Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/298

278 raise this Presbyter to the charge of the archbishopric."

"Have you an apostolical mandate? "

"We have."

"Read it."

An assistant priest then read the mandate in a loud voice; upon which they all sat down, the consecrator saying "Thanks be to God!" Then Posada kneeling before him, took an oath upon the Bible, which the Bishop held, concluding with these words—"So may God help me, and these his holy gospels." Then all sitting down, and resuming their mitres, the examination of the future Archbishop took place. It was very long, and at its conclusion, Posada knelt before the presiding Bishop and kissed his hand. To this succeeded the confession, every one standing uncovered before the altar, which was then sprinkled with incense. Then followed the mass, chanted.

The assistant bishops then led out the Señor Posada to the chapel, where they put on his sandals, and where he assumed the pectoral cross, amice, surplice, &c.; and arriving at the altar, read the office of the mass. He was then conducted again before the consecrating Bishop, who was seated with his mitre, and after saluting him reverently, he sat down. Then the Bishop, addressing him, said: "It is the duty of the Bishop to judge, interpret, consecrate, ordain, offer, baptize and confirm."

All then rose, and the Bishop prayed that the newly-elected primate might receive the grace of heaven. All the bishops and priests then prostrated