which the Blessed Sacrament is to be placed. Then follows the procession to the chapel in which the Host consecrated the day before has been kept. The deacon takes the chalice which contains the host and places it upon the Altar. The priest having adored the Blessed Sacrament, takes the chalice and proceeds in solemn procession to the High Altar. During the procession the triumphant hymn of the Cross "Vexilla regis" is sung. Then begins a broken and disordered service called
IV. The Mass of the Pre-Sanctified.—The priest receives the Sacred Host upon the paten while the deacon pours wine and water into the chalice. The offerings and the Altar are incensed as usual but to express the grief of the Church the celebrant is not incensed. He washes his hands, praying in secret, says the Orate fratres, the answer suscipiat being omitted, and then immediately in ferial tone sings the Pater Noster. Then he says aloud the prayer "Libera nos" which in every other Mass is said secretly. Before communicating himself, the priest invites the faithful to adore the Sacred Host. He raises it on high as Jesus was raised on the cross. Then he divides it into three parts, one of which he puts into the chalice, thus sanctifying the wine and water which he is to take after his communion, but without consecrating these elements. They receive a very special benediction similar to that which is attached to the garments worn by Our Saviour. After his communion he receives the particle with the wine and water, and washes his fingers saying in secret the prayer "Quod ore sumpsimus" thus terminating the Mass of the Pre-Sanctified.
The Vespers are said with the same mournful plainness as on Thursday, and during the day the faithful assemble to venerate the cross. In many churches the devotion of The Three Hours Agony is observed. During the services a short sermon is preached on each of the seven words of our Lord on the cross.
