The Improperia are followed by this solemn Antiphon, in which the two great Mysteries are blended together: the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. This union eloquently expresses the Triumph of our Redeemer.

Crucem tuam adoramus, Domine et sanctam Resurrectionem tuam laudamus, et glorificamus: ecce enim propter lignum venit gaudium in universo mundo.

Ps. Deus misereatur nostri, et benedicat nobis: illuminet vultum suum super nos, et misereatur nostri.

Then, is repeated: Crucem tuam, &c.

We adore thy Cross, O Lord, and we praise and glorify thy holy Resurrection, for by the wood of the Cross the whole earth is filled with joy.

Ps. May God have mercy on us and bless us; may his countenance shine upon us, and may he have mercy on us.

Then, is repeated: We adore,

&c.

If the Adoration of the Cross is not yet finished, the following Hymn is sung. It was composed by Mamertus Claudianus, in the 6th century. One of the stanzas is repeated after each six verses, as the burden of the Hymn.

Thou alone wast found worthy to bear the Victim of the world! Thou wast the Ark that led this ship-wrecked world into the haven of salvation! The sacred Blood that flowed from the Lamb covered and anointed thee.

Repeat: O faithful Cross.

To the Blessed Trinity be glory everlasting! To the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be equal praise! May heaven and earth praise the Name of the Triune God! Amen.

Repeat: Sweet is the Wood!

Sola digna tu fuisti
Ferre mundi victimam,
Atque portum præparare
Arca mundo naufrago :
Quam sacer cruor perunxit,
Fusus Agni corpore.

Repeat: Crux fidelis.

Sempiterna sit beatæ
Trinitati gloria ;
Equa Patri, Filioque,
Par decus Paraclito;
Unius Trinique nomen
Laudet universitas. Amen.
Repeat: Dulce lignum.

Towards the end of the Veneration of the Cross, the Candles are lighted, and the Deacon spreads a Corporal upon the Altar, for the Blessed Sacrament is to be placed there. As soon as the Faithful have finished their Adoration, the Priest takes the Cross and replaces it over the Altar.

MASS OF THE PRESANCTIFIED.

So vividly is the Church impressed with the remembrance of the great Sacrifice offered, to-day, on Calvary, that she refrains from renewing, on her Altars, the immolation of the Divine Victim: she contents herself with partaking of the sacred mystery by Communion. Formerly, the Clergy and Laity were also permitted to communicate; but the present discipline is that only the Priest shall receive. After the Priest has resumed his Chasuble, the Clergy go in procession to the Altar, where the consecrated Host has been reserved since yesterday's Mass. The Deacon takes the Chalice which contains it, and places it on the Altar. The Priest, having offered the homage of