soul. He has need, therefore, of some refuge, some powerful and saving help, which may re-enkindle within his heart that Christian hope, without which he cannot be in the grace of God. Nay, more : he has need of a victim of propitiation, which may appease the divine anger ; he has need of a sacrifice, whereby to stay the arm of God, which he knows is raised to punish his sins.

This Victim is ready ; this infinitely efficacious sacrifice is prepared for us. We shall soon have to celebrate the sad anniversary of His being offered upon the Cross : meanwhile, He is daily offered to the divine Majesty, and it is by assisting at this holy sacrifice that we shall be taking the most efficacious means for obtaining the regeneration of our souls. When, therefore, we would offer to our God the sacrifice of a contrite and humble heart, let us ensure its acceptance by going to the altar, and supplicating the Victim, who there offers Himself for our sake, that He join His infinite merits with our feeble works.

1 Ps. ex. 10.

LENT

When we leave the house of God, the weight of our sins will be lessened, our confidence in divine mercy will be increased, and our love, renewed by compunction, will be firmer and truer.

We will now endeavour to embody these sentiments in our explanation of the mysteries of the holy Mass, and initiate the faithful into these divine secrets ; not, indeed, by indiscreetly presuming to translate the sacred formulae, but by suggesting such acts as will enable those who hear Mass to enter into the ceremonies and the spirit of the Church and of the priest.

The purple vestments, and the penitential rites already explained, give to the holy sacrifice during Lent an air of sadness, which harmonizes with the mysteries of this season. But if, on the week-days, there occur a saint's feast, the Church keeps it, and laying aside her purple vestments, she celebrates the holy sacrifice in memory of the saint.

On the Sundays, if the Mass at which the faithful assist be the parochial, or, as it is often called, the public Mass, two solemn rites precede it, and they are full of instruction and blessing : the Asperges, or sprinkling of the holy water, and the procession.

During the Asperges, let us ask with David, whose words are used by the Church in this ceremony, that our souls may be purified by the hyssop of humility and become whiter than snow.

ANTIPHON OF THE ASPERGES

Asperges me, Doinine, Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssopo, et mundabor ; la- hyssop, 0 Lord, and I shall be vabis me, et super nivem cleansed ; thou shalt wash me dealbabor. and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Ps. Miserere mei, Deus, Ps. Have mercy on me, O secundum magnam miseri- God, according to thy great cordiam tuam. mercy.

V. Gloria Path, etc. V. Glory, etc.

ON HEARING MASS

Ant. Asperges me, etc.

V. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam.

R. Et salutare tuum da nobis.

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor mens ad te veniat.

V. Dominus vobiscum.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

OREMUS

Exaudi nos, Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, »terne Deus: et mittere digneris sanctum angelum tuum de ooelis, qui custodiat, foveat, protegat, visitet atque defendat omnes habitantes in hoc habitaculo. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

R. Amen.

The procession, which immediately precedes the Mass, shows us the ardour wherewith the Church advances towards her God. Let us imitate her fervour, for it is written : ' The Lord is good to them that hope in Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.'1

But see, Christians, the sacrifice begins ! The priest is at the foot of the altar ; God is attentive, the angels are in adoration, the whole Church is united with the priest, whose priesthood and action are those of the great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Let us make the sign of the cross with him.

Ant. Thou shalt sprinkle me, etc.

V. Show us, O Lord, thy mercy.

R. And grant us thy salvation.

V. 0 Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto thee.

V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit.

LET US PRAY

Graciously hear us, 0 holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God: and vouchsafe to send thy holy angel from heaven, who may keep, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all who are assembled in this place. Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

In nomine Patris, et Filii, In the name of the Father, et Spiritus sancti. Amen. and of the Son, and of the

Holy Ghost. Amen. V. Introibo ad altare Dei. I unite myself, O my God,

1 Lam. iii. 25.

LENT

R. Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam.

Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam meam de gente non sancta: ab homine iniquo et doloso erue me.

Quia tu es, Deus, fortitudo mea: quare me repulisti ? et quare tristis incedo, dum affligit me inimicus ?

Emitte lucem tuam et veritatem tuam : ipsa me deduxerunt et adduxerunt in montem sanctum tuum, et in tabernacula tua.

Et introibo ad altare Dei : ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam.

Confitebor tibi in cithara Deus, Deus meus: quare tristis es anima mea ? et quare conturbas me ?

Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi: salutare vultus mei, et Deus meus.

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui sancto.

Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

V. Introibo ad altare Dei.

R. Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam.

V. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.

R. Qui fecit coelum et terram. with thy Churoh, whose heart is filled with the hope of soon seeing, and in all the splendour of his Eesurrection, Jesus Christ thy Son, who is the true altar.

Like her, I beseech thee to defend me against the malice of the enemies of my salvation.

It is in thee that I have put my hope; yet do I feel sad and troubled at being in the midst of the snares which are set for me.

Send me, then, him who is light and truth : it is he that will open to us the way to thy holy mount, to thy heavenly tabernacle.

He is the Mediator, and the living altar ; I will draw nigh to him, and be filled with joy.

When he shall have come, I will sing in my gladness: Be not sad, 0 my soul ! Why wouldst thou be troubled ?

Hope in thy Jesus, who will soon show himself to thee as the conqueror of that death which he will have suffered in thy stead ; and thou wilt rise again together with him.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

I am to go to the altar of God, and feel the presence of him who desires to give me a new life !

This my hope comes not from any merits of my own, but from the all - powerful help of my Creator.

The thought of being about to appear before his God, excites in the soul of the priest a lively sentiment of compunction. He cannot go further in the holy sacrifice without confessing, and publicly, that he is a sinner, and deserves not the grace he is about to receive. Listen, with respect, to this confession of God's minister, and earnestly ask our Lord to show mercy to him ; for the priest is your father ; he is answerable for your salvation, for which he every day risks his own. When he has finished, unite with the servers, or the sacred ministers, in this prayer :

Misereatur tui omnipotens May almighty God have

Deus, et dimissis peccatis mercy on thee, and, forgiving tuis, perducat te ad vitam thy sins, bring thee to ever- seternam. lasting life.

The priest having answered Amen, make your confession, saying with a contrite spirit :

Confiteor Deo omnipotent, I confess to almighty God, beatse Mariae semper Virgini, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, beato Michaeli Archangelo, to blessed Michael the Arch- beato Joanni Baptists, san- angel, to blessed John the ctis apostolis Petro et Paulo, Baptist, to the holy apostles omnibus Sanctis, et tibi, Peter and Paul, to all the pater, quia peccavi nimis saints, and to thee, father, cogitatione, verbo, et opere: that I have sinned exceed- mea culpa, mea culpa, mea ingly in thought, word, and maxima culpa. Ideo precor deed; through my fault, beatam Mariam semper Vir- through my fault, through my ginem, beatum Miohaelem most grievous fault. There -

Archangelum, beatum Joan- fore I beseech blessed Mary nem Baptistam, sanctos ever Virgin, blessed Michael apostolos Petrum et Paul- the Archangel, blessed John um, omnes sanctos, et te, the Baptist, the holy apostles pater, orare pro me ad Domi- Peter and Paul, and all the nam Deum nostrum. saints, and thee, father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.

Receive with gratitude the paternal wish of the priest, who says to you :

Misereatur vestri omni- May almighty God be merpotens Deus, et dimissis ciful to you, and, forgiving

LENT peccatis vestris, perducat your sins, bring you to ever- vos ad vitam seternam. lasting life.

R. Amen. R. Amen.

Indulgentiam, absolutio- May the almighty and nem, et remissionem pecca- merciful Lord grant us par- torum nostrorum tribuat don, absolution, and remis- nobis omnipotens et miseri- sion of our sins, cors Dominus.

R. Amen. R. Amen.

Invoke the divine assistance, that you may approach to Jesus Christ.

F. Deus, tu conversus vivificabis nos.

R. Et plebs tua lsetabitur in te.

V. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam.

R. Et salutare tuum da nobis.

V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor mens ad te veniat.

V. 0 God, it needs but one look of thine to give us life.

R. And thy people shall rejoice in thee.

V. Show us, 0 Lord, thy mercy.

R. And give us to know and love the Saviour whom thou hast sent unto us.

V. 0 Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto thee.

The priest here leaves you to ascend to the altar ; but first he salutes you :

V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with you.

Answer him with reverence :

R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.

OEBMXJS LET US PRAY

He ascends the steps, and comes to the Holy of holies. Ask, both for him and yourself, deliverance from sin :

Aufer a nobis, quaesumus Domine, iniquitates nostras ; ut ad Sancta sanctorum puris mereamur mentibus introire. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

Take from our hearts, 0 Lord, all those sins, which make us unworthy to appear in thy presence ; we ask this of thee by thy divine Son, our Lord,

Googk

When the priest kisses the altar, out of reverence for the relics of the martyrs which are there, say:

Oramus te, Domine, per Generous soldiers of Jesus merita sanctorum tuorum, Christ, who have mingled quorum reliquiae hie sunt, et your own blood with his, in- omnium sanctorum : ut in- tercede for us that our sins dulgere digneris omnia pec- may be forgiven : that so we

If it be a High Mass at which you are assisting, the priest here blesses the incense, saying :

Ab illo benedicaris, in Mayst thou be blessed by oujus honore cremaberis. him in whose honour thou art

He then censes the altar in a most solemn manner. This white cloud, which you see ascending from every part of the altar, signifies the prayer of the Church who addresses herself to Jesus Christ ; while the divine mediator causes that prayer to ascend, united with His own, to the throne of the majesty of His Father.

The priest then says the Introit. It is a solemn opening-anthem, in which the Church, at the very commencement of the holy sacrifice, gives expression to the sentiments which fill her heart.

It is followed by # nine exclamations, which are even more earnest, for they ask for mercy. In addressing them to God, the Church unites herself with the nine choirs of angels, who are standing round the altar of heaven, one and the same as this before which you are kneeling. cata mea. Amen. may, like you, approach unto . God.

Amen. to be burned. Amen.

To the Father :

Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison. Kyrie eleison.

Lord, have mercy on us ! Lord, have mercy on us ! Lord, have mercy on us !

LENT

To the Son :

Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy on us !

Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy on us !

Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy on us !

To the Holy Ghost :

Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us !

Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us !

Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us !

As we have already mentioned, the Church abstains, during the season of Lent, from the heavenly hymn which the angels sang over the crib of the divine Babe. But, if she be keeping the feast of a saint, she recites this beautiful canticle on that day. The beginning of the Angelic Hymn seems more suitable for heavenly than for earthly voices ; but the second part is in no way out of keeping with the sinner's wants and fears, for we there remind the Son of the eternal Father that He is the Lamb who came down from heaven that He might take away the sins of the world. We beseech Him to have mercy on us, and receive our humble prayer. Let us foster these sentiments within us, for they are so appropriate to the present season.

THE ANGI

Gloria in exoelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonse voluntatis.

Laudamus te : benedicimus te : adoramus te : glorificamus te : gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam.

Domine Deus, Bex coelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.

Domine, Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe.

LIC HYMN

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will.

We praise thee: we bless thee: we adore thee: we glorify thee: we give thee thanks for thy great glory.

0 Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty.

0 Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son.

THE ORDINABY OF THE MASS

Domine Dens, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris.

Qui tollis peooata mundi, miserere nobis.

Qui tollis peccata mundi, susoipe deprecationem nostram.

Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.

Quoniam tu solus sanotus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus altissimus, Jesu Christe, cum sancto Spiritu, in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father.

Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Who takest away the sins of the world, receive our humble prayer.

Who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.

For thou alone art holy, thou alone art Lord, thou alone, O Jesus Christ, together with the Holy Ghost, art most high, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The priest then turns towards the people, and again salutes them, as it were to make sure of their pious attention to the sublime act, for which all this is but the preparation.

Then follows the Collect or Prayer, in which the Church formally expresses to the divine Majesty the special intentions she has in the Mass which is being celebrated. You may unite in this prayer, by reciting with the priest the Collects which you will find in their proper places : but on no account omit to join with the server of the Mass in answering Amen.

After this comes the Epistle, which is generally a portion of one or other of the Epistles of the apostles, or a passage from some Book of the old Testament. While it is being read, ask of God that you may profit by the instruction it cohveys.

The Gradual is an intermediate formula of prayer between the Epistle and Gospel. It again brings to us the sentiments already expressed in the Introit. Bead it with devotion, that so you may enter more and more into the spirit of the mystery proposed to you by the Church.

During every other portion of her year, the Church here repeats her joyous Alleluia ; but now she denies

LENT herself this demonstration of gladness, until such time as her divine Spouse has passed through that sea of bitterness, into which our sins have plunged Him. Instead of the Alleluia, then, she sings in a plaintive tone some verses from the Psalms, appropriate to the rest of that day's Office. This is the Tract, of which we have already spoken.

If it be a High Mass, the deacon, meanwhile, prepares to fulfil his noble office — that of announcing the good tidings of salvation. He prays God to cleanse his heart and lips. Then kneeling before the priest, he asks a blessing ; and, having received it, goes to the place where he is to sing the Gospel.

As a preparation for hearing it worthily, you may thus pray, together with both priest and deacon :

Munda cor meum, ac la- Alas ! these ears of mine are bia mea, omnipotens Dens, but too often denied with the qui labia Isaiae prophetae world's vain words: cleanse calculo mundasti ignito ; ita them, 0 Lord, that so I may me tua grata miseratione hear the words of eternal life, dignare mundare, ut san- and treasure them in my ctum Evangelium tuum di- heart. Through our Lord gne valeam nuntiare. Per Jesus Christ. Amen. Christum Dominium nostrum. Amen.

Dominus sit in corde mea, Grant to thy ministers thy et in labiis meis: ut digne grace, that they may faith- et competenter annuntiem fully explain thy law; that

Evangelium suum ; In no- so all, both pastors and flock, mine Patris, et Filii, et Spi- may be united to thee for ritus sancti. Amen. ever. Amen.

You will stand during the Gospel, as though you were awaiting the orders of your Lord ; and at the commencement make the sign of the cross on your forehead, lips, and breast ; and then listen to every word of the priest or deacon. Let your heart be ready and obedient. ' While my Beloved was speaking/ says the bride in the Canticle, ' my soul melted within me/1 If you have not such love as this, have 1 Cant. v. 6. by Google at least the humble submission of Samuel, and say : c Speak, Lord ! Thy servant heareth.'1

After the Gospel, if the priest says the Symbol of faith, the Credo, you will say it with him. Faith is that gift of God, without which we cannot please Him. It is faith that makes us see ' the light which shineth in darkness,' and which the darkness of unbelief did not comprehend. It is faith alone that teaches us what we are, whence we come, and the end for which we are made. It alone can point out to us the path whereby we may return to our God, when once we have separated ourselves from Him. Let us love this admirable faith, which, if we but make it fruitful by good works, will save us. Let us, then, say with the Catholic Church, our mother :

THE NICENE CREED

Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem coeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium.

Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum. Et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula, Deum de Deo, lumen de lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero. Genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri, per quern omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines, et propter nostram salutem, descendit de coelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu sancto, ex Maria Virgine; et homo

FACTUS EST. CrUCifixUS etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus, et sepultus est. Et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas. Et

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God. And born of the Father before all ages; God of God, light of light; true God of true God. Begotten, not made ; consubstantial with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven. And became incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary; and was made man. He was crucified also for us, under Pontius Pilate, suffered, and was buried. And the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.

1 1 Kings iii. 10.

Googk

LENT asoendit in ooelum ; sedet ad And ascended into heaven, dexteram Patris. Et iteram sitteth at the right hand of the venturos est cum gloria judi- Father. And he is to come care vivos et mortuos ; oujus again with glory, to judge the regni non erit finis. living and tne dead; of whose kingdom there shall be no end.

Et in Spiritum sanctum, And in the Holy Ghost,

Dominum et vivificantem, the Lord and giver of life, qui ex Patre Pilioque proce- who prooeedeth from the dit. Qui cum Patre et Filio Father and the Son. Who simul adoratur, et conglori- together with the Father and ficatur ; qui looutus est per the Son, is adored and glori- prophetas. Et unam san- fied ; who spoke by the pro- ctam Catholicam et apostoli- phets. And one holy Catho- cam Ecclesiam. Confiteor lie and apostolic Church. I unum Baptisma in remissio- confess one Baptism for the nem peccatorum. Et exspe- remission of sins. And I cto resurrectionem mortuo- expect the resurrection of the rum, et vitam venturi seeculi. dead, and the life of the world

Amen. to come. Amen.

The priest and the people should, by this time, have their hearts ready : it is time to prepare the offering itself. And here we come to the second part of the holy Mass ; it is called the Oblation, and immediately follows that which was named the Mass of Catechumens, on account of its being formerly the only part, at which the candidates for Baptism had a right to be present.

See, then, dear Christians, bread and wine are about to be offered to God, as being the noblest of inanimate creatures, since they are made for the nourishment of man ; and even that is only a poor material image of what they are destined to become in our Christian sacrifice. Their substance will soon give place to God Himself, and of themselves nothing will remain but the appearances. Happy creatures, thus to yield up their own being, that God may take its place ! We, too, are to undergo a like transformation, when, as the apostle expresses it, ' that which is mortal, will be swallowed up by life/1 Until that 1 2 Cor. v. 4. happy change shall be realized, let us offer ourselves to God, as often as we see the bread and wine presented to Him in the holy sacrifice ; and let us glorify Him, who, by assuming our human nature, has made us ' partakers of the divine nature.'1

The priest again turns to the people with the usual salutation, as though he would warn them to redouble their attention. Let us read the Offertory with him, and when he offers the Host to God, let us unite with him in saying :

All that we have, O Lord, comes from thee, and belongs to thee ; it is just, therefore, that we return it unto thee. But how wonderful art thou in the inventions of thy immense love ! This bread, which we are offering to thee, is to give place, in a few moments, to the sacred Body of Jesus. We beseech thee, receive, together with this oblation, our hearts which long to live by thee, and to cease to live their own life of self.

When the priest puts the wine into the chalice, and then mingles with it a drop of water, let your thoughts turn to the divine mystery of the Incarnation, which is the source of our hope and our salvation ; and say :

Suscipe, sancte Pater, omnipotens aeterne Deus, hanc immaoulatam hostiam, quam ego indignus famulus tuus offero tibi Deo meo vivo et vero, pro innumerabilibus peccatis et offensionibus et negligentiis meis, et pro omnibus ciroumstantibus, sed et pro omnibus fidelibus christianis vivis atque defunctis ; ut mihi et illis proficiat ad salutem in vitam ffiternam. Amen. human® substantias dignitatem mirabiliter condidisti, et mirabilius reformasti : da nobis per hujus aquae et vini mysterium, ejus divinitatis esse consortes, qui humanitatis nostrae fieri dignatus est

O Lord Jesus, who art the true Vine, and whose blood, like a generous wine, has been poured forth under the pressure of the cross ! thou hast deigned to unite thy divine nature to our weak humanity, which is signified

1 2 St. Peter L 4

LENT particeps, Jesus Christus by this drop of water. Oh,

Filius tuus Dominus noster : come and make us partakers qui tecum vivit et regnat of thy divinity, by showing in imitate Spiritus sancti thyself to us in thy sweet and

Deus, per omnia saacula wondrous visit, saeculorum. Amen.

The priest then offers the mixture of wine and water, beseeching God graciously to accept this oblation, which is so soon to be changed into the reality, of which it is now but the figure. Meanwhile, say, in union with the priest :

Offerimus tibi, Domine, Graciously accept these calicem salutaris, tuam de- gifts, 0 sovereign Creator of precantes clementiam : ut in all things. Let them be fitted conspectu divinae Majestatis for the divine transformation, tuae, pro nostra et totius which will make them, from mundi salute, cum odore being mere offerings of suavitatis ascendat. Amen, created things, the instrument of the world's salvation.

After having thus held up the sacred gifts towards heaven, the priest bows down ; let us, also, humble ourselves, and say :

In spiritu humilitatis, et Though daring, as we do, to in animo contrito susoipia- approach thy altar, 0 Lord, mur a te, Domine : et sic fiat we cannot forget that we are sacrificium nostrum in con- sinners. Have mercy on us, spectu tuo hodie, ut placeat and delay not to send us thy tibi, Domine Deus. Son, who is our saving Host.

Let us next invoke the Holy Ghost, whose operation is about to produce on the altar the presence of the Son of God, as it did in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, in* the divine mystery of the Incarnation :

Veni, Sanctificator, omnipotens seterne Deus, et benedic hoc sacrificium tuo sancto nomini praeparatum.

Come, O divine Spirit, make fruitful the offering which is upon the altar, and produce in our hearts him whom they desire.

If it be a High Mass, the priest, before proceeding further with the sacrifice, takes the thurible a second time, after blessing the incense in these words :

Through the intercession of blessed Michael the archangel, standing at the right hand of the altar of incense, and of all his elect, may our Lord deign to bless this incense, and to receive it for an odour of sweetness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Per intercessionem beati Michaelis archangeli, stantis a dextris altaris incensi, et omnium electorum suorum, incensum istud dignetur Dominus benedicere, et in odorem suavitatis accipere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

He then censes first the bread and wine, which have just been offered, and then the altar itself ; hereby inviting the faithful to make their prayer, which is signified by the fragrant incense, more and more fervent, the nearer the solemn moment approaches. St. John tells us that the incense he beheld burning on the altar in heaven is made up of the ' prayers of the saints ' ; let us take a share in those prayers, and with all the ardour of holy desires, let us say with the priest :

May this incense, blessed by thee, ascend to thee, 0 Lord, and may thy mercy descend upon us.

Let my prayer, 0 Lord, be directed like incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Set a watch, 0 Lord, before my mouth, and a door round about my lips; that my heart may not incline to evil words, to make excuses in sins.

Incensum istud, a te benedictum, ascendat ad te, Domine, et descendat super nos misericordia tua.

Dirigatur, Domine, oratio mea sicut incensum in conspectu tuo : elevatio manuum mearum sacrificium vespertinum. Pone, Domine, custodiam ori meo, et ostium circumstantiae labiis meis ; ut non declinet cor meum in verba malitiae, ad excusandas excusationes in peccatis.

Giving back the thurible to the deacon, the priest

May the Lord enkindle in us the fire of his love and the flame of eternal charity. Amen.

Accendat in nobis Dominus ignem sui amoris, et flammam seternae charitatis. Amen.

But the thought of his own unworthiness becomes more intense than ever in the heart of the priest. The public confession, which he made at the foot of the altar, is not enough ; he would now at the altar itself express to the people, in the language of a solemn rite, how far he knows himself to be from that spotless sanctity wherewith he should approach to God. He washes his hands. Our hands signify our works ; and the priest, though by his priesthood he bear the office of Jesus Christ, is, by his works, but man. Seeing your father thus humble himself, do you also make an act of humility, and say with him these verses of the Psalm. psalm 25

Lavabo inter innocentes I, too, would wash my manus meas: et circumdabo hands, 0 Lord, and become altare tuum, Domine. like unto those who are in-

Ut audiam vocem laudis ; nocent, that so I may be woret enarrem universa mira- thy to come near thy altar, bilia tua. and hear thy sacred canticles,

Domine, dilexi decorem and then go and proclaim to domus tuae, et locum habi- the world the wonders of thy tationis gloriae tuae. goodness. I love the beauty

Ne perdas cum impiis, of thy house, which thou art Deus, animam meam, et cum about to make the dwellingviris sanguinum vitam meam. place of thy glory. Leave me

In quorum manibus iniqui- not, 0 God, in the midst of tates sunt: dextera eorum them that are enemies both repleta est muneribus. to thee and me. Thy mercy

Ego autem in innocentia having separated me from mea ingressus sum: redime them, I entered on the path of me, et miserere mei. innocence and was restored to

Pes meus stetit in directo : thy grace ; but have pity on in ecclesiis benedicam te my weakness still; redeem Domine. me yet more, thou who hast

Gloria Patri, et Pilio, et so mercifully brought me Spiritui sancto. back to the right path. In

Sicut erat in principio the midst of these thy faithful et nunc, et semper, et in sae- people, I give thee thanks, cula saeculorum. Amen. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

The priest, taking encouragement from the act of humility he has just made, returns to the middle of the altar, and bows down full of respectful awe, begging of God to receive graciously the sacrifice which is about to be offered to Him, and expresses the intentions for which it is offered. Let us do the same.

Suscipe, sancta Trinitas, 0 hanc oblationem, quam tibi ofierimus ob memoriam Pasrememsionis, Resurrectionis, et brance Ascensionis Jesu Ohristi rection, Domini nostri : et in honorem beatae Maris semper Virginis, et beati Joannis Baptistae, et sanctorum apostolorum Petri et Pauli, et rum, et omnium sanetorum : ut illis proficiat ad honorem, nobis autem ad salutem: et illi pro nobis coelis, quorum memoriam agimus in terris. Per eum- crease dem Christum Dominum joying, nostrum. Amen. ers holy Trinity, graciously accept the sacrifice we have begun. We offer it in of the Passion, Resurand Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. Permit thy Church to join with this intention that of honouring the ever glorious Virgin Mary, the blessed Baptist is to John, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, the martyrs whose relics lie here under our altar awaiting their resurrection, intercedere dignentur in and the saints whose memory we this day celebrate. Inthe glory they are enand receive the praythey address to thee for us.

The priest again turns to the people ; it is for the last time before the sacred mysteries are accomplished. He feels anxious to excite the fervour of the people. Neither does the thought of his own unworthiness leave him ; and before entering the cloud with the Lord, he seeks support in the prayers of his brethren who are present. He says to them :

Orate, fratres : ut meum Brethren, pray that my sa- ac vestrum sacrificium ac- orifice, which is yours also, ceptabile fiat apud Deum may be acceptable to God,

Patrem omnipotentem. our almighty Father.

This request made, he turns again to the altar, and you will see his face no more, until our Lord Himself

74 LENT shall have come down from heaven upon that same altar. Assure the priest that he has your prayers, and say to him :

Suscipiat Dominus sacri- May our Lord accept this ficium de manibus tuis, ad sacrifice at thy hands, to the laudem et gloriam nominis praise and glory of his name, sui, ad utifitatem quoque and for our benefit and that nostram totiusque Ecclesiae of his holy Church through-

SU8B sanotaB. out the world.

Here the priest recites the prayers called the Secrets, in which he presents the petition of the whole Church for God's acceptance of the sacrifice, and then immediately begins to fulfil that great duty of religion — thanksgiving. So far he has adored God, and has sued for mercy ; he has still to give thanks for the blessings bestowed on us by the bounty of our heavenly Father, the chief of which, during this season, is the enabling us to satisfy His justice by our lenten mortifications. The priest, in the name of the Church, is about to give expression to the gratitude of all mankind. In order to excite the faithful to that intensity of gratitude which is due to God for all His gifts, he interrupts his own and their silent prayer by terminating it aloud saying :

Per omnia saecula sseculorum. For ever and ever.

In the same feeling, answer your Amen. Then he continues :

V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with you.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.

V. Sursum corda ! V. Lift up your hearts !

Let your response be sincere :

R. Habemus ad Domi- R. We have them fixed on num. God.

And when he adds :

V. Gratias agamus Do- V. Let us give thanks to mino Deo nostro. the Lord our God.

Answer him with all the earnestness of your soul : R. Dignum et justum est. E. It is meet and just.

Then the priest :

THE PREFACE

Vere dignum et justum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper et ubique gratias agere: Domine sanote, Pater omnipotens, seterne Deus. Qui corporali jejunio vitia comprimis, mentem elevas, virtutem largiris et praemia, per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quern majestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates ; Coeli coelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, socia exsultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti jubeas deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes :

It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, give thanks to thee, 0 holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God, who by this bodily fast extinguishes! our vices, elevatest our understanding, bestowest on us virtue and its rewards, through Christ our Lord. By whom the Angels praise thy majesty, the Dominations adore it, the Powers tremble before it; the Heavens and the heavenly Virtues, and the blessed Seraphim, with common jubilee, glorify it. Together with whom, we beseech thee that we may be admitted to join our humble voices, saying :

Here unite with the priest, who, on his part, unites himself with the blessed spirits, in giving thanks to God for the unspeakable gift ; bow down and say :

Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, Dominus Deus sabaoth !

Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua.

Hosanna in excelsis !

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.

Hosanna in excelsis !

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts !

Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.

Hosanna in the highest !

Blessed be the Saviour who is coming to us in the name of the Lord who sends him.

Hosanna be to him in the highest !

LENT

After these words commences the Canon, that mysterious prayer, in the midst of which heaven bows down to earth, and God descends unto us. The voice of the priest is no longer heard; yea, even at the altar all is silent. Let a profound respect stay all distractions, and keep our senses in submission to the soul. Let us respectfully fix our eyes on what the priest does in the holy place.

THE CANON OP THE MASS

In this mysterious colloquy with the great God of heaven and earth, the first prayer of the sacrificing priest is for the Catholic Church, his and our mother.

0 God, who manifestest thyself unto us by means of the mysteries which thou hast entrusted to thy holy Church, our mother; we beseech, thee, by the merits of this sacrifice, that thou wouldst remove all those hindrances which oppose her during her pilgrimage in this world. Give her peace and unity. Do thou thyself guide our holy Father the Pope, thy Vicar on earth. Direct thou our Bishop, who is our sacred link of unity ; and watch over all the orthodox children of the Catholic, apostolic, Roman Church.

Here pray, together with the priest, for those whose interests should be dearest to you.

Te igitur, clementissime Pater, per Jesum Christum Pilium tuum Dominum nostrum, supplices rogamus ac petimus, uti accepta habeas, et benedicas haec dona, h»c munera, haBC sancta sacrificia illibata; in primis quae tibi offerimus pro Ecclesia tua sancta Catholica ; quam pacificare, custodire, adunare, et regere digneris toto orbe terrarum, una cum famulo tuo Papa nostro N. et Antistite nostro N., et omnibus orthodoxis, atque catholic* et apostolic* fidei cultoribus.

Memento, Domine, famulorum, famularumque tuarum N. et N., et omnium circumstantium, quorum tibi fides cognita est, et nota devotio : pro quibus tibi offerimus, vel qui tibi offerunt

Permit me, 0 God, to intercede with thee for special blessings upon those for whom thou knowest that I have a special obligation to pray: * * * Apply to them the fruits of this divine sacri- hoc sacrificium laudis pro se suisque omnibus, pro redemptione animarum suarum, pro spe salutis et incolumitatis suae ; tibique reddunt vota sua aeterno Deo vivo et vero. fice, which is offered unto thee in the name of all mankind. Visit them by thy grace, pardon them their sins, grant them the blessings of this present life and of that which Is eternal.

Here let us commemorate the saints : they are that portion of the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is called the Church triumphant.

Communicantes, et memoriam venerantes, in primis gloriosae semper Virginia Mariae, Genitricis Dei et Domini nostri Jesu Christi: sed et beatorum apostolorum ao martyrum tuorum, Petri et Pauli, Andreae, Jacobi, Joannis, ThomaB, Jacobi, Philippi, Bartholomaei, Matthaei, Simonis et ThaddaBi: Lrini, Cleti, dementis, Xysti, Cornelii, Cypriani, Lauren tii, Chrysogoni, Joannis et Pauli, Cosmae et Damiani, et omnium sanctorum tuorum : quorum mentis precibusque concedas, ut in omnibus protectionis tuaB muniamur auxilio. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

The priest, who up to this time has been praying with his hands extended, now joins them, and holds them over the bread and wine, as the high priest of the old Law was wont to do over the figurative victim ; he thus expresses his intention of bringing these gifts more closely under the notice of the divine Majesty, and of marking them as the material offering whereby we express our dependence, and which, in a few instants, is to yield its place to the living Host, upon whom are laid all our iniquities.

But the offering of this sacrifice, 0 my God, does not unite us with those only of our brethren who are still in this transient life of trial : it brings us closer to those also, who are already in possession of heaven. Therefore it is, that we wish to honour, by it, the memory of the glorious and ever Virgin Mary, of whom Jesus was born to us ; of the apostles, confessors, virgins, and of all the saints ; that they may assist us, by their powerful intercession, to be worthy of this thy visit, and of contemplating thee, as they themselves now do, in the mansion of thy glory.

LENT

Vouchsafe, 0 God, to accept the offering, which this thine assembled family presents to thee as the homage of its most happy servitude. In return, give us peace, save us from thy wrath, and number us among thine elect, through him who is coming to us — thy Son, our Saviour !

Yea, Lord, this is the moment when this bread is to become his sacred Body, which is our food ; and this wine is to be changed into his Blood, which is our drink. Ah ! delay no longer, but bring us into the presence of this divine Son, our Saviour !

And here the priest ceases to act as man ; he now becomes more than a mere minister of the Church. His word becomes that of Jesus Christ, with its power and efficacy. Prostrate yourself in profound adoration ; for God Himself is about to descend upon our altar, coming down from heaven.

Hanc igitur oblationem servitutis nostra, sed et cunctse familise tuse, quaesumus, Domine, ut placatus accipias: diesque nostros in tua pace disponas, atque ab seterna damnatione nos eripi, et in electorum tuorum jubeas grege numerari. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Quam oblationem tu, Deus, in omnibus, quaesumus, benedictam, adscriptam, ratam, rationabilem, acceptabilemque facere digneris : ut nobis Corpus et Sanguis fiat dilectissimi Filii tui Domini nostri Jesu Christi.

Qui pridie quam pateretur, accepit panem, in sanctas ac venerabiles manus suas: et elevatis oculis in coelum, ad te Deum Patrem suum omnipotentem, tibi gratias agens, benedixit, f regit, deditque discipulis suis, dicens: Accipite, et manducate ex hoc omnes. Hoo est bnim Cobptts MBUM.

What, 0 God of heaven and earth, my Jesus, the long expected Messias ! what else can I do, at this solemn moment, but adore thee in silence, as my sovereign Master, and open to thee my whole heart, as to its dearest King ? Come then, 0 Lord Jesus, come !

The divine Lamb is now lying on our altar ! Glory and love be to Him for ever! But He has come that He may be immolated. Hence the priest, who is the minister of the designs of the Most High, immediately pronounces, over the chalice, those sacred words which will produce the great mystical immolation, by the separation of the Victim's Body and Blood. After these words, the substances of both bread and wine have ceased to exist ; the species alone are left, veiling, as it were, the Body and Blood of our Redeemer, lest fear should keep us from a mystery, which God gives us for the very purpose of infusing confidence into our hearts. While the priest is pronouncing those words, let us associate ourselves to the angels, who tremblingly gaze upon this deepest wonder.

Simili modo postquam ccenatum est, accipiens et hunc praeclarum calicem in sanctas ac venerabiles manus suas: item tibi gratias agens, benedixit, deditque discipulis suis dicens: Accipite et bibite ex eo omnes.

HlC EST ENIM CALIX SAN- GUINIS MEI, NOVI ET STER- NE TESTAMENT! : MYSTERITJM ITDEI : QUI PRO VORIS ET PRO MULTIS EPFUNDETUR IN REMISSIONEM PECOATORUM.

Haec quotiescumque feceritis, in mei memoriam f acietis.

The priest is now face to face with God. He again raises his hands towards heaven, and tells our heavenly Father that the oblation now on the altar is no longer an earthly material offering, but the Body and Blood, the whole Person, of His divine Son.

0 precious Blood, thou price of my salvation, I adore thee ! Wash away my sins, and make me whiter than snow. 0 Lamb ever slain, yet ever living, thou comest to take away the sins of the world ! Come, also, and reign in me by thy power, and by thy love.

Unde et memores, Domine, nos servi tui, sed et plebs tua sancta, ejusdem Christi filii tui Domini nostri tarn beatse Passionis, nec non et ab inferis Resurrectionis, sed et in coelos gloriosae Ascensionis : offeri-

Father of infinite holiness, the Host so long expected is here before thee. Behold this thine eternal Son, who suffered a bitter Passion, rose again with glory from the grave, and ascended triumphantly into heaven. He is

LENT mas pr®clar® Majestati tu® de tuis donis ac datis, Hostiam puram, Hostiam sanctam, Hostiam immaoulatam: Panem sanctum vitas ®tern®, et Calicem salutis perpetu®.

Supra quae propitio ac sereno vultu respicere digneris : et accepta habere, sicuti accepta habere dignatus es munera pueri tui justi Abel, et sacrificium patriarchae nostri Abrah®, et quod tibi obtulit summus saoerdos tuus Melchisedech, sanctum sacrificium, immaculatam hostiam. thy Son ; but he is also our Host, Host pure and spotless, our meat and drink of everlasting life.

Heretofore, thou acceptedst the sacrifice of the innocent lambs offered unto thee by Abel; and the sacrifice which Abraham made thee of his son Isaac, who, though immolated, yet lived ; and, lastly, the sacrifice which Melchisedech presented to thee, of bread and wine. Receive our sacrifice which surpasses all those others : it is the Lamb, of whom all others could be but figures ; it is the undying Victim ; it is the Body of thy Son, who is the Bread of hie, and his Blood, which, whilst a drink of immortality for us, is a tribute adequate to thy glory.

The priest bows down to the altar, and kisses it as the throne of love, on which is seated the Saviour of men.

Supplices te rogamus, omnipotens Deus, jube haec perferri per manus sancti angeli tui in sublime altare tuum, in conspectu divinse Majestatis tu® : ut quotquot ex hac altaris participatione, sacrosanctum Filii tui Corpus et Sanguinem sumpserimus, omni benedictione coelesti et gratia repleamur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

But, 0 God of infinite power, these sacred gifts are not only on this altar here below: they are, also, on that sublime altar in heaven, which is before the throne of thy divine Majesty. These two altars are one and the same, on which is accomplished the great mystery of thy glory and our salvation. Vouchsafe to make us partakers of the Body and Blood of the august 'Victim, from whom flow every grace and blessing.

Nor is the moment less favourable for making supplication for the Church suffering. Let us, therefore, ask the divine Liberator, who has come down among us, that He mercifully visit, by a ray of His consoling light, the dark abode of purgatory ; and permit His Blood to flow, as a stream of mercy's dew, from this our altar, and refresh the panting captives there. Let us pray expressly for those among them, who have a claim upon our su&ages.

Dear Jesus ! let the happiness of this thy visit extend to every portion of thy Church. Thy face gladdens the elect, in the holy city; even our mortal eyes can see thee beneath the veil of our delighted faith ; ah ! hide not thyself from those brethren of ours, who are imprisoned in the abode of expiation. Be thou refreshment to them in their flames, light in their darkness, and peace in their agonies of torment.

This duty of charity fulfilled, let us pray for ourselves, sinners, alas ! who profit so little by the visit which our Saviour pays us. Let us, together with the priest, strike our breast, saying :

Memento, etiam, Domine, famulorum famularumque tuarum N. et N., qui nos praecesserunt cum signo fidei, et dormiunt in somno pacis. Ipsis, Domine, et omnibus in Christo quiescentibus, locum refrigerii, lucis et pacis, ut indulgeas, deprecamur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Nobis quoque peccatoribus famulis tuis, de multitudine miserationum tuarum sperantibus, partem aliquam et societatem donare digneris cum tuis Sanctis apostolis et martyribus ; cum Joanne, Stephano, Mathia, Barnaba, Ignatio, Alexandre), Marcellino, Petro, Felicitate, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucia, Agnete, Caecifia, Anastasia, et omnibus

Alas ! we are poor sinners, 0 God of all sanctity, yet do we hope that thine infinite mercy will grant us to share thy kingdom ; not indeed, by reason of our works, which deserve little else than punishment, but because of the merits of this sacrifice, which we are offering unto thee. Remember, too, the merits of thy holy apostles, of thy holy martyrs, of thy holy virgins, 6

LENT

Sanctis tuis ; intra quorum and of all thy saints. Grant nos consortium, non aesti- us, by their intercession, mator meriti, sed veniae, grace in this world, and glory quaesumus, largitor admitte: eternal in the next: which per Christum Dominum we ask of thee, in the name of nostrum. Per quern haee our Lord Jesus Christ, thy omnia, Domine, semper Son. It is by him thou be- bona creas, sanctificas, vi- stowest upon us thy blessings vificas, benedicis, et praestas of life and sanctification ; nobis ; per ipsum, et cum and, by him also, with him, ipso, et in ipso, est tibi Deo and in him, in the unity of the

Patri omnipotenti, in uni- Holy Ghost, may honour and tate Spiritus sancti, omnis glory be to thee ! honor et gloria.

While saying the last of these words, the priest has taken up the sacred Host, which was upon the altar ; he has held it over the chalice : thus reuniting the Body and Blood of the divine Victim, in order to show that He is now immortal. Then raising up both chalice and Host, he offers to God the noblest and most perfect homage which the divine Majestycould receive.

This sublime and mysterious rite ends the Canon. The silence of the mysteries is interrupted. The priest concludes his long prayers, by saying aloud, and so giving the faithful the opportunity of expressing their desire that his supplications be granted :

Per omnia saecula saecu- For ever and ever, lorum.

Answer him with faith, and in a sentiment of union with your holy mother, the Church :

Amen. Amen ! I believe the mys- tery which has just been accomplished. I unite myself to the offering which has been made, and to the petitions of the Church.

It is now time to recite the prayer, taught us by our Saviour Himself. Let it ascend to heaven together with the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. How could it be otherwise than heard, when He Himself who made it for us, is in our very hands now while we say it ? As this prayer belongs in common to all God's children, the priest recites it aloud, and begins by inviting us all to join in it :

OREMUS LET US PRAY

Praeceptis salutaribus mo- Having been taught by a niti, et divina institutione saving precept, and following f ormati, audemus dicere : the form given us by divine instruction, we thus presume to speak :

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Pater noster, qui es in ccelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum: adveniat regnum tuum : fiat voluntas tua sicut in ccelo, et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie : et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris: et ne nos inducas in tentationem.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name : thy kingdom come : thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation.

Let us answer with a deep feeling of our misery :

Sed libera nos a malo. But deliver us from evil.

The priest falls once more into the silence of the holy mysteries. His first word is an affectionate Amen to your last petition — deliver us from evil — on which he forms his own next prayer : and could he pray for anything more needed ? Evil surrounds us everywhere ; and the Lamb on our altar has been sent to expiate it, and to deliver us from it.

Libera nos, quaesumus, Domine, ab omnibus malis, prseteritis, praesentibus et futuris: et intercedente bea-

How many, 0 Lord, are the evils which beset us ! Evils past, which are the wounds left on the soul by her sins,.

LENT and which strengthen her wicked propensities. Evils present, that is, the sins now, at this very time, upon our soul ; the weakness of this poor soul ; and the temptations which molest her. There are, also, future evils, that is, the chastisement which our sins deserve from the hand of thy justice. In presence of this Host of our salvation, we beseech thee, 0 Lord, to deliver us from all these evils, and to accept in our favour, the intercession of Mary the Mother of Jesus, of the holy apostles, Peter and Paul and Andrew: liberate us, break our chains, give us peace : through Jesus Christ, thy Son, who, with thee, liveth and reigneth God.

The priest is anxious to announce the peace, which he has asked and obtained ; he therefore finishes his prayer aloud, saying :

Per omnia ssecula sseoulo- World without end. rum.

B. Amen. B. Amen.

Then he says :

Pax Domini sit semper vo- May the peace of our Lord biscum. be ever with you.

To this paternal wish reply :

B. Et cum spiritu tuo. B. And with thy spirit.

The mystery is drawing to a close ; God is about to be united with man, and man with God, by means of Communion. But first, an imposing and sublime rite takes place at the altar. So far the priest has announced the death of Jesus ; it is time to proclaim His Resurrection. To this end, he reverently breaks ta et gloriosa semper Virgine Dei Genitrice Maria, cum beatis apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo, atque Andrea, et omnibus Sanctis, da propitius pacem in diebus nostris : ut ope misericordise tuae adjuti, et a peccato simus semper liberi, et ab omni perturbatione seouri. Per eumdem Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in imitate Spiritus sancti Deus. the sacred Host ; and having divided it into three parts, he puts one into the chalice, thus reuniting the Body and Blood of the immortal Victim. Do you adore, and say :

Haec commixtio et consecratio Corporis et Sanguinis Domini nostri Jesu Christi, fiat accipientibus nobis in cious vitam seternam. Amen.

Glory be to thee, 0 Saviour of the world, who didst, in thy Passion, permit thy pre- Blood to be separated from thy sacred Body, after- wards uniting them again together by thy divine power.

Offer now your prayer to the ever living Lamb, whom St. John saw, on the altar of heaven, standing though slain i say to this your Lord and King, who has taken upon Himself all our iniquities in order to wash them away by His Blood :

Agnus Dei, qui tollis pec- Lamb of God, who takes t cata mundi, miserere nobis. away the sins of the world have mercy on us ! Agnus Dei, qui tollis pec- Lamb of God, who takest cata mundi, miserere nobis. away the sins of the world,

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem. have mercy on us ! Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world give us peace !

Peace is the grand object of our Saviour's coming into the world : He is the Prince of peace. The divine Sacrament of the Eucharist ought therefore to be the mystery of peace, and the bond of Catholic unity ; for, as the apostle says, * all we who partake of one Bread, are all one bread and one body.'3 It is on this account that the priest, now that he is on the point of receiving, in Communion, the sacred Host, prays that fraternal peace may be preserved in the Church, and more especially in this portion of it which is assembled around the altar. Pray with him, and for the same blessing.

1 Apoc. v. 6. 2 Is. ix. 6. 3 1 Cor. x. 17.

LENT

Domine Jesu Christe, qui dixisti apostolis tuis : Pacem relinquo vobis : pacem meam do vobis: ne respicias peccata mea, sed fidem EcclesiaB tuae : eamque secundum voluntatem tuam pacificare et coadunare digneris. Qui vivis et regnas Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.

If it be a High Mass, the priest here gives the kiss of peace to the deacon, who gives it to the subdeacon, and he to the choir. During this ceremony, you should excite within yourself feelings of Christian charity, and pardon your enemies, if you have any. Then continue to pray with the priest :

Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst to thine apostles, ' my peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you regard not my sins, but the faith of thy Church, and grant her that peace and unity which is according to thy will. Who livest and reignest God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Domine Jesu Christe, Fili Dei vivi, qui ex voluntate Patris, cooperante Spiritu sancto, per mortem tuam mundum vivificasti : libera me per hoc sacrosanctum Corpus, et Sanguinem tuum, ab omnibus iniquitatibus meis, et universis malis, et fac me tuis semper inhaerere mandatis, et a te nunquam separari permittas. Qui cum eodem Deo Patre et Spiritu sancto vivis et regnas, Deus, in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who according to the will of the Father, through the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, hast, by thy death, given life to the world ; deliver me, by this thy most sacred Body and Blood, from all mine iniquities, and from all evils ; and make me always adhere to thy commandments, and never suffer me to be separated from thee, who with the same God the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.

If you are going to Communion at this Mass, say the following prayer ; otherwise prepare yourself for a spiritual Communion :

Perceptio Corporis tui, Domine Jesu Christe, quod ego indignus sumere praesumo, non mini proveniat in judicium et condemna-

Let not the participation of thy Body, 0 Lord Jesus Christ, which I, though unworthy, presume to receive, turn to my judgment and tionem: sed pro tua pietate condemnation; but through prosit mini ad tutamentum thy mercy, may it be a sate- mentis et corporis, et ad guard and remedy, both to medelam percipiendam. Qui my soul and body. Who vivis et regnas cum Deo with God the Father, in the

Patre, in imitate Spiritus unity of the Holy Ghost, sancti, Deus, per omnia sae- livest and reignest God, for

When the priest takes the Host into his hands, in order to receive it in Communion, say :

Panem ccelestem accipiam, Come, my dear Jesus, et nomen Domini invocabo. come !

When he strikes his breast, confessing his unworthiness, say thrice with him these words, and in the same disposition as the centurion of the Gospel, who first used them :

Domine, non sum dignus Lord, I am not worthy that ut intres sub tectum meum : thou shouldst enter under my sed tantum die verbo, et roof; say it only with one

Whilst the priest is receiving the sacred Host, if you also are to communicate, profoundly adore your God, who is ready to take up His abode within you ; and again say to Him with the bride : ' Come, Lord Jesus, come !'

But should you not intend to receive sacramentally, make here a spiritual Communion. Adore Jesus Christ, who thus visits your soul by His grace, and say to Him :

Corpus Domini nostri Jesu I Christi "custodiat animam meam in vitam aeternam. give thee, 0 Jesus, this heart of mine, that thou mayst dwell in it, and do Amen. with me what thou wilt.

Then the priest takes the chalice, in thanksgiving, and says :

Quid retribuam Domino What return shall I make pro omnibus qu» retribuit to the Lord for all he hath cula sseculorum. Amen. ever and ever. Amen. sanabitur anima mea. word of thine, and my soul shall be healed.

LENT mihi ? Calicem salutaris accipiam, et nomen Domini invocabo. Laudans invocabo Dominum, et ab inimicia meis salvus ero. given to me ? I will take the chalice of salvation, and will call upon the name of the Lord. Praising, I will call upon the Lord, and I shall be saved from mine enemies.

But if you are to make a sacramental Communion, you should, at this moment of the priest's receiving the precious Blood, again adore the God who is coming to you, and keep to your prayer : ' Come, Lord Jesus, come !'

If, on the contrary, you are going to communicate only spiritually, again adore your divine Master, and say to Him :

Sanguis Domini nostri Jesu I Christi custodiat animam meam in vitam seternam. unite myself to thee, my beloved Jesus ! do thou unite thyself to me and never let Amen. us be separated*

It is here that you must approach to the altar, if you are going to Communion. The dispositions suitable for holy Communion, during this season of Lent, are given in the next chapter.

The Communion being finished, while the priest is purifying the chalice the first time, say :

Quod ore sumpsimus, pura mente capiamus ; et de munere temporali fiat nobis remedium sempiternum.

Do- Thou hast visited me, O mine, God, in these days of my pilgrimage : give me grace to treasure up the fruits of this visit, and to make it tell upon my eternity.

While the priest is purifying the chalice the second time, say :

Corpus tuum Domine, quod sumpsi, et Sanguis quern potavi, adhaereat visceribus meis : et praesta ut in me non remaneat scelerum macula quern pura et sancta refecerunt Sacramenta. Qui vi-

Be thou for ever blessed, 0 my Saviour, for having admitted me to the sacred mystery of thy Body and Blood. May my heart and senses preserve, by thy grace, the purity which thou hast imparted to vis et regnas in ssecula saecu- them ; and may I be thus lorum. Amen. rendered less unworthy of thy divine visit.

The priest, having read the antiphon called the Communion, which is the first part of his thanksgiving for the favour just received from God, whereby He has renewed His divine presence among us, turns to the people with the usual salutation ; after which he recites the prayers, called the Postcommunion, which are the completion of the thanksgiving. You will join him here also, thanking God for the unspeakable gift He has just lavished on you, and asking Him, with most earnest entreaty, that He will bestow upon you a lasting spirit of compunction.

These prayers having been recited, the priest again turns to the people, and full of joy for the immense favour he and they have been receiving, he says :

Dominus vobiscum. The Lord be with you.

Answer him :

R. Et cum spiritu tuo. B. And with thy spirit.

The deacon, or (if it be not a High Mass) the priest himself, then says :

V. Benedicamus Domino. V. Let us bless the Lord.

If it be neither a Sunday, nor a feria of Lent, he says as usual :

V. Ite, Missa est. V. Go, the Mass is finished.

R. Deo gratias. R. Thanks be to God.

The priest makes a last prayer before giving you his blessing ; pray with him :

Placeat tibi, sancta Trini- Eternal thanks be to thee, tas, obsequium servitutis 0 adorable Trinity, for the mese, et praesta ut sacrifi- mercy thou hast shown to me, cium, quod oculis tuse ma- in permitting me to assist at jestatis indignus obtuli, tibi this divine sacrifice. Pardon

LENT sit et me omnibus, pro quibus illud ness obtuli, sit, te miserante, pro- ceived pitiabile. Per Christum minum nostrum. Amen. acceptable, mihique, the negligence and coldwherewith I have reso great a favour, and Do- deign to confirm the blessing, which thy minister is about to give me in thy name.

The priest raises his hand, and thus blesses you :

Benedicat vos omnipotens May the almighty God,

Deus, Pater, et Filius, et Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

Spiritus sanctus. bless you !

R. Amen. R. Amen.

He then concludes the Mass, by reading the first fourteen verses of the Gospel according to St. John, which tell us of the eternity of the Word, and of the mercy which led Him to take upon Himself our flesh and to dwell among us. Pray that you may be of the number of those, who, now that He has come unto His own, receive Him, and are made the sons of God.

V. Dominus vobiscum. V. The Lord be with you.

R. Et cum spiritu tuo. R. And with thy spirit.

THE LAST GOSPEL

Initium sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem.

Cap. i. In principio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum, et Deus erat Verbum. Hoc erat in principio apud Deum. Omnia per ipsum facta sunt ; et sine ipso factum est nihil. Quod factum est, in ipso vita erat, et vita erat lux hominum: et lux in tenebris lucet, et tenebrsB earn non comprehenderunt. Puithomo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Joannes. Hie venit in testimonium, ut testimonium per-

The beginning of the holy Gospel according to John.

Ch. i.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men ; and the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. hiberet de famine, ut omnes crederent per ilium. Non erat ille lux, sed ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine. Erat lux vera, quae illuminat omnem hominem venientem in hunc mundum. In mundo erat, et mundus per ipsum factus est, et mundus eum non cognovit. In propria venit, et sui eum non receperunt. Quotquot autem receperunt eum, dedit eis po testa tern filios Dei fieri, his qui credunt in nomine ejus; qui non ex sanguinibus, neque ex voluntate carnis, neque ex voluntate viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt. Et Vbbbum cabo factum bst, et habitavit in nobis: et vidimus gloriam ejus, gloriam quasi Unigeniti a Patre, plenum gratise et veritatis.

R. Deo gratias.

This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them he gave power to be made the sons of God; to them that believe in his name, who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Wobd was made flesh, and dwelt among us ; and we saw his glory, as it were the glory of the Only-Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

R. Thanks be to God.