CHAP. V.
ON THE CEREMONIES OF GOOD-FRIDAY
CONTENTS.
Ancient ceremonies at Rome—Service in the Sixtine chapel—Passio—Sermon and indulgence—Prayers for all mankind—exposition of the cross; ancient crucifixes and crosses—adoration of the cross; its antiquity—Palestrina's improperii, Trisagion—chant of the hymn Pange lingua gloriosi lauream etc,—Procession of the B. Sacrament—Mass of the Presanctified, Vespers—Tenebræ—Veneration of the principal relics at S Peter's—Grounds of belief in the genuineness of relics—1. Relic of the cross—2. of the lance—3. Volto Santo—Reflections—Recapitulation.
"The principal object of the church in the office of this day is, that Jesus Christ crucified may be placed before our eyes, that touched with contrition at the sight, our souls may be so disposed, as to obtain the fruit of redemption" Bened. XIV, De Festis D.N.J.C. lib. 1. c. 7.
Ancient ceremonies.
On good Friday the Pope used formerly to go with the Cardinals and the other members of the court to the Oratory of S. Lorenzo called Sancta Sanctorum in the Lateran palace, where they venerated and kissed the relics of SS. Peter and Paul, as well as two crosses preserved there. One of these was then carried by a Cardinal Priest, and and the Host consecrated on the preceding day was borne by another Cardinal of the same order; the Pope, the Cardinals and all the others were bare-footed, and walked in procession reciting psalms to S. John Lateran's and thence to S. Croce, where the station was held and the ceremonies of the day were performed.[82]
Service in the Sixtine chapel.
Passio.
Sermon and indulgence.