Page:Holyweek1891.djvu/7

Rh of some capital offence. From the pervading thought of the justice and mercy of God during this holy season, these days were called the Reign of Christ.

Finally people during this Holy Week increased their almsgiving and other works of mercy.

4. Liturgy.—In the ceremonies of the Holy Week the Church keeps in view three objects: the Passion of her Lord, the final Preparation of Catechumens for Baptism, and the Reconciliation of Public sinners. Hence throughout the entire liturgy of this season we find the expression of the grief of the Church at the death of her Spouse. Everywhere are most touching allusions to the Passion. The Glory be to the Father is hushed on Passion Sunday: the vestments are expressive of her mourning save when on Maunday Thursday for a little while she allows white to be used to express her joy that her Lord has left her a memorial of Himself in the Blessed Sacrament. The crucifixes are veiled to signify the humiliation experienced by our Savior when forced, to hide from the Jews, to escape untimely death. (Gospel: Passion Sunday.) The images of Saints are likewise covered; because they should not be seen when the glory of the Master is eclipsed. The resources of art are exhausted in presenting a dramatic representation of the Lord's Passion during this week: for this her impressive Cathedrals were built with broad aisles and immense sanctuaries; at her altars are magnificent groupings of ministers clad in rich though sombre vestments, as though devised with the skill of a sculptor and the fine sense of coloring of a master painter; the music throughout is solemn, impressive, harmonious; in the chanting of the Passion, dramatic; plaintive in the Lamentations during Tenebrae; penitential