(R. And with thy spirit.)
The priest first extends and then joins his hands, saying audibly Oremus; and ascending the altar, he says secretly:
Aufer a nobis, quæsumus, Domine, iniquitates nostras: ut ad sancta sanctorum puris mereamur mentibus introire. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
(Take away from us our iniquities, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be worthy to enter with pure minds into the Holy of holies. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.)
He then bows over the altar, and says:
Oramus te, Domine, per merita sanctorum tuorum, quorum reliquiæ hic sunt, et omnium sanctorum tuorum, ut indulgere digneris omnia peccata mea. Amen.
(We beseech Thee, O Lord, by the merits of Thy saints whose relics are here, and of all the saints, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to forgive me all my sins. Amen.)
At solemn High Mass the priest receives the censer from the deacon, and incenses the altar, and then returns it to the deacon, who incenses the priest only. Then the priest turns to the book and reads the Introit, which varies according to the seasons and feasts. The following Introit is from the Mass of the most Holy Trinity:
Benedicta sit sancta Trinitas, atque indivisa Unitas: confitebimur ei, quia fecit nobiscum misericordiam suam.
(Blessed be the Holy Trinity and undivided Unity: we will praise Him, because He has shown us His mercy.)