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 as far  as  may  be,  no  one  of  the  Faithful  be  laid  in. the grave  before  Holy  Mass  has  been  celebrated  for the well-being  of  his  soul. Very ancient,  too,  is  the usage of  repeating  the  funeral  Mass  on  the  third, seventh (formerly  the  ninth),  and  thirtieth  days  after the death  or  burial. We find  this  expressly  enjoined in the  primitive  laws  of  Church  discipline,  gathered together under  the  title  of  Constitutions  of  the  Holy Apostles.

A Mass  for  the  Dead  has  many  features  which  distinguish it  from  others. These are  in  part  reminiscences of  otherwise  obsolete  Liturgical  customs,  and are in  part  suggested  by  the  mournful  character  of the  Rite. Thus, incense  is  not  burned  at  the  Introit and at  the  Gospel,  the  Psalm,  Judica  me  Deus,  is omitted,  the  kiss  of  peace  is  not  given,  the  deacon chanting the  Gospel  is  not  accompanied  by  the  usual acolytes bearing  candles,  and  no  blessing  is  given.

ternal rest  give  to them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. Ps. A hymn. O God, becometh Thee in Sion; and a vow shall be paid to Thee in Jerusalem: O Lord, hear my prayer; all flesh shall come to Thee. Eternal rest.

O God the Creator and Redeemer of