Page:Holyweek1891.djvu/37

Rh ''VI.—The Mass. ''

During the Litanies the candles upon the Altar have been lighted and the Altar ornamented. In the Mass there is no Introit, because all have been for a long time present. The Mass proceeds as usual with the exception of the organ which is not played until the celebrant intones the Gloria in Excelsis. Then organ and bells peal forth the joyous tidings of the Resurrection. The purple Altar veil is removed, the statues and pictures areun coveredare uncovered [sic]. After the Epistle, a subdeacon goes to the throne, and addressing the Bishop, says, "Holy Father, I announce to you great joy, that is "Alleluia," when the celebrant repeats thrice the joyful "Alleluia" each time with an increase of gladness; all grief and sorrow is at an end, the tract bids us praise the Lord. The Deacon sings a gospel containing the first announcement of the Resurrection, but the Creed is omitted since the Church would have us bear in mind that the apostles who were to preach to the world the mystery of the Resurrection had not yet honored it by their faith. There is no Offertory since on account of the lengthoflength of [sic] the services the usual offerings by the people of bread and wine for the sacrifice was omitted and consequently there was no need of a chant during that service. The kiss of peace is also omitted in this Mass because it was not until the evening of the day of His Resurrection that Jesus spoke these words to the disciples, and the church reserves them with the Agnus Dei for Easter. After the Communion, the office of Vespers is immediately begun, and consists of only one Psalm, followed by the magnificat. The Deacon turning to the people to dismiss them, adds a double Alleluia to the usual formula, to signify the joy of the Church at the Resurrection. The Mass concludes with the blessing of the celebrant and the Gospel of St. John.