the Chrism on twelve crosses, which are to attest to succeeding ages the glory of God's house.
The third of the holy oils is the Oil of Catechumens, which is of apostolic institution, and is used in the ceremonies of Baptism, for the anointing of the breast and shoulders. It is also used for anointing a priest's hands in ordination, and for the coronation of a king or queen. These oils being therefore so important, are consecrated with the greatest solemnity. On no occasion does the Church use so much pomp and splendor as in this blessing. Twelve priests assist as witnesses and co-operators of the Holy Chrism Seven deacons and seven sub-deacons assist to carry the oils and to guard them. In the Cathedral of New York a special set of magnificent vestments is used on this day. The vestments are of the richest silk, beautifully and artistically embroidered by hand, each chasuble and dalmatic and tunic bearing a different device, skillfully wrought, the designs being in complete harmony, from the mitre of the archbishop through all the pieces of the pontifical vestments down to the maniple of the last sub-deacon. This magnificent set of vestments is the gift to the Cathedral of Archbishop Corrigan.
The mass proceeds as far as the prayer of the canon immediately preceding the Pater noster. The Bishop then leaves the altar and goes to the Epistle side of the sanctuary, where a table has been splendidly fitted up for the blessing. A procession of acolytes, crossbearer and thurifer, with the twelve priests, the seven deacons and the seven sub-deacons, go to the sacristy where the ampulla are prepared. The sub-deacon takes the one containing the Oil of the Sick. In solemn procession the holy oil is brought before the Bishop, the priests and deacons chanting meanwhile the beautiful hymn of St. Fortunatus. The Bishop then blesses the Oil of the Sick, prefacing the blessing by an exorcism, in order to drive away the influence
