With regard to the third question, it is well we should observe, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, that we are speaking of the De profundis which is said after Mass at the end of the absolution, when the clergy are proceeding to the sacristy. The Rubrics are clear as to when the De profundis is to be said at the end of Lauds: "Psalmus lauda anima mea in vesperis similiter et Psalmus De profundis in fine laudum non dicuntur in die commemorationis omnium fidelium defunctorum, neque in die obitus seu depositionis defuncti". We think that much the same answer is to be given about the De profundis at the end of the absolution, as was given above about the Anima ejus et animae omnium, etc. This opinion is held by the author above quoted, and it is only in case the corpse is present that the Ritual prescribes the De profundis. "Deinde a sepultura in ecclesiam vel in sacristiam revertentes dicant sine cantu antiphonam si iniquitates etc. cum Psalmo, De profundis, etc.", and there is a decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites which appears to confirm our views.
"Dec. 4543. Antiphona et Psalmus De profundis nec non versiculus animae eorum in die commemorationis omnium fidelium defunctorum post absolutionem ad tumulum sunt omittenda juxta. Decr. 2 Decembris, 1684".
"Die 28 Julii, 1832".
We must add that the practice in Rome is, even absente corpore, to say the De profundis, and hence our readers will perceive there is some difficulty in settling the question.
We wish, however, to state that, being pressed for time, we were not able to examine this question as fully as we would wish, and we hope soon to return to it; and if, in the mean time, any light were thrown on the subject by any of our learned readers who study such matters, we shall be very glad to receive any remarks or suggestions that may be forwarded to us.
CORRESPONDENCE.
To the Reverend Editors of the Irish Ecclesiastical Record.
Gentlemen,
May I beg you to insert in your widely-circulating journal the following list. It may be useful to the clergy for the information of youths, in whose higher education they take an interest, and especially now, when we may hope that to have studied under a Catholic system will no longer be an obstacle to advancement.