Easter Sunday I Afternoon

We may form some idea of their feelings, from the conversation of two who have been spending a part of the day with them, and who themselves were disciples of Jesus. This very evening while returning to Emmaus, they thus express their disappointment: 'We hoped that Jesus would have redeemed Isreal: and now besides all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. Tea, and certain women also of our company affrighted us; who, before it was light, were at the sepulchre; and not finding His Body, came, saying that they had also seen a vision of Angels, who say that He is alive. And some of our people went to the sepulchre, and found it so as the women had said ; but Him they found not.' 1 How strange, that the resurrection of whioh Jesus had so often spoken to them, even in the presence of the Jews, does not recur to their minds ! They are still carnal-minded men, and the awful fact of His death stifles within them every idea of that new birth, whioh our bodies are to receive in the tomb.

But our risen Jesus must now show Himself to these men, who are to preach His divinity to the furthest ends of the world. So far, His manifestations have been made to satisfy His affection for His blessed Mother, and His infinite love for those souls, that had done all in their power to testify their gratitude towards Him. It is now time for Him to provide for His own glory ; at least so it would seem to us. But no ; having rewarded those that love Him, He would now show the generosity of His Heart; and then, after this, proclaim His triumph. The apostolic college, of which every member fled at the hour of danger, has seen its very head so forgetful of his duty as to deny his divine Master. But, from the moment when Jesus cast upon His disoiple a look of 1 St. Luke, juriy. 21-24. reproaoh and pardon, Peter has done nothing but shed bitter tears over his fall. Jesus would now oonsole the humble penitent ; tell him, with His own lips, that He has pardoned him ; and confirm, by this mark of His divine predileotion, the sublime prerogatives, that He so reoently conferred upon him in the presenoe of all the other Apostles. As yet, Peter doubts of the resurrection; Magdalene's testimony has not convinoed him ; but now, that his offended Master is about to appear to him, his faith will acknowledge the grand mystery.

We have already heard the Angel sending Jesus' message by the three women : * Go/ said he, * tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee/ 1 Why this express mention of Peter, but that he may know, that although he has denied Jesus, Jesus has not denied him P Why is he not, on this occasion, mentioned before the others, except to spare him the humiliation of the contrast between his high position and the unworthy conduct he has shown P But this special mention of his name tells him that he is still dear to Jesus, and that he will soon have an opportunity of expiating his sin, by expressing his regret and repentance at the very feet of his ever loving, and now glorified, Master. Yes, Peter is tardy in believing ; but his conversion is sinoere, and Jesus would reward it.

Suddenly, then, in the course of this afternoon, the Apostle sees standing before him that divine Master, whom, three days previously, he had beheld bound and led away by the servants of Caiphas. This J esus is now resplendent with light ; he is the oonqueror, the glorious Messias : and yet, what most affeots the Apostle, is the ineffable goodness of this his Lord, who comes to oonsole him, rather than to show him the splendours of His resurrection. Who could i St. Mark, xyi. 7.

EASTER SUNDAY: AFTERNOON describe the interview between the penitent and his offended Master ; the sorrow of Peter, now that he finds himself treated with suoh generosity ; the loving pardon which comes from Jesus' lips, and fills the Apostle's heart with Paschal joy P Blessed be Thy name, 0 Jesus ! who thus raisest up from his fall him whom Thou art to leave us for our chief pastor and father, when Thou asoendest into heaven !

It is, indeed, just that we adore the infinite mercy whioh dwells in the Heart of our risen Jesus, and which he shows with the same profusion and power, as during His mortal life: but let us also admire how, by this visit, He continues in St. Peter the mystery of the unity of the Church, — a mystery which is to be perpetuated in this Apostle and his successors. At the Last Supper, Jesus spoke these words to him, in the presence of the other Apostles : ' I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not : and thou, being once oonverted, oonfirm thy brethren.' 1 The time is now come for establishing Peter in this faith which is never to fail: Jesus gives it to him. He Himself instructs Peter : He makes him the foundation of His Church. In a few hours hence, He will manifest Himself to the other Apostles; but Peter will be present with his brethren. Thus, if Peter reoeive favours not granted to the rest, they never receive any but he has a share in them. It is their duty to believe on Peter's word : they do so. On Peter's testimony, they believe in the Resurrection, and proclaim it to others, as we shall soon see. Jesus is to appear likewise to them, for He loves them; He calls them His brethren ; He has chosen them to be the preachers of His name throughout the world: but He will find them already instructed in the faith of His resurrection, because they have believed Peter's testimony; and Peter's testimony has effeoted

1 St. Luke, xxii. 32.

THIS U in them the mystery of that unity, whioh he will effeot in the Church to the end of time.

Jesus' apparition to the prince of the Apostles rests on the authority of St. Luke's Gospel 1 and St. Paul's first Epistle to the Corinthians. 2 It is the fourth of those that took place on the day of the resurrection.

THE EASTER VESPERS The Evening-Office, called on that aooount Vespers, has brought an immense concourse of the faithful to the church. "We continue our description of to-day's Servioes as they were formerly oelebrated, in order that our readers may the more fully enter into the spirit of the Feast. The solemn administration of Baptism having ceased to form an essential part of the Easter funotions, the anoient rites which had referenoe to it, and especially those used during the Vespers, have fallen almost universally into disuse. We will endeavour to give an idea of them, by blending the ancient ceremonies with those that are now in use, and whioh, in most places, are the same as those of other solemnities throughout the year. It was not so eight hundred years ago.

The bishop vested in his pontifical robes, and accompanied by all the clergy, went to what we should now oall the rood-screen, whioh was richly deoorated, and on which stood the cruoifix. Here the cantors intoned the Kyrie eleison, which was repeated nine times. Immediately after this, began the Vespers. The Antiphons of the Psalms were not the same as those we now sing, and which are taken from the Lauds. Of course, we only give the latter.

Ant. Angelus autem Do- Ant. And the Angel of the mini descendit de coelo, et Lord descended from heaven; accedens revolvit lapidem, and going to the stone, rolled

1 St. Luke, xxiy. 34. 2 1. Cor. xy. 5. eastbb sttndat: vespers ei sedebat super earn, luia, alleluia.

Alle- it back, and sat on it. Alleluia, alleluia.

Psalm 109

Dixit Dominus Domino meo: Sede a dextris meis.

Donee ponam inimicos tuos: scabellum pedum tuorum.

Virgam virtutis tuas emittet Dominus ex Sion: dominare in medio inimicorum tuorum.

Tecum principium in die virtutis tu» in splendoribus sanctorum: ex utero ante luciferum genui te.

Juravit Dominus, et non poenitebit eum: Tu es sacerdos in sBternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech.

Dominus a dextris tuis: confregit in die irae suae reges.

Judicabit in nationibus, implebit ruinas: conquassabit capita in terra multorum.

De torrente in via bibet: propterea exaltabit caput.

Ant. Angelus autem Domini descendit de coelo, et accedens revolvit lapidem,

The Lord said to my Lord, his son: Sit thou at my right hand, and reign with me.

Until on the day of thy last coming, I make thy enemies thy footstool.

0 Christ! the Lord thy Father, will send forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion: from thence rule thou in the midst of thy enemies.

With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength, in the brightness of the saints: For the Father hath said to thee: From the womb before the day-star I begot thee.

The Lord hath sworn, and he will not repent: he hath said, speaking of thee, the God- Man: Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech.

Iherefore, 0 Father, the Lord thy Son is at thy right hand: he hath broken kings in the day of his wrath.

He shall also judge among nations: in that terrible coming, he shall fill the ruins of the world: he shall crush the heads in the land of many.

He shall drink, in the way, of the torrent of sufferings: therefore, shall he lift up the head, on the day of his triumph over death.

Ant. And the Angel of the Lord descended from heaven; and going to the stone, rolled

PASCHAL TIMB at sedebat super earn. Alleluia, alleluia.

Ant. Et ecce terrsemotus factus est magnus: Angelus enim Domini descendit de coelo, alleluia. it back, and sat on it. Alleluia, alleluia.

Ant. And behold! there was a great earthquake: for an Angel of the Lord came down from heaven, alleluia.

Psalm 110

Gonfitebor tibi, Domine, in to to corde meo: in consilio justorum et congregatione.

Magna opera Domini: exquisita in omnes voluntates ejus.

Conf essio et magnificentia opus ejus: et justitia ejus manet in ssaculum seeculi.

Memoriam fecit mirabilium suorum, misericors et miserator Dominus: escam dedit timentibus se.

Memor erit in s®culum testamenti sui: virtutem operum suorum annuntiabit populo suo.

Ut det illis hereditatom Gentium: opera manuum ejus Veritas et judicium.

Fidelia omnia mandata ejus, confirmata in sseculum seeculi: facta in veritate et sequitate.

Redemptionem misit populo suo: mandavit in aeternum testamentum suum.

Sanctum et terribile nomen ejus: initium sapientiae timor Domini.

Intellectus bonus omnibus

I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: in the counsel of the just, and in the congregation.

Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all his wills.

His work is praise and magnificence: and his justice continueth for ever and ever.

He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord: he hath given food to them that fear him.

He will be mindful for ever of his covenant with men: he will show forth to his people the power of his works.

That he may give them, his Church, the inheritance of the Gentiles: the works of his hand are truth and judgment.

All his commandments are faithful, confirmed for ever and ever: made in truth and equity.

He hath sent redemption to his people; he hath thereby commanded his covenant for ever.

Holy and terrible is his name: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

A good understanding to all

• Digitized by facientibus eum: laudatio ejus manet in saeculum saeculi.

Ant. Et ecce terraemotus f actus est magnus: Angelus enim Domini descendit de coelo, alleluia.

Ant. Erat autem aspectus ejus sicut fulgur, vestimenta autem ejus sicut nix. Alleluia, alleluia. that do it: his praise continueth for ever and ever.

Ant. And behold! there was a great earthquake: for an Angel of the Lord came down from heaven, alleluia.

Ant. And his countenance was as lightning, and his raiment was as snow. Alleluia, alleluia.

Psalm 111

Beatus vir, qui timet Dominum: in mandatis ejus volet nimis.

Potens in terra erit semen ejus: generatio rectorum benedicetur.

Gloria, et divitiae in domo ejus: et justitia ejus manet in saeculum saeculi.

Exortum est in tenebris lumen rectis: misericors, et miserator, et justus.

Jucundus homo, qui miseretur et commodat, disponet sermones suos in judicio: quia in aeternum non commovebitur.

In memoria aeterna erit justus: ab auditione mala non timebit.

Paratum cor ejus sperare in Domino, confirmatum est cor ejus: non commovebitur donee despiciat inimicos suos.

Dispersit, dedit pauperibus, justitia ejus manet in •aeculum saeculi; cornu ejus

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord: he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments.

His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.

Glory and wealth shall be in his house: and his justice remaineth for ever and ever.

To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness: he is merciful, and compassionate, and just.

Acceptable is the man that showeth mercy and lendeth; he shall order his words with judgment: because he shall not be moved for ever.

The just shall be in everlasting remembrance: he shall not fear the evil hearing.

His heart is ready to hope in the Lord; his heart is strengthened; he shall not be moved until he look over his enemies.

He hath distributed, he hath given to the poor; his justice remaineth for ever and exaltabitur in gloria. ever: his horn shall be exalted in glory.

Peccator videbit, etirasce- The wicked shall see, and tur, dentibus suis fremet et shall be angry; he shall gnash tabescet: desiderium pec- with his teeth, and pine away:

Ant. Erat autem aspectus Ant. And his countenance ejus sicut fulgur, vestimenta was as lightning, and his raiantem ejus sicut nix. AJle- ment was as snow. Alleluia,

After haying sung these three Psalms, the Offioe of Vespers was interrupted, and the faithful exulted in the expectation of the sublime oeremony whioh was now to be performed. They remembered what holy emotions filled their souls when they were neophytes, and shared in the triumph that was now preparing for the newly baptized of this Easter. Meanwhile, the cantors sang the Alleluia, whioh had so gladdened all hearts, this morning, at the Mass.

Alleluia. Pascha nostrum Alleluia. Christ, our Pasch immolatus est Christus. is sacrificed. Alleluia. Alleluia.

The Canticle Magnificat was then ohanted ; after which, the bishop sang the Collect of the Feast. Immediately after this, the neophytes were taken in procession to the font, from whose saored waters they had risen, last night, as Christ from His tomb ; they came forth, cleansed from their sins, yea, radiant with light and immortality. By this visit to the scene of their happy deliveranoe, the Church wished to impress them with a life-long appreciation of the graces they had received at their Baptism, and of the resemblanoe they then contracted with their risen Lord, who 'dieth now no more/

The Paschal Candle was taken from its marble column, and carried at the head of the procession. Now, as well as during last night's procession to the catorum peribit. the desire of the wicked shall perish. luia, alleluia. alleluia. baptistery it represented the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites amidst the Egyptian darkness. Closely after it followed a deaoon, in a white dalmatio, oarrying the silver phial of holy ohrism, by whose anointing the neophytes had, but a few hours since, received the Holy Ghost with his seven wondrous Gifts. Next came the cross, and seven aoolytes oarrying seven torches, symbolical of the heavenly vision described in the Apocalypse. 1 The sacred ministers and priests advanced under the guidanoe of the holy standard: and after them, the bishop, his face beaming with the heavenly joy wherewith these two great mysteries had filled his soul, — the triumphant Resurrection of Christ, and the fecundity of holy Church. Immediately after the Pontiff, came the neophytes, walking two and two, and attracting all eyes by their reoolleoted demeanour and the beauty of their white robes. The rest of the faithful closed the procession, during which was sung the following Antiphon :

Ant. In die resurrectionis Ant. In the day of my meae T dicit Dominus, alle- resurrection, saith the Lord, luia: congregabo gentes, et alleluia: I will assemble the colligam regna, et effundam Gentiles, and will gather the super vos aquam mundam. kingdoms, and will pour out

Alleluia, alleluia. upon you a clean water. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Antiphon was followed by the fourth psalm of Vespers, which magnifies the name of the Lord, and celebrates the Joys of that mother, to whom our Lord has given so many children.

Ant. Prse timore autem ejus exterriti sunt custodes, et facti sunt velut mortui, alleluia,

Ant. The guards were terrified with fear of him, and became as men struck dead, alleluia.

Psalm 112

Laudate pueri Dominum: laudate nomen Domini.

Sit nomen Domini benedictum: ex hoe nunc et usque in sfficulum.

A solis ortu usque ad occasum: laudabile nomen Domini.

Excelsus super omnesgentes Dominus: et super coelos gloria ejus.

Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster qui in altis habitat: et humilia respicit in coelo et in terra?

Suscitans a terra inopem: et de stercore erigens pauperem.

Ut collocet eum cum principibus: cum principibus populi sui.

Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo: matrem filiorum lae tan tern.

Ant. Prae timore autem ejus exterriti sunt custodes, et facti sunt velut mortui, alleluia.

Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord.

Blessed be the name of the Lord, from henceforth, now, and for ever.

From the rising of the sun, unto the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.

The Lord is high above all nations; and his glory above the heavens.

Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high: and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?

Raising up the needy from the earth, lifting up the poor out of the dunghill.

That he may place him with princes: with the princes of his people.

Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children.

Ant. The guards were terrified with fear of him, and became as men struck dead, alleluia.

Meanwhile, the procession advanced down the nave, descended the steps of the portico, and traversed the space between the oathedral and the baptistery. People, clergy, and pontiff, all entered beneath the spacious dome. In the centre, surrounded by a balustrade, was the font, reflecting in its crystal waters the rays of the evening sun. The neophytes were placed immediately round the balustrade ? and were permitted to fix their delighted gage

EASTER 8T7NDAY! VESPERS on that sacred element, which had cleansed them from all their sins.

As' soon as the Psalm Laudate was finished, the hishop left the platform, where he had been sitting ; and taking the thurible in his hand, he walked round the font, covering with clouds of incense the water he had so solemnly blessed on the previous night, and to which he was indebted for the happy increase of all these children, newly born to grace. When he had returned to his throne, two cantors sang this verse: f. Apud te, Domine, est f. With thee, O Lord, is the fons vitae, alleluia. fountain of life, alleluia.

To whioh all answered :

Et in lumine tuo vi- R?. And in thy light we debimus lumen, alleluia. shall see light, alleluia.

Then the bishop :

OREMUS. LET US PRAY.

Praesta quaesumus, omnipotens Deus, ut qui Resurrectionis Dominic© solemnia colimus, ereptionis nostras suscipere laetitiam mereamur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Grant, we beseech thee, 0 almighty God, that we, who celebrate the solemnity of our Lord's resurrection, may deserve to receive the joy of our deliverance. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

After this Prayer, the following Antiphon was sung, in which is celebrated the salvation given to man by water.

Ant. Vidi aquam egre- Ant. I saw water flowing dientem de templo a latere from the right side of the dextro, alleluia: et omnes, temple, alleluia: and all to ad quos pervenit aqua ista, whom that water came were salvi facti sunt, et dicent: saved, and they shall say:

Alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Antiphon was followed by the fifth Psalm of gunday's Vespers, which oelebrfttes Israel's deliverance from Egypt hj passing through the waters of the Red Sea, and his journey towards the Promised Land. The prooession then left the haptistery to return to the oathedral.

Ant. Respondens autem Angelus dixit mulieribus: Nolite timere : scio enim quod Jesum quaeritis, alleluia.

Ant. And the Angel answering, said to the women: Fear not: for I know that ye seek Jesus, alleluia.

Psalm 113

In exitu Israel de ^Egypto: domus Jacob de populo barbaro.

Facta est Judaea santificatio ejus: Israel potestas ejus.

Mare vidit, et fugit: Jordanis conversus est retror- ■um.

Montes exsultaverunt ut arietes: et colles sicut agni ovium.

Quid est tibi, mare, quod fugisti: et tu, Jordanis, quia con versus es retrorsum?

Montes exsultastis sicut arietes: et colles sicut agni ovium?

A facie Domini mota est terra: a facie Dei Jacob.

Qui convertit petram in stagna aquarum: et rupem in f ontes aquarum.

Non nobis, Domine, non nobis: Bed nomini tuo da gloriam.

Super misericordia tua, et veritate tua : nequando dicant Gentes: Ubi est Deus eorum?

Peus astern poster in

When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a barbarous people.

Judea was made his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

The sea saw and fled; Jordan was turned back.

The mountains skipped like rams: and the hills like the lambs of the flock.

What aileth thee, O thou sea, that thou didst flee: and thou, O Jordan, that thou wast turned back?

Ye mountains that ye skipped like rams: and ye hills like lambs of the flock?

At the presence of the Lord the earth was moved, at the presence of the God of Jacob.

Who turned the rock into pools of water, and the stony hills into fountains of waters.

. Not to us, O Lord, not to us: but to thy name give glory.

For thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake: lest the Gentiles should say : Where is their God ?

But our God is in heaven: coelo: omnia quaecumque voluit, fecit.

Simulacra Gentium argentum et aurum: opera manuum hominum.

Os habent, et non loquentur: oculos habent, et non videbunt.

Aures habent, et non audient: nares habent, et non odorabunt.

Manus habent, et non palpabunt, pedes habent, et non ambulabunt: non clamabunt in gutture suo.

Similes illis fiant qui faciunt ea: et omnes qui confidunt in eis.

Domus Israel speravit in Domino: adjutor eorum, et protector eorum est.

Domus Aaron speravit in Domino: adjutor eorum, et protector eorum est.

Qui timent Dominum, speraverunt in Domino: adjutor eorum, et protector eorum est.

Dominus memor fuit nostri: et benedixit nobis.

Benedixit domui Israel: benedixit domui Aaron.

Benedixit omnibus qui timent Dominum: pusillis cum majoribus.

Adjiciat Dominus super vos: super vos, et super filios vestros.

Benedicti vos a Domino: qui fecit caelum et terrain.

Ccelum coeli Domino: terrain autem dedit filiis bominum. he hath done all things whatsoever he would.

The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold: the works of the hands of men.

They have mouths, and speak not: they have eyes, and see not. .

They have ears, and hear not: they have noses, and smell not.

They have hands, and feel not: they have feet, and walk not: neither shall they cry out through their throat.

Let them that make them become like unto them: and all such as trust in them.

The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector.

The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector.

They that feared the Lord have hoped in the Lord: he is their helper and their protector.

The Lord hath been mindful of us, and hath blessed us.

He hath blessed the house of Israel : he hath blessed the house of Aaron.

He hath blessed all that fear the Lord, both little and great.

May the Lord add blessings upon you: upon you, and upon your children.

Blessed be you of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

The heaven of heaven is the Lord's: but the earth he has given to the children of wen,

Non mortui laudabunt te, The dead shall not praise

Domine: neqne omnes qui thee, O Lord: nor any of them descendant in infernum. that go down to hell.

Bed nos qui vivimus, bene- But we that live bless the dicimus Domino: ex hoc nunc Lord : from this time now and et usque in saeculum. for ever.

Ant. Respondens autem Ant. And the Angel answer-

Angelus dixit mulieribus: ing, said to the women: Fear

Nolitetimere;scioenimquod not: for I know that ye seek

Jesum qu»ritis, alleluia. Jesus, alleluia.

While singing this psalm, which offers so many allusions to the favours received by the neophytes, the prooession had reached the porch of the cathedral. Entering the holy place, it passed up the nave, as far as the rood-soreen. There, the neophytes arranged themselves, and the following prayer was sung in honour of Him who had saved them by His Cross and tomb. f. Dicite in nationibus, t. Say ye among the Genalleluia, tiles, alleluia.

I$r. Quia Dominus regna- ty. That the Lord hath reignvit a ligno, alleluia. ed from the Wood, alleluia.

The bishop then addressed this prayer to God:

OREMUS LET US PRAY

Prsesta quaBsumus, omni- Grant we beseech thee, O potens Deus, ut qui gra- almighty God, that we, who tiam Dominicae Resurrectio- acknowledge the grace of our nis agnovimus, ipsi per amo- Lord's Resurrection, may rise rem Sancti Spiritus a morte from the death of the soul, by animne resurgamus. Per the love that cometh of the eumdem Christum Domi- Holy Ghost. Through the num nostrum. Amen. same Christ our Lord. Amen.

It was thus, in the first eight centuries of the Churoh, that the Easter Vespers oonoluded; and, with a few slight variations here and there, such was the ceremony observed. In some churches the Magnificat was sung twice, in others thrice, and even four times, The essential rite of these Vespers was

EASTER SUNDAY : VE8PER8 the procession to the baptistery, during which were sung the Antiphons we have given, and the Psalms Laudate, pueri, and In exitu. We will now resume the Office of Vespers, at which we are assisting.

The five usual Psalms being finished, there is sung the solemn Antiphon, which the Church repeats in all the canonical Hours of this Feast.

Haec dies quam fecit Do- This is the day which the minus: exsultemus et laete- Lord hath made: let us be glad mur in ea. and rejoice therein.

It is followed by the Canticle of our blessed Lady, which forms an essential part of the Evening-Office ; and while it is being sung, the celebrant solemnly censes the altar.

Ant. Etrespicientes, vide- Ant. And looking, they saw runt revolutum lapidem ab the stone rolled away from the ostio monumenti: erat quip- door of the sepulchre ; for it pe magnus valde, alleluia. was very large, alleluia. our lady's CANTICLE

(St. Luke, i.)

Magnificat : anima mea Dominum:

Et exsultavit spiritus mens: in Deo salutari meo.

Quia respexit humilitatem ancillse su»: ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes.

Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est: et sanctum nomen ejus.

Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies: timentibus eum.

Fecit potentiamin brachio suo: dispersit superbos mente cordis sui.

My soul doth magnify the Lord;

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid : for, behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is his name.

And his mercy is from generation unto generation, to them that fear him.

He hath showed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their hearts.

Deposuit potentes de sede: et exaltavit humiles.

EBurientes implevit bonis: et divites dimisit inanes.

Suscepit Israel puerum suum: recordatus misericordi» sues.

Sicut locutufl est ad patres nostros: Abraham et Bernini ejus in saecula.

Ant. Etrespicientes, viderunt revolutum lapidem ab ostio monumenti: erat quippe magnus valde, alleluia.

OREMUS

Dens, qui hodierna die per Unigenitum tuum, aeternitatis nobis aditum, devicta morte, reserasti: vota nostra, quae praeveniendo aspiras, etiam adjuvando prosequere. Per eumdem.

Benedicamus Domino. Alleluia, alleluia.

Deo gratias. Alleluia, alleluia.

He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble.

He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy.

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

Ant. And looking, they saw the stone rolled away from the door of the sepulchre; for it was very large, alleluia.

LET US PRAY

O God, who, on this day, by thy only-begotten Son's victory over death, didst open for us a passage to eternity: grant that our prayers, which thy preventing grace inspireth, may by thy help become effectual. Through the same, &c.

Let us bless the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.

Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

During the Benediction of the most blessed Sacrament, the following joyous oanticle is sung in some churohes.

THE JOYFUL CANTICLE

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

O filii et filiae, Rex coelestis, Rex gloria^ Morte surrexit hodie.

Alleluia. Et Maria Magdalene, Et Jacobi et Salome,

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

O ye young men and maidens! on this day, the King of heaven, the King of glory, rose from the dead.

Alleluia.

And Mary Magdalene, and Mary (mother of James), and

Digitize

Venerunt corpus ungere.

Alleluia. A Magdalena moniti, Ad ostium monumenti Duo currant discipuli. Alleluia. Sed Joannes Apostolus Cucurrit Petro citius, Ad 8epulchrum venit prius. Alleluia. In albis sedens Angelus, Respondit mulieribus, Quia surrexit Dominus. Alleluia. Discipulis astantibus, In medio stetit Christus, Dicens: Pax vobis omnibus.

Alleluia. Postquam audivit Didymus,

Quia surrexerat Jesus, Bemansit fide dubius. Alleluia. Vide, Thoma, vide latus, Vide pedes, vide manus; Noli esse iucredulus. Alleluia. Quando Thomas Christi latus,

Pedes vidit atque manus, Dixit: Tu es Deus meus. Alleluia. Beati qui non viderunt, Et firmiter crediderunt: Vitam aeternam habebunt.

Alleluia. In hoc f esto sanctissimo Sit laus et jubilatio: Benedicamus Domino.

Alleluia.

Salome, went that they might anoint the body. Alleluia.

Having been told by Magdalene, two of the disciples ran to the door of the sepulchre.

Alleluia.

But the Apostle John outran Peter, and was the first at the sepulchre.

Alleluia.

An Angel clad in white, was sitting there, and said to the women that the Lord was risen.

Alleluia.

As the disciples were standing together, Christ stood in their midst, and said: Peace be to you all!

Alleluia.

Didymus, having heard that Jesus had risen, was incredulous.

Alleluia.

See, Thomas, see my side, see my feet, see my hands 1 Be not incredulous!

Alleluia.

As soon as Thomas saw Jesus' side and feet and hands, he said: Thou art my God.

Alleluia.

Blessed are they that have not seen, and have firmly believed! They shall have eternal life.

Alleluia.

Let us sing hymns of praise and joy on this most holy Feast! Let us bless the Lord I

Alleluia.

De quibui not humilli- Let ui give to God our

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

EVENING

The day of Jesus' Resurrection is fast drawing to its olose. It is the day honoured by God with the greatest of all miracles ; it is the most important day that has ever dawned upon the world since light was first created; but the nigbt will soon be upon us, shadowing the brightness of the great day. Four times has our Redeemer appeared. He would now manifest Himself to all His Apostles, and thus enable them to know by their own experience what thejr have, a few hours sinoe, learned from Peter's testimony. But, leaving for a few moments longer, these men whom He honours with the name of brethren, and who now believe in His Resurrection, He would first oonsole two hearts that are grieving on His account, though their grief comes from their want of faith.

Two men are traversing the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, slowly and sadly. They are evidently suffering from some cruel disappointment ; nay, they give one the idea that a motive of fear impels them to leave the oity. They were disoiples of Jesus ; but the ignominious and violent death of this Master, in whom they had such confidence, has filled their hearts with bitter despondency. They are ashamed of having joined themselves with one who is not what they took Him to be. They hid themselves after His execution ; but the report having been spread of His sepulohre having been broken into, and the Body taken away, they resolve to seek a safer refuge. Jesus' enemies have great power, and are doubtless busy taking proceedings against those who have dared mas,

Devotas atque debitas Deo dicamus gratia*. Alleluia. most humble, devout and due thanks, for all these his favours.

Alleluia.

EASTER SUNDAY! EVENING to break the seal of the sepulchre. Perhaps all that have had any connection with this Jesus will be arraigned before the publio tribunal.

While they are thus conferring with each other on the sad events of the last few days, a stranger over* takes them and walks with them. It is Jesus ; but so absorbed are they in their own sorrow, that they do not recognize Him. The same happens to us, when we give way to feelings of human grief: we lose sight of that God who comes to oheer us by His presenoe along the path of our exile. Jesus asks these two men the cause of their sadness. They tell Him with all simplicity, and this King of glory, who has, this very day, triumphed over death, deigns to enter into a long conversation with them, and explain to them, as they walk along, the scriptural propheoies concerning the humiliations, the death, and the glory of the Messias. The two wayfarers are delighted with His words. As they afterwards say to each other, their hearts burn within them as the stranger goes on telling them these grand truths. Jesus feigns to bid them farewell, but they will not hear of it : 1 Stay with us/ they say to Him, 4 for the evening cometh on, and the day is far spent ! 1 They take Him into their house at Emmaus, oonstrain Him to sit down to table with them, and yet, strange to say, they have not an idea who this heavenly instructor is, who has solved all their doubts with suoh persuasive wisdom and eloquence ! Do not we resemble these two disciples, when we allow ourselves to be influenced by human thoughts and feelings P Jesus is near us, He speaks to us, He instruots us, He consoles us ; and yet, oftentimes, it is long before we recognize Him !

At length, Jesus makes Himself known to our two incredulous disciples. They have placed Him at the 1 St. Luke, xxiv. 29.

FABCB. TIM*. I. O

PASOHAL Tin head of the table ; it is for Him to break the bread. He takes it into His divine bands, as He did at tbe Last Sapper ; and no sooner bas He divided tbe bread, and given them their portion, than their eyes are opened, and they reoognize their guest as Jesus, tbe risen J esus. They would throw themselves at His feet, — but He has disappeared, leaving them mute with surprise, and yet transported with exoeeding joy. It is the fifth apparition. It is described by St. Luke, and forms the Gospel of tomorrow's Mass.

The two disoiples cannot wait ; though so late in the evening, they must hurry back to Jerusalem, and tell the Apostles that their Master is living, that they have seen Him, and talked with Him. They therefore leave Emmaus, where they thought to pass the night, and are soon back in the city thev had tremblingly fled from. They are soon with the Apostles ; but they find them already aware of the glad tidings, and fervent in their faith of the Resurrection. Before they have time to open their lips, the Apostles exclaim : ' The Lord hath truly risen, and hath appeared unto Simon ! ' 1 The two disoiples then relate what has just happened to themselves.

Suoh is the conversation of the Apostles, — men now unknown, but whose names are, in a short time henoe, to be published and loved throughout the whole universe. The doors of the house where the little flock is assembled, are kept carefully closed, for they are afraid of being discovered. The soldiers, who had kept watch at the sepulchre, went early this morning to the chief priests, and told them what had happened. They were, hereupon, bribed to perjure themselves, and say that, while they were asleep, the disciples of Jesus came and took away the Body. The Jewish authorities hereby hoped to screen themselves from confusion ; but suoh a plot

1 St. Luke, xxiv. 34.

EASTER StJNDAY : EVENING was likely to excite the people's indignation against the Apostles, and these thought it neoessary to take precautions. Ten of them are now together in the house ; for Thomas, who was present when the two disciples oame in from Emmaus, has taken the opportunity, afforded by the darkness of the hour, to go forth into the oity.

The Apostles, then, are speaking to one another of the great events of this day, when lo ! Jesus stands before them, and yet the door has not been opened. That well-known voioe.and figure and face ! — oh yes. it is Jesus! He speaks to them with an accent of tenderest love, and says : * Peace be to you ! 9 1 What can they say? This sudden and mysterious visit robs them of self-possession. They have no idea yet of the qualities of a glorified body; and, though firmly believing in the mystery of their Lord's Resurrection, they are not quite sure that what they now behold is not a phantom. Jesus knows this. During the whole day, He seems to have been more anxious to show His love than to proolaim His glory ; and therefore, He permits them to touch Him ; yea, in order to convince them of the reality of His divine Body, He asks them to give Him to eat, and He eats in their presence. This loving familiarity of their Master makes them weep with joy, and when Thomas returns to them, they express their delight in these simple words : * We have seen the Lord ! 2 It is the sixth apparition of Jesus on the day of His Resurrect tion. It is related in the Gospel of St. John, and is

Be Thou blessed and glorified, 0 conqueror of of death ! for that, on this day, Thou didst six times appear to Thy creatures, so to content Thy love, and confirm our faith in Thy Resurrection I Be Thou

1 St. John, xx. 19.

3 Ibid. xx. 25. blessed and glorified for having consoled Thy afflicted Mother by Thy dear presence and caresses ! Be Thou blessed and glorified for having, with a single word of Thine, brought joy to Magdalene's heart ! Se Thou blessed and glorified for having gladdened the holy women, and permitted them to kiss Thy sacred feet ! Be Thou blessed and glorified for having with Thine own lips given Peter the assuranoe of his pardon, and for having confirmed in him the gifts of the primaoy, by revealing to him, before all others, the fundamental dogma of faith ! Be Thou blessed and denoe of the two disciples of Emmaus, by revealing Thyself to them ! Be Thou blessed and glorified for having visited Thine Apostles, and removed all their doubts by Thy loving condescension ! And lastly, O Jesus ! be Thou blessed and glorified for that, on this day, Thou hast so mercifully given us, by Thv holy Church, to share in the joy of Thy holy Mother, of Magdalene and her companions, of Peter, of the disciples of Emmaus, and of Thine Apostles! This year's Easter is as full of reality and life and joy, yea, and of Thyself, as was that whereon 'Thou didst rise from the grave. All times and seasons belong to Thee: and as the material world has ever been supported by Thy power, so the spiritual world lives by Thy mysteries. Praise, then, and honour, and benediction be to Thee, 0 Jesus! for Thy Resurreotion, whioh makes this day the grandest and gladdest of the year !

Let us to-day celebrate the first of the six days of creation, namely the Sunday, when light was made at the sovereign bidding of the word of God. This Word is the uncreated light of the Father, and He began His work of creation bjr calling into existence this material image of His own drooping oonfi-

EASTER SUNDAY: EVENING brightness. He Himself calls the just, children of light; and sinners children of darkness. "When He took flesh and showed Himself to men, He said to them : lam the light of the world : he that followeth me, walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life'. 1 And lastly, — to show us that there exists a sacred harmony between the two orders of nature and grace, — He rose from the gloomy sepulchre on that same day whereon He had created the visible light, the most preoious of material blessings.

The Gothic Churoh of Spain thus expresses, in the following beautiful prayer of her breviary, the gratitude felt by man for the twofold favour granted to us, by the Creator, on this ever blessed day.

CAPITULA

Deus, cujus unum hunc ex omnibus duximus diem, in quo creatis rebus omnibus voluisti esse et praesentis lucis indicem, et aeterni luminis testem, ut in eo exsurgeret illuminatio temporum, atque resurgeret illuminatio animarum: quique Dominicse et operationis primus, et resurrectionis idoneus revolutus in circulo, et redactus in calculo. Paschalis solemnitatis inciperet mysterium, et concluderet sacramentum; respice in hoc tempore acceptabili, et in hac die salutis super servos tuos, Domine, quos redemisti de captivitate nequitiae spirituali trophaeo Dominicae passionis: quos Agni tui sanguine tinctos, ne vastator lsederet, libera-

O God, to whom we owe this the first of days, whereon thou wouldst manifest to all created things both the visible light, and Him who is the witness of eternal light, that on this one same day there might rise the light of the seasons and the light of souls: which day, being the first of our Lord's creation, and (by a heavenly calculated revolution) the one chosen as fittest for his Resurrection, both begins and ends the mystery of the Paschal solemnity: mercifully, O Lord, (for now is the acceptable time, the day of salvation,) mercifully look upon thy servants, whom thou hast redeemed from the spiritual bondage of sin by the victory of our Lord's Passion. Look upon them whom thou hast freed from the destroying

I St. John, viii. 12.

PASCHAL TM1 aU; eeto nobis prasvius In aolitudine vitas hujus, quo et in die oalorem tentationia nostra quasi nubes protegena obumbree, et in nocte a tenebris peocatorum noa qnaai oolumna ignia inlumines: ut, dnm adea ad salutem, perducas ad reqniaxa.

Angel, by sprinkling them with the Blood of thy Lamb. Be unto us our guide in the wilderness of this life; that during the day, thou mayest be to us a cloud protecting and shadowing us from the heat of temptation; and, during the night, a pillar of fire, enlightening us amidst the darkness of sin. Here save us, that so thou mayst lead us to our rest.

We would fain close this glorious solemnity by delighting our readers with selections from the various Liturgies in honour of our risen Jesus; but we have already exceeded our usual limits, though we have only said what was necessary to explain the Offices. We therefore reserve these liturgioal riches for the days of our Octave, contenting ourselves, for to-day with a few stanzas from the hymn used by the Greek Church in her morning Office for Easter Sunday.

HYMN

(In Dominica Resurrectionis.)

Dies est Resurrectionis: splendeacamus populi. Pascha Donuni, Pascha: etenim ex morte ad vitam, atque ex terra ad caelum Christus Deus deduxit nos, triumphale carmen canentes.

Sensus emundemus, et Christum inaccesso lumine resurrectionis fulgentem videbimus, et Salvete dicentem perspicue audiemus, triumphale carmen canentes,

It is the Resurrection day; let us be radiant with joy, O ye people! It is the Pasch of the Lord, the Passover: for Christ our God has led us, singing our song of triumph, from death to life and from earth to heaven.

Let us purify our senses, and we shall see Christ refulgent in the inaccessible light of his Resurrection. We, singing our song of triumph, shall hear him saying to us; 'AH hailf

EASTER Sunday: evening

Coeli digne lsetentur, terraque glorietur: festum solemniter agat mundus, visibilis totus et invisibilis; surrexit enim Christus, laetitia seterna.

Yenite, potum in quo corroboramur bibamus novum, non ex inf oecunda rupe mirabiliter eductum; etimmortalitatis fontem ex Christi sepulchro manentem.

Omnia lumine nunc repleta sunt, coelum, terra et inferni; solemniter igitur agat omnia creatura Christi resurrectionem in qua firmatur.

Heri tecum, Christe, sepeliebar; hodie tecum resurgente surgo: heri crucifigebar tecum; tu me conglorifica, Salvator, in regno tuo.

Deiparens David coram adumbrante area subsiliebat saltans; nos vero, populus Dei sanctificatus, figurarum exitum videntes in afflatu divino gaudeamus, quia surrexit Christus tanquam omnipotens.

Yalde mane eamus, et pro myrrha hymnum offeramus Domino; et Christum videbimus, justitiee solem, vitam cunctis renascentem.

Infinitam misericordiam tuam aspicientes illi quos alligabant inferni vincula,

Let the heavens worthily rejoice, and let earth be in her glory. Let the whole world, visible and invisible, solemnize the Feast; for Christ, the eternal joy, hath risen.

Come, let us receive the new drink, which strengthens us; it has not been miraculously drawn from a barren rock, but is a fount of immortality, flowing from the sepulchre of Christ.

All things, heaven, earth, and what is beneath the earth, all are now filled with light; let every creature therefore, solemnize Christ's Resurrection, whereby all are strengthened.

Yesterday, O Jesus! I was buried together with thee; to-day, I rise with thee. Yesterday, I was crucified with thee; do thou, my Saviour, give me to share with thee in the glory of thy kingdom.

David, the ancestor of Christ our God, danced before the figurative Ark; but we the holy people of God, we who witness the fulfilment of the figures, must rejoice in the divine spirit that is within us, for Christ has risen, as the omnipotent One.

Let us go at dawn of day, and offer to our Lord the myrrh of our hymns: we shall see Him rise who is the Sun of justice, and gives life to all creatures.

They, whom the fetters of limbo kept bound, saw thy infinite mercy, 0 Jesus! and, ad luoem lsrto pede prope- with a joyful step, hastened to rarunt, Ghrifte, Paaohati meet the light, thai celebrating plaudentes aeterno. the eternal Paech.

Adeamoi lampadarii ad Let us, with lamps in our

Christum, ex sepulchro pro- hands, go forth to meet Christ, gredientem tanquam spon- coming forth, as a Bridegroom, sum; et in festivis agmini- from his sepulchre. Let us, in bus Pascha Dei salutare con- festive groups, celebrate to- celebremus. gether the saving Pasch of God.