EASTER MONDAY

DOUBLE. FIRST CLASS / WHITE
I NTROIT Ex. 13:5, 9
The Lord has brought you into a land flowing with milk and honey, alleluia! so that the law of the Lord may ever be on your lips, alleluia, alleluia!
Ps. 104:1. Praise the Lord and invoke his name; make His deeds known among the nations.
V. Glory Be . . .

COLLECT
Your resurrection, O God, has brought healing to a sick world. Continue to shower from heaven gifts upon Your people that they may freely march forward to eternal life. Through Our Lord . . .

LESSON Acts 10:37-43
In those days, Peter, standing in the midst of the people, said, "You know the word which hath been published through all Judea: for it began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached. Jesus of Nazareth: how God anointed him with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things that he did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem: whom they killed, hanging him upon a tree. Him God raised up the third day and gave him to be made manifest, Not to all the people, but to witnesses preordained by God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him, after he arose again from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is he who was appointed by God to be judge of the living and of the dead. To him all the prophets give testimony, that by his name all receive remission of sins, who believe in him."

GRADUAL Ps. 117:24, 2
This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.
V. Let Israel proclaim now that the Lord is good, that His mercy endures forever.

Alleluia, alleluia!
V. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, and drawing near, rolled back the stone, and sat on it.

SEQUENCE
May you praise the Paschal Victim,
immolated for Christians.
The Lamb redeemed the sheep:
Christ, the innocent one,
has reconciled sinners to the Father.

A wonderful duel to behold,
as death and life struggle:
The Prince of life dead,
now reigns alive.
Tell us, Mary Magdalen,
what did you see in the way?

"I saw the sepulchre of the living Christ,
and I saw the glory of the Resurrected one:
The Angelic witnesses,
the winding cloth, and His garments.
The risen Christ is my hope:
He will go before His own into Galilee."
We know Christ to have risen
truly from the dead:
And thou, victorious King,
have mercy on us.
Amen. Alleluia.

GOSPEL Luke 24:13-35
At that time, two of the disciples of Jesus went, the same day, to a town which was sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, named Emmaus. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass that while they talked and reasoned with themselves, Jesus himself also, drawing near, went with them. But their eyes were held, that they should not know him. And he said to them: "What are these discourses that you hold one with another as you walk and are sad?" And the one of them, whose name was Cleophas, answering, said to him: "Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things that have been done there in these days?" To whom he said: "What things?" And they said: "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in work and word before God and all the people. And how our chief priests and princes delivered him to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we hoped that it was he that should have redeemed Israel. And now besides all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. Yea and certain women also of our company affrighted us who, before it was light, were at the sepulchre, And not finding his body, came, saying that they had all seen a vision of angels, who say that he is alive. And some of our people went to the sepulchre and found it so as the women had said: but him they found not." Then he said to them: "O foolish and slow of heart to believe in all things, Which the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and so, to enter into his glory?" And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures the things that were concerning him.
And they drew nigh to the town whither they were going: and he made as though he would go farther. But they constrained him, saying: "Stay with us, because it is towards evening and the day is now far spent." And he went in with them.
And it came to pass, whilst he was at table with them, he took bread and blessed and brake and gave to them. And their eyes were opened: and they knew him. And he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to the other: "Was not our heart burning within us, whilst he spoke in the way and opened to us the scriptures?"
And rising up, the same hour, they went back to Jerusalem: and they found the eleven gathered together, and those that were with them, Saying: "The Lord is risen indeed and hath appeared to Simon." And they told what things were done in the way: and how they knew him in the breaking of bread.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Matt. 28:2, 5, 6
An angel of the Lord came down from heaven and said to the women, "He whom you seek has risen as He said," alleluia!

SECRET
Accept, O Lord, the prayers and sacrifice of Your people. May the beginning of this Easter celebration, through Your help, heal us for all eternity. Through Our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 24:34
The Lord has risen, and has appeared to Peter, alleluia!

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, fill us with the spirit of Your love, so that by receiving this Easter Sacrament our hearts may be united in You. Through Our Lord . . .

 

Image by skambalu via Flickr

EASTER VIGIL

I. -- The Blessing of the New Fire
1. At the appointed hour, the altar is prepared, but candles are not lit until the beginning of Mass. Meanwhile, fire is struck from a flint, and coals are enkindled from it. 2. The celebrant vests in amice, alb, cincture, stole, and violet cope the chasuble is not substituted ; the sacred ministers vest in amice, alb, and cincture. The deacon vests in stole and dalmatic, the subdeacon vests in tunic of the same color. 3. The ministers and servers with processional cross, holy water, and incense proceed to the doors, whether outside or in the entry to the church, whichever allows the greatest number of people to follow the Sacred Rites. The celebrant then blesses the new fire, saying in Ferial Tone B or in the ancient simple tone with hands joined:
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray O God, Who hast bestowed on the faithful the fire of Thy brightness by Thy Son, Who is the Cornerstone, hallow this new fire produced from a flint that it may be profitable to us: and grant that during this Paschal festival we may be so inflamed with heavenly desires, that with pure minds we may come to the solemnity of perpetual light. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Then he sprinkles the fire thrice, in silence. 4. An acolyte or one of the ministers takes a blessed coal and places it in the thurible; the celebrant then puts incense in the thurible, blessing it as usual, then he incenses the fire thrice.

II. The Blessing of the Paschal Candle
5. An acolyte or one of the ministers carries the paschal candle to the blessed new fire and stands in front of the celebrant, who inscribes a cross between the openings into which grains of incense will be placed. Above the cross, he inscribes the Greek letter Alpha, and under the cross, he inscribes the Greek letter Omega. Between the arms of the cross, he inscribes the four numbers of the current year, while saying in an audible voice:
Christ yesterday and today
The Beginning and End
Alpha
and Omega.
His are the times
and the ages.
To Him be glory and empire
through all eternal ages.
6. With the incision of the cross and other symbols done, the deacon or another minister presents five grains of incense to the celebrant. If the grains have not been previously blessed, the celebrant sprinkles them thrice with holy water, and incenses them thrice, in silence. Then he inserts the five grains into their openings, while saying audibly:
Through His holy
and glorious wounds
may Christ the Lord
preserve
and keep us. Amen.
7. Then the deacon or another minister offers the celebrant a taper, lit from the new fire. The celebrant lights the Paschal candle and says audibly:
May the light of Christ, gloriously risen Dispel the darkness of the heart and mind.
8. The celebrant quickly lights the Paschal candle and sings in Ferial Tone B or the simple ancient tone with hands joined:
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray May the abundant outpouring of Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, almighty God, descend upon this incense: and do Thou, O invisible Regenerator, lighten this nocturnal brightness, that not only the sacrifice that is offered this night may shine by the secret mixture of Thy light: but also into whatever place anything of this mysterious sanctification shall be brought, there the power of Thy Majesty may be present and all the malicious artifices of Satan may be defeated. Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
9. Meanwhile, all the lights in the church are put out. The clerics and people are given candles, which will be carried in procession and lit from the Paschal candle.

III. The Procession with the Paschal Candle
10. The celebrant again puts incense into the thurible; after which the deacon, having laid aside his violet vestments, puts on a white stole and dalmatic, takes the Paschal candle. The procession is made in the following order: thurifer, subdeacon with cross, deacon with lit Paschal candle, celebrant, clerics according to their rank and precedence, then the people. If there is no deacon, the following simple rite may be used: the priest, having laid aside his violet vestments, puts on a white stole and dalmatic. He again puts incense into the thurible and takes the Paschal candle. The procession is made in the following order: thurifer, crucifer, priest with lit Paschal candle, the other servers, then the people. 11. When the deacon or celebrant comes to the threshold of the Church, he stands and sings alone:
V. The light of Christ.
at which everyone else, except the subdeacon or crucifer and thurifer,
genuflects toward the Paschal candle, singing in response:
R. Thanks be to God.
All rise, and the celebrant or a server representing him lights his candle from the Paschal candle. The procession proceeds to the middle of the church, where the deacon or celebrant sings in the same mode on a higher pitch:
V. The light of Christ.
at which everyone, as before, genuflects and responds:
R. Thanks be to God.
The the other clerics or servers light their candles from the Paschal candle. The procession continues to the front of the altar, in the middle of the sanctuary, and again the verse is sung on a higher pitch:
V. The light of Christ.
and a third time, everyone, as before, genuflects and responds:
R. Thanks be to God.
The people's candles are lit from the Paschal candle, which light up the church.

IV. -- The Singing of the Paschal Proclamation
12. After a reverence has been made toward the altar, the thurifer stands near the credence; and the subdeacon with the processional cross stands on the Gospel side in front of the lectern, facing it for the singing of the Paschal proclamation. The celebrant goes to his place in the sanctuary, on the epistle side; and the clerics take their places on benches or stools. The deacon places the Paschal candle in a small supporting base in the middle of the choir, and, after the celebrant has placed incense in the thurible, receives the book and asks for the blessing, as usual. If there is no deacon, the following simple rite may be used: the thurifer stands next to the credence in the sanctuary, the crucifer stands on the Gospel side in front of the lectern, facing it. The celebrant places the Paschal candle in its supporting base in the middle of the sanctuary and goes to the sedilia; the other servers go to their usual places. After placing incense into the thurible, the celebrant receives the book from the master of ceremonies. The celebrant genuflects on the bottom step of the footpace, on the epistle side, and says in a low voice:
O Lord, give me Thy blessing.
May the Lord be on my heart and on my lips, that I mayest worthily and fittingly proclaim His Paschal praise.
13. After this, the deacon or celebrant goes to the lectern, which is completely covered with a white drape. He places the book on the lecturn and incenses it; then he circles the Paschal candle, incensing it. Then all rise and remain standing, as they usually do when the Gospel is proclaimed at Mass, while the deacon sings or the celebrant sings or reads the Paschal proclamation, having before him the Paschal candle and the processional cross, toward the left liturgical north side of the church. All hold lit candles in their hands until the end of the Paschal proclamation.
Let the angelic choirs of Heaven now rejoice; let the divine Mysteries rejoice; and let the trumpet of salvation sound forth the victory of so great a King. Let the earth also rejoice, made radiant by such splendor; and, enlightened with the brightness of the eternal King, let it know that the darkness of the whole world is scattered. Let our mother the Church also rejoice, adorned with the brightness of so great a light; and let this temple resound with the loud acclamations of the people. Wherefore I beseech you, most beloved brethren, who are here present in the wondrous brightness of this holy light, to invoke wtih me the mercy of almighty God. That He who has vouchsafed to admit me among the Levites, without any merits of mine, would pour forth the brightness of His light upon me, and enable me to perfect the praise of this wax candle. Through our Lord Jesus Christ His Son, Who with Him and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth one God for ever and ever. R. Amen.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Lift up thy hearts.
R. We have them lifted up to the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God..
R. It is meet and just.
It is truly meet and right to proclaim with all our heart and all the affection of our mind, and with the ministry of our voices, the invisible God, the Father almighty, and His only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ, who repaid for us to His eternal Father the debt of Adam, and by the merciful shedding of His Blood, cancelled the debt incurred by original sin. For this is the Paschal Festival; in which that true Lamb is slain, with Whose Blood the doorposts of the faithful are consecrated.
This is the night in which Thou didst formerly cause our forefathers, the children of Israel, when brought out of Egypt, to pass through the Red Sea with dry foot. This, therefore, is the night which dissipated the darkness of sinners by the light of the pillar. This is the night which at this time throughout the world restores to grace and unites in sanctity those that believe in Christ, and are separated from the vices of the world and the darkness of sinners. This is the night in which, destroying the chains of death, Christ arose victorious from the grave. For it would have profited us nothing to have been born, unless redemption had also been bestowed upon us. O wondrous condescension of Thy mercy towards us! O inestimable affection of love: that Thou mightest redeem a slave, Thou didst deliver up Thy Son! O truly needful sin of Adam, which was blotted out by the death of Christ!
O happy fault, that merited to possess such and so great a Redeemer! O truly blessed night, which alone deserved to know the time and hour when Christ rose again from hell! This is the night of which it is written: And the night shall be as clear as the day; and the night is my light in my delights. Therefore the hallowing of this night puts to flight all wickedness, cleanses sins, and restores innocence to the fallen, and gladness to the sorrowful. It drives forth hatreds, it prepares concord, and brings down haughtiness. Wherefore, in this sacred night, receive, O holy Father, the evening sacrifice of this incense, which holy Church renders to Thee by the hands of Thy ministers in the solemn offering of this wax candle, made out the work of bees. Now also we know the praises of this pillar, which the shining fire enkindles to the honor of God. Which fire, although divided into parts, suffers no loss from its light being borrowed. For it is nourished by the melting wax, which the mother bee produced for the substance of this precious light. O truly blessed night, which plundered the Egyptians and enriched the Hebrews! A night in which heavenly things are united to those of earth, and things divine to those which are of man. We beseech Thee, therefore, O Lord, that this wax candle hallowed in honor of Thy Name, may continue to burn to dissipate the darkness of this night. And being accepted as a sweet savor, may be united with the heavenly lights. Let the morning star find its flame alight. That star, I mean, which knows no setting. He Who returning from hell, serenely shone forth upon mankind. We beseech Thee therefore, O Lord, that Thou wouldst grant peaceful times during this Paschal Festival, and vouchsafe to rule, govern, and keep with Thy constant protection us Thy servants, and all the clergy, and the devout people, together with our most holy Father, Pope N...., and our Bishop N.... Have regard, also, for those who reign over us, and, grant them Thine ineffable kindness and mercy, direct their thoughts in justice and peace, that from their earthy toil, they may come to their heavenly reward with all Thy people. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God: World without end. R. Amen.
After the Paschal proclamation is completed, all extinguish their candles and are seated.

V. -- The Readings
The deacon, at the sedilia or some other appropriate place, lays aside his white vestments and again vests in violet. The subdeacon, giving the processional cross to the master of ceremonies, returns to his place. An acolyte removes the white drape from the lecturn, or places another undecorated lecturn in front of it. The lectors in choir dress make a reverence toward the altar, then go to the lecturn and read the readings, facing the Paschal candle, which is to the right hand the Gospel side of the altar, toward the left side liturgical north of the church. The readings are read without title, and the response Deo gratias is not made. All are seated and listen. If there is no deacon, the following simple rite may be used: the celebrant returns to the sedilia. With the assistance of the servers, he removes the white dalmatic and stole, and again puts on the violet stole and chasuble. The crucifer places the processional cross near the credence table on the epistle side. The servers remove the white drape from the lecturn, or place another undecorated lecturn in an opportune place in front of it. Wearing the violet chasuble, the celebrant returns to the lecturn for the recitation of the readings. -- If a suitable lector is present, he may recite the readings, wearing the cotta. In this case, the celebrant is seated and listens. The readings are read without title, and the response Deo gratias is not made. They are read from the middle of the sanctuary, by either the celebrant or a lector, facing the Paschal candle, which is to the right hand the Gospel side of the altar, toward the left side liturgical north of the church. The servers and people are seated and listen.
THE FIRST READING
Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-2
In the beginning, God created heaven and earth. And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved over the water. And God said: Be light made. And light was made. And God saw the light that it was good: and He divided the light from the darkness. And He called the light Day, and the darkness Night: and there was evening and morning, one day. And God said: Let there be a firmament made amidst the waters: and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made a firmament, and divided the waters that were under the firmament from those that were above the firmament. And it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven: and the evening and morning were the second day. God also said: Let the waters that are under the heaven be gathered together into one place; and let the dry land appear. And it was so done. And God called the dry land Earth: and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And He said: Let the earth bring forth his green herb, after its kind, which may have seed in itself upon the earth. And it was so done. And the earth brought forth the green herb, and such as tieldeth seed according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And the evening and morning were the third day. And God said: Let there be lights made in the firmament of heaven to divide the day and the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years.: to shine in the firmament of heaven. and to give light to the earth. And it was so done. And God made two great lights: a greater light to rule the day; and a lesser light to rule the night: and the stars. And He set them in the firmament of heaven, to shine upon the earth, and to rule the day and the night, and to divide the earth, and to rule the day and the night, and to divide the light and the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And the evening and morning were the fourth day. God also said: Let het waters bring forth the creeping creature having life, and the fowl that may fly over the earth under the firmament of heaven. And God created the great whales, and every living thing and moving creature which the waters brought forth, according to their kinds, and every winged fowl according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And He blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the waters of the sea: and let the birds be multiplied upon the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. And God said: Let the earth bring forth the living creature in its kind, cattle, and creeping things, and beasts of the earth according to their kinds. And it was so done. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, and cattle, and every thing and every thing that creepeth on the earth after its kind. And God saw that it was good. And He said: Let us make man to His own image and likeness: and let him have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and the beasts, and the whole earth, and every creeping creature that moveth upon the earth. And God created man to His own image: to the image of God He created him, male and female He created them. And God blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and all living creatures that move upon the earth. And God said: Behold, I have given you every herb-bearing seed upon the earth, and all trees that have in themselves seed of their own kind to be your meat: and to all the beasts of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to all that move upon the earth, and wherein there is life, that they may have to feed upon. And it was so done. And God saw all the things that He had made, and they were very good. And the evening and morning were the sixth day. So the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the furniture of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made: and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.
All stand for the prayer. The people genuflect along with the celebrant, who then sings the following prayer with hands joined in ferial tone A or the ancient solemn tone , while an acolyte holds the book before him.
Let us pray.
V. Let us kneel.
R. Arise.
O God, who hast wonderfully created man, and more wonderfully restored him: grant us, we beseech Thee, to stand firm with strong minds against the allurements of sin, that we may deserve to arrive at everlasting joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

THE SECOND READING
Exo. 14:24-31; 15:1
In those days, it came to pass in the morning watch, and behold the Lord looking upon the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire, and of the cloud, slew their host: and overthrew the wheels of the chariots, and they were carried into the deep. And the Egyptians said: Let us flee from Israel: for the Lord fighteth for them against us. And the Lord said to Moses: Stretch forth thy hand over the sea, that the waters may com again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and horsemen. And when Moses had stretched forth his hand towards the sea, it returned at the first break of day to the former place: and as the Egyptians were fleeing away the waters came upon them, and the Lord shut them up in the middle of the waves. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen of all the army of Pharao, who had come into the sea after them: neither did there so much as one of them remain. But the children of Israel marched through the midst of the sea upon dry land, and the waters were to them as a wall on the right hand and the left: and the Lord delivered Israel on that day out of the hand of the Egyptians. And they saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore, and the mighty hand of the Lord had used against them: and the people feared the Lord, and they believed the Lord, and Moses His servant. Then Moses and the children of Israel sung this canticle to the Lord, and said:
CANTICLE
Exod 15:1-2
Let us sing to the Lord, for He is gloriously honored: the horse and the rider He hath thrown into the sea: He has become my Helper and Protector unto salvation. V. He is my God, and I will honor Him: the God of my father, and I will extol Him. V. He is the Lord that destroys wars: the Lord is His Name.
Let us pray.
V. Let us kneel.
R. Arise.
O God, Whose ancient miracles we see shining also in our days, whilst by the water of regeneration Thou dost operate for the salvation of the Gentiles, that which by the power of Thy right hand Thou didst confer upon one people, by delivering them from the Egyptian persecution: grant that all the nations of the world may become the children of Abraham, and partake of the dignity of the people of Israel. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.

THE THIRD READING
Isa 4:2-6
In that day the bud of the Lord shall be in magnificence and glory, and the fruit of the earth shall be high, and a great joy to them that shall have escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that every one that shall be left in Sion, and that shall remain in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, every one that is written in life in Jerusalem. If the Lord shall wash away the filth of the daughters of Sion, and shall wash away the blood of Jerusalem out of the midst thereof, by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. And the Lord will create upon every place of mount Sion, and where he is called upon, a cloud by day, and a smoke and the brightness of a flaming fire in the night: for over all the glory shall be a protection. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a security and covert from the whirlwind, and from rain.
CANTICLE
Isa 5:1-2
A vineyard was made on a hill in a fruitful place.
V. And he fenced it in, and picked the stones out of it, and planted it with the choicest vines, and built a tower in the midst thereof.
V. And set up a winepress therein: for the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel.
Let us pray.
V. Let us kneel.
R. Arise.
O God, Who hast declared to all the children of Thy Church by the voice of the holy prophets, that in all places of Thine empire, Thou art the Sower of good seed, and the Cultivator of chosen branches: grant to Thy people who are called by Thee by the name of vines and harvestfield, that they may root out all thorns and briars, and produce good fruit in abundance. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost God, world without end.

THE FOURTH READING
Deut. 31:22-30
In those days: Moses therefore wrote the canticle, and taught it to the children of Israel. And the Lord commanded Josue the son of Nun, and said: Take courage, and be valiant: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I have promised, and I will be with thee. Therefore after Moses had wrote the words of this law in a volume, and finished it: he commanded the Levites, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying: Take this book, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God: that it may be there for a testimony against thee. For I know thy obstinacy, and thy most stiff neck. While I am yet living, and going in with you, you have always been rebellious against the Lord: how much more when I shall be dead? Gather unto me all the ancients of your tribes, and your doctors, and I will speak these words in their hearing, and will call heaven and earth to witness against them. For I know that, after my death, you will do wickedly, and will quickly turn aside form the way that I have commanded you: and evils shall come upon you in the latter times, when you shall do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him by the works of your hands. Moses therefore spoke, in the hearing of the whole assembly of Israel, the words of this canticle, and finished it even to the end:
CANTICLE
Deut 32:1-4
Hear, O ye heavens, the things I speak, let the earth give ear to the words of my mouth.
V. Let my doctrine gather as the rain, let my speech distill as the dew, as a shower upon the herb.
V. And as drops upon the grass: because I will invoke the name of the Lord.
V. Give ye magnificence to our God: The works of God are perfect, and all his ways are judgments.
V. God is faithful and without any iniquity, he is just and right.
Let us pray.
V. Let us kneel.
R. Arise.
O God, the exaltation of the humble, and the strength of the righteous, Who, by Thy holy servant Moses, wast pleased so to instruct Thy people by the singing of Thy sacred canticle, that the renewal of the law should be also our guidance: show forth Thy power to all the multitude of Gentiles justified by Thee, and by mitigating Thy terror grant them joy: that, all sins being blotted out by Thy remission, the threatened vengeance may give way to salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost God, world without end.

VI. The First Part of the Litany
18. After the prayer concluding the fourth reading, all kneel, and the Litany of the Saints is sung, up to the invocation 'Propitius esto' exclusive, with everyone making the responses. The Litany is sung by two cantors, who kneel in the middle of the sanctuary, while the celebrant kneels with the sacred ministers at the sedilia. Or, if there is no cantor, the Litany is sung or recited by the celebrant, while kneeling with with the servers on the bottom step of the footpace, on the epistle side. Meanwhile a vessel containing water and everything else needed for the blessing of the baptismal water are prepared in the sanctuary, on the epistle side, in the sight of the faithful.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Saint Michael, pray for us.
Saint Gabriel, pray for us.
Saint Raphael, pray for us.
All ye holy Angels and Archangels, pray for us.
All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, pray for us.
Saint Peter, pray for us.
Saint Paul, pray for us.
Saint Andrew, pray for us.
Saint John, pray for us.
All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, pray for us.
All ye holy Disciples of the Lord, pray for us.
Saint Stephen, pray for us.
Saint Lawrence, pray for us.
Saint Vincent, pray for us.
All ye holy Martyrs, pray for us.
Saint Silvester, pray for us.
Saint Gregory, pray for us.
Saint Augustine, pray for us.
All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, pray for us.
All ye holy Doctors, pray for us.
Saint Anthony, pray for us.
Saint Benedict, pray for us.
Saint Dominic, pray for us.
Saint Francis, pray for us.
All ye holy Priests and Deacons, pray for us.
All ye holy Monks and Hermits, pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for us.
Saint Agnes, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Saint Agatha, pray for us.
Saint Anastasia, pray for us.
All ye holy Virgins and Widows, pray for us.
All ye holy Saints of God, intercede for us.

VII. The Blessing of the Baptismal Water
20. After the invocation 'Omnes Sancti et Sanctae Dei' is made, all rise. The cantors, if the litany has been sung, return to their places. After a reverence has been made toward the altar, the celebrant and ministers come to the place where the baptismal water will be blessed. 21. The sacred ministers and servers should be placed -- in whatever way may be fitting -- around the vessel containing the water in this manner: a) The celebrant stands in the sight of the people, having before him the vessel of water. The Paschal Candle is on his right, and a subdeacon or another cleric or a server with a cross on his left. b) The sacred ministers or the servers stand on both sides near the celebrant, that they may assist in whatever way needed for the ceremony. c) An acolyte or a server stands facing the celebrant with a Missal, unless a lecturn may be brought up. Then, in ferial tone A or the ancient simple tone the celebrant says with joined hands:
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray
Almighty and everlasting God, be present at these Mysteries of Thy great kindness, be present at these Sacraments: and send forth Thy Spirit of adoption to regenerate the new people, whom the font of baptism brings forth; that what is to be done by our humble ministry may be accomplished by the effect of Thy power. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God:
Raising his voice to the tone of the preface, and joining his hands, he continues:
World without end.
R. Amen.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Lift up thy hearts.
R. We have them lifted up to the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God..
R. It is meet and just.
It is meet and just, right and availing unto salvation, to give Thee thanks always and in all places, O holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, Who, by Thine ineffable power dost wonderfully produce the effect of Thy Sacraments: and though we are unworthy to perform such great mysteries: yet, as Thou dost not abandon the gifts of Thy grace, so Thou inclinest the ears of Thy goodness, even to our prayers. O God, Whose Spirit in the very beginning of the world moved over the waters, that even then the nature of water might receive the virtue of sanctification. O God, Who by water didst wash away the crimes of the guilty world, and by the pouring out of the deluge didst give a figure of regeneration, that one and the same element might in a mystery be the end of vice and the beginning of virtue. Look, O Lord, on the face of Thy Church, and multiply in her Thy regenerations, who by the streams of Thine abundant grace fillest Thy city with joy, and openest the font of Baptism all over the world for the renewal of the Gentiles: that by the command of Thy Majesty she may receive the grace of Thine only Son from the Holy Ghost.
Here the celebrant, with outstretched hand, divides the water in the form of a cross, and wiping his hand with a towel, says:
May He by a secret mixture of His divine virtue render this water fruitful for the regeneration of men, to the end that a heavenly offspring, conceived by sanctification, may emerge from the immaculate womb of this divine font, reborn a new creature: and may all, however distinguished either by sex in body, or by age in time, be brought forth to the same infancy by grace, their mother. Therefore may all unclean spirits, by Thy command, O Lord, depart far from hence: may the whole malice of diabolical deceit be entirely banished: may no power of the enemy prevail here: let him not fly about to lay his snares; may he not creep in by stealth: may he not corrupt with his poison.
May this holy and innocent creature be free from all the assaults of the enemy, and purified by the destruction of all his wickedness. May it be a living fountain, a regenerating water, a purifying stream: that all those that are to be washed in this saving bath may obtain, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, the grace of a perfect cleansing.
He makes the Sign of the Cross over the water three times, and continues:
Therefore, I bless thee, O creature of water, by the living God, by the true God, by the holy God: by that God Who, in the beginning, separated thee by His Word from the dry land, Whose Spirit moved over thee.
Here he divides the water and casts some toward the four corners of the earth, saying:
Who made thee flow from the fountain of paradise and commanded thee to water the whole earth with thy four rivers. Who, changing thy bitterness in the desert into sweetness made thee fit to drink, and produced thee out of a rock to quench the thirsty people. I bless thee also by our Lord Jesus Christ, His only Son: Who in Cana of Galilee changed thee into wine by a wonderful miracle of His power. Who walked upon thee with dry foot, and was baptized in thee by John in the Jordan. Who made thee flow out of His side together with His Blood, and commanded His disciples that such as believed should be baptised in thee, saying: Go, teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
He changes his voice and proceeds in the tone of the Lesson.
Do thou, almighty God, mercifully assist us who observe this commandment: do Thou graciously inspire us.
He breathes on the water three times in the shape of the Cross.
Do Thou with Thy mouth bless these clear waters: that besides their natural virtue of cleansing the body, they may also prove efficacious for the purifying of the soul.
He lowers the Paschal candle into the water, and sings in the tone of the Preface:
May the virtue of the Holy Ghost descend into all the water of this font.
Withdrawing the candle from the water, he lowers it again to a greater depth and repeats in a higher tone
May the virtue of the Holy Ghost descend into all the water of this font.
Withdrawing it yet again, he again lowers it to the bottom of the vessel, repeating in yet a higher tone
May the virtue of the Holy Ghost descend into all the water of this font.
And make the whole substance of this water fruitful for regeneration.
Here the Paschal candle is taken out of the water, and he continues:
Here may the stains of all sins be washed out; here may human nature, created in v. Here may the stains of all sins be washed out; here may human nature, created in v. Here may the stains of all sins be washed out; here may human nature, created in Thine image, and reformed to the honor of its Author, be cleansed from all the filth of the old man: that all who receive the Sacrament of regeneration, may be born again new children of true innocence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son: Who shall come to judge the living and the dead, and the world by fire. R. Amen.

Then one of the clerics or a server withdraws some of the blessed water into a vessel, which will be used for the sprinkling of the faithful after the renewal of baptismal vows, and for the sprinkling of homes and other places. This done, the celebrant who blessed the water pours the Oil of Catechumens into the water in the shape of the Cross, saying in an audible voice:
May this font be sanctified and made fruitful by the Oil of salvation, for those who are born anew therein unto life everlasting.
R. Amen.
Then he pours Holy Chrism into the water in the shape of the Cross, saying:
May the infusion of the Chrism of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Ghost the Comforter, be made in the Name of the Holy Trinity. R. Amen.
Then he takes both the vials of the Oil of Catechemens and the Holy Chrism, and pours them both into the water three times in the shape of the Cross, saying:
May this mixture of the Chrism of sanctification, and of the Oil of unction, and of the water of Baptism, be made to the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
R. Amen.
He then mixes the Oil and Chrism with the water. If there are any to be baptized, the Sacrament of Baptism here follows in the usual manner, according to Title II of the Rituale Romanum. If there are many to be baptized, certain alterations may be made so that the Baptismal rite is performed collectively rather than individually. If a bishop with jurisdiction is present, the neophytes may then receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The blessing having been given, and the neophytes if any having been baptized, the baptismal water is now carried in solemn procession to the baptistry. The celebrant puts incense into the thurible, and the procession is formed in the following order: a.) the thurifer precedes with the thurible b.) the subdeacon of the Cross or crucifer with processional cross c.) the clergy or servers d.) the subdeacon and deacon or servers carrying the baptismal water e.) finally, the celebrant, with covered head The Paschal candle remains in its place. During the procession, the following hymn is sung:
Ps 41:2-4
As the hart panteth after the fountains of water, so my soul panteth after Thee, O God.
My soul hath thirsted for the living God: when shall I come and appear before the face of God?
My tears have become my bread day and night, while they say to me daily: Where is thy God?
The baptismal water is poured into the font, and the celebrant with hands joined sings in ferial tone A or the ancient simple tone :
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray
O Almighty and everlasting God, look mercifully on the devotion of Thy people about to be reborn, who like the hart pant after the fountain of Thy waters: and mercifully grant that the thirst of their faith may, by the Sacrament of Baptism, hallow their souls and bodies. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.
23. If the baptistry is separate from the body of the Church, it may be preferable to bless the baptismal water in the font in the Baptistry. If this is the case, the clergy and servers form a procession when the cantors sing 'Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus', miserere nobis in the Litanies. The cantors remain in the sanctuary singing the Litany, if necessary repeating it from the line 'Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis', and the psalm 'Sicut cervus desiderat follows'. Upon arrival at the entrance to the baptistry, the celebrant says the prayer 'Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, respice propitius', the font is filled, and the blessing occurs as described above. Afterwards, the clergy and servers return to the church in silence.

HOLY SATURDAY

On Holy Saturday we await at the Lord's tomb, with Mother Mary and the holy men and women, meditating on Jesus suffering and death. The altars are left bare, and the Sacrifice of the Mass is NOT celebrated anywhere in the world. Only after the solemn Vigil during the night, held in anticipation of the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, does the Easter celebration begin, with a spirit of joy that overflows into the following period of fifty days until Pentecost!

Image via Wikipedia

GOOD FRIDAY

The sacred ministers, wearing black stoles, come to the altar, lie prostrate before it, and pray silently for a few moments. A signal is given; whereupon all kneel upright except the celebrant who stands facing the altar steps and sings in the ferial tone:
O God who, by the Passion of Thy Christ, our Lord, hast loosened the bonds of death, that heritage of the first sin to which all men of later times did succeed: make us so conformed to Him that, as we must needs have bourne the likeness of earthly nature, so we may by santification bear the likeness of heavenly grace. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.


I. Readings from Scripture, Passion,
The Sacred Ministers sit while a lector reads the first lesson without title.
PROPHECY 
Osee 6:1-6
The infinite mercies of God are about to be poured down on the Christians, doing penance.
Thus saith the Lord: In their affliction they will rise early to Me: Come, and let us return to the Lord, for He hath taken us, and He will heal us, He will strike, and He will cure us. He will revive us after two days: on the third day He will raise us up and we shall live in His sight. We shall know and we shall follow on, that we may know the Lord. His going forth is prepared as the morning light and He will come to us as the early and the latter rain to the earth. What shall I do to thee, O Ephraim? What shall I do to thee, O Juda? Your mercy is as a morning cloud and as the dew that goeth away in the morning. For this reason have I hewed them by the Prophets, I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgements shall go forth as the light. For I desired mercy and not sacrifice: and the knowledge of God more than holocausts.
Tract
O Lord, I have heard Thy hearing and was afraid: I have considered Thy works and trembled.
V. In the midst of two animals Thou shalt be made known: when the years shall draw nigh Thou shalt be known: when the time shall come, Thou shalt be manifested.
V. When my soul shall be in trouble, Thou wilt remember mercy, even in Thy
wrath.
V. God will come from Libanus, and the Holy One from the shady and thickly covered mountain.
V. His majesty covered the heavens: and the earth is full of His praise.
Prayer
Let us pray.
D. Let us kneel.
R. Arise.
O God, from whom Judas received the punishment of his guilt, and the thief the reward of his confession: grant unto us the full fruit of Thy clemency; that even as in His Passion, our Lord Jesus Christ gave to each a retribution according to his merits, so having taken away our old sins, He may bestow upon us the grace of His Resurrection. Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.


Lesson 
Exod 12:1-11
The children of Israel are to sacrifice the Paschal Lamb; the Israelites will put the Lamb of God to death on the Cross.
In those days the Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall be to you the beginning of months: it shall be the first in the months of the year. Speak ye to the whole assembly of the children of Israel, and say to them: On the tenth day fo this month let every man take a lamb by their families and houses. But if the number be less than may suffice to eat the lamb, he shall take unto him his neighbor that joineth to his house, according to the number of souls which may be enough to eat the lamb. And it shall be a lamb without blemish, a male, of one year: according to which rite also you shall take a kid. And you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month: and the whole multitude of the children of Israel shall sacrifice it in the evening. And they shall take of blood thereof, and put it upon both the side posts, and on the upper door posts of the houses,
wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh that night roasted at the fire: and unleavened bread with wild lettuce. You shall not eat thereof any thing raw, nor boiled in water, but only roasted at the fire. You shall eat the
head with the feet and entrails thereof. Neither shall there remain any thing of it until morning. If there be an thing left, you shall burn it with fire. And thus you shall eat it: You shall gird your reins, and you shall have shoes
on your feet, holding staves in your hands, and you shall eat in haste; for it is the Phase that is the Passage of the Lord.
Tract
Ps 139:2-10, 14
Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: rescue me from the unjust man.
V. Who have devised iniquities in their hearts: all the day long they designed battles.
V. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; the venom of asps is under their lips.
V. Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the wicked: and from unjust men deliver me.
V. Who have proposed to supplant my steps. The proud have hidden a net for me.
V. And they have stretched out cords for a snare for my feet; they have laid for me a stumbling-block by the wayside.
V. I said to the Lord: Thou art my God. Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication.
V.: O Lord, Lord, the strength of my salvation: overshadow my head in the day of battle.
V.: Give me not up from my desire to the wicked: they have plotted against me. Do not Thou forsake me, lest at any time they should triumph.
V. The head of them compassing me about: the labor of their lips shall overwhelm them.
V. But the just shall give glory to Thy Name: and the upright shall dwell with Thy countenance.


Passion
The Deacons of the Passion then kneel and bow low before the celebrant, who pronounces in a clear voice:.
P. May the Lord be in your hearts and on your lips.
R. Amen.
The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John.
John 18. 1-40; 19. 1-42
At that time Jesus went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron, where there was a garden, into which He entered with His disciples. And Judas also, who betrayed Him, knew the place: because Jesus had often resorted thither together with His disciples. Judas therefore having received a band of soldiers and servants from the chief priests and the Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing that all things that should come upon Him, went forth and said to them: J. Whom seek ye? C.They answered Him: S. Jesus of Nazareth. C. Jesus saith to them: J. I am He.C. And Judas also, who betrayed Him, stood with them. As soon therefore as He had said to them: J. I am He; they went backward and fell to the ground. Again therefore He asked them: J. Whom seek ye? C. And they said: S. Jesus of Nazareth. C. Jesus answered: J. I have told you that I am He. If therefore you seek Me, let these go their way; C. That the word might be fulfilled which He said: Of them whom Thou hast given Me, I have not lost anyone. Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. And the name of the servant was Malchus. Jesus therefore said to Peter: J. Put up thy sword in the scabbard. The chalice which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it? C. Then the band and the tribune and the servants of the Jews took Jesus, and bound Him. And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiphas, who was the high priest that year. Now Caiphas was he who had given the counsel to the Jews: that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. And Simon Peter followed Jesus: and so did another disciple. And that disciple was known to the high priest and went in with Jesus into the court of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. The other disciple therefore, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the portress and brought in Peter. The maid therefore that was portress saith to Peter: S. Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? C. He saith: S. I am not. C. Now the servants and ministers stood at a fire of coals, because it was cold, and warmed themselves. And with them was Peter, also, standing and warming himself. The high priest therefore asked Jesus of His disciples and of His doctrine. Jesus answered him: J. I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, whither all the Jews resort: and in secret I have spoken nothing. Why asketh thou Me? Ask them who have heard what I have spoken unto them. Behold they know what things I have said. C. And when He had said these things, one of the servants, standing by, gave Jesus a blow, saying: S.Answerest Thou the high priest so? C. Jesus answered him: J. If I have spoken evil, give testimony of the evil; but if well, why strikest thou Me? C. And Annas sent Him bound to Caiphas the high priest. And Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore to him: S. Art not thou also one of His disciples? C. He denied it and said: S. I am not. C. One of the servants of the high priest a kinsman to him whose ear Peter cut off saith to him: S. Did I not see thee in the garden with Him? C. Again therefore Peter denied; and immediately the cock crew. Then they led Jesus from Caiphas to the governor's hall. And it was morning; and they went not into the hall, that they might not be defiled, but that they might eat the Pasch. Pilate therefore went out to them, and said: S. What accusation bring you against this man? C. They answered and said to him: S. If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him up to thee. C. Pilate therefore said to them: S. Take Him you, and judge Him according to your law. C. The Jews therefore said to him: S. It is not lawful for us to put any man to death. C. That the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which He said, signifying what death He should die. Pilate therefore went into the hall again and called Jesus and said to Him: S. Art Thou the King of the Jews? C.Jesus answered: J. Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have other told it thee of Me? C. Pilate answered: S. Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee up to me. What hast Thou done? C. Jesus answered: J.My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now My kingdom is not from hence. C. Pilate therefore said to Him: S. Art Thou a King then? C. Jesus answered: J. Thou sayest I am a king. For this was I born, and for this came I into the world; that I should give testimony of the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice. C. Pilate saith to Him: S.What is truth? C. And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and saith to them: S. I find no cause in Him. But you have a custom that I should release one unto you at the Pasch. Will you, therefore, that I release unto you the King of the Jews? C. Then cried they all again, saying: S. Not this man, but Barabbas. C. Now Barabbas was a robber. Then therefore Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers platting a crown of thorns, put it upon His head; and they put on Him a purple garment. And they came to Him and said:S. Hail, King of the Jews. C. And they gave Him blows. Pilate therefore went forth again and saith to them: S. Behold, I bring Him forth unto you, that you may know that I find no cause in Him. C. Jesus therefore came forth, bearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. And he saith to them: S. Behold the man. C. When the chief priests, therefore, and the servants had seen Him, they cried out, saying: S. Crucify Him, crucify Him. C. Pilate saith to them: S.Take Him you, and crucify Him; for I find no cause in Him. C. The Jews answered him: S. We have a law, and according to the law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God. C. When Pilate, therefore, had heard this saying, he feared the more. And he entered into the hall again; and he said to Jesus: S. Whence art Thou? C. But Jesus gave him no answer. Pilate therefore saith to Him: S. Speakest Thou not to me? Knowest Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and I have power to release Thee? C. Jesus answered: J. Thou shouldst not have any power against Me, unless it were given thee from above. Therefore, he that hath delivered Me to thee hath a greater sin. C. And from henceforth Pilate sought to release Him. But the Jews cried out, saying: S. If thou release this Man, thou art not Caesar's friend. For whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. C. Now when Pilate had heard these words, he brought Jesus forth and sat down in the judgment seat, in the place that is called Lithostrotos, and in Hebrew Gabbatha. And it was Parasceve of the Pasch, about the sixth hour; and he saith to the Jews: S. Behold your King. C. But they cried out: S. Away with Him. Away with Him: Crucify Him. C. Pilate saith to them: S. Shall I crucify your King? C. The chief priests answered: S. We have no king but Caesar. C.Then, therefore, he delivered Him to them to be crucified. And they took Jesus and led Him forth. And bearing His cross, He went forth to that place which is called Calvary but in Hebrew Golgotha.; where they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on each side and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title also: and he put it upon the cross. And the writing was: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. This title therefore many of the Jews did read: because the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city. And it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and in Latin. Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate:S. Write not: The King of the Jews; but that He said: I am the King of the Jews.C. Pilate answered: S. What I have written, I have written. C. The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Him, took His garments and they made four parts, to every soldier a part and also His coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said then one to another: S. Let us not cut it, but let us cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the Scripture might be fulfilled which saith: They have parted My garemnts among them, and upon My vesture they have cast lots. And the soldiers indeed did these things. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His Mother, and His Mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen His Mother and the disciple standing whom He loved, He saith to His Mother: J. Woman, behold thy son. C. After that, He saith to the disciple: J. Behold thy mother. C.And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own. Afterwards, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said: J. I thirst. C. Now there was a vessel set there, full of vinegar. And they, putting a sponge full of vinegar about hyssop, put it to His mouth. Jesus therefore, when He had taken the vinegar, said: J. It is consummated. C.And bowing His head, He gave up the ghost.
Here all kneel and pause a few moments.
Then the Jews because it was the Parasceve, that the bodies might not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day for that was a great Sabbath day, besought Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. The soldiers therefore came, and they broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with Him. But after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers with a spear opened His side, and immediately there came out blood and water. And he that saw it hath given testimony: and his testimony is true. And he knoweth that he saith true: that you also may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture might be fulfilled: you shall not break a bone of Him. And again another Scripture saith: They shall look on Him whom they pierced. And after these things, Joseph of Arimathea because he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews besought Pilate that he might take away the Body of Jesus. And Pilate gave leave. He came therefore and took away the Body of Jesus. And Nicodemus also came he who at the first came to Jesus by night, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight. They took therefore the Body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths, with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now there was in the place where He was crucified a garden: and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein no man yet had been laid. There, therefore, because of the Parasceve of the Jews, they laid Jesus, because the sepulchre was nigh at hand.


II. The Great Intercessions
While the Sacred Ministers put on black vestments, two acolytes spread a cloth on the altar and place the Missal in the center of it. The Great Intercessions are sung from here.
Let us pray, dearly beloved, for the holy Church of God: that our Lord and God may deign to give it peace, keep it in unity, and guard it throughout the world, subjecting to it principalities and powers: and may grant unto us that, leading a peaceful and quiet life, we may glorify God, the Father almighty.
P. Let us pray.
D. Let us kneel.
S. Arise.
Almighty and everlasting God, Who in Christ hast revealed Thy glory too all nations: guard the works of Thy mercy; that Thy Church, spread over the whole world, may with steadfast faith persevere in the confession of Thy Name. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.


Let us pray for our most holy Father Pope N., that our Lord and God, Who chose him to the order of the Episcopate, may keep him in health and safety for His holy Church to govern the holy people of God.
P. Let us pray.
D. Let us kneel.
R. Arise.
Almighty and everlasting God, by Whose judgement all things are established, mercifully regard our prayers, and in Thy goodness preserve the Bishop chosen for us: that the Christian people who are ruled by Thine authority, may under so great a Pontiff, be increased in the merits of faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.


Let us pray also for all Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Subdeacons, Acolytes, Exorcists, Readers, Porters, Confessors, Virgins, Widows, and for all the holy people of God.
P. Let us pray.
D. Let us kneel.
R. Arise.
Almighty and everlasting God, by Whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is sanctified and rules, hear our humble pleading for all the orders thereof; that by the gift of Thy grace in all their several degrees may faithfully serve Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.


Let us pray also for our Catechumens: that our Lord and God would open the ears of their hearts, and the gate of mercy; that, having received by the font of regeneration the remission of all their sins, they also may be found in Christ Jesus our Lord.
P. Let us pray.
D. Let us kneel.
R. Arise.
Almighty and everlasting God, who dost ever make Thy Church fruitful with new offspring: increase the faith and understanding of our Catechumens; that being born again in the font of Baptism, they may be associated wiht the children of Thine adoption. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.


Let us pray, dearly beloved, to God the Father almighty, that He would cleanse the world of all errors: take away diseases, drive away famine, open prisons, break chains, grant a sure return to travellers, health to the sick, and a safe haven to those at sea.
P. Let us pray.
D. Let us kneel.
R. Arise.
Almighty and everlasting God, the comfort of the sorrowful, and the strength of those that labor: hasten the prayers of those that call upon Thee in any trouble reach Thee; that all may rejoice that in their necessities Thy mercy has helped them. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.


Let us pray also for heretics and schismatics: that our Lord God would be pleased to rescue them from all their errors; and recall them to our holy mother the Catholic and Apostolic Church.
P. Let us pray.
D. Let us kneel.
S. Arise.
Almighty and everlasting God, who savest all, and wouldst that no one should perish: look on the souls that are led astray by the deceit of the devil: that having set aside all heretical evil, the hearts of those that err may repent, and return to the unity of Thy truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen


Let us pray also for the perfidious Jews: that our God and Lord would remove the veil from their hearts: that they also may acknowledge our Lord Jesus Christ.
P. Let us pray.
D. Let us kneel.
S. Arise.
Almighty and everlasting God, who drivest not away from Thy mercy even the perfidious Jews: hear our prayers, which we offer for the blindness of that people: that, acknowledging the light of Thy truth, which is Christ, they may be rescued from their darkness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.


Let us pray also for the pagans: that almighty God would remove iniquity from their hearts: that, putting aside their idols, they may be converted to the true and living God, and His only Son, Jesus Christ our God and Lord.
P. Let us pray.
D. Let us kneel.
R. Arise.
Almighty and everlasting God, who ever seekest not the death, but the life of sinners: mercifully hear our prayer, and deliver them from the worship of idols: and join them to Thy holy Church for the praise and glory of Thy Name. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.


Adoration of the Cross
After these Collects, the Ministers lay aside their cope and chasubles and stand at the sedilia. The Deacon goes with the Acolytes to the Sacristy, whence they return in procession with lighted candles carrying the veiled cross which should be as large as possible , the Celebrant and Subdeacon coming forward to meet them before the center of the altar. The Celebrant carries the Cross with assistance, if necessary to the Epistle side of the sanctuary and, turning towards the people, he uncovers the upper portion of the Cross and intones the verse:
V. Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the Savior of the world.
R. Come, let us adore.
When the choir sings these words, all kneel, except the celebrant. The priest then advances to the front corner, and uncovers the right arm; elevating the Crucifix a little, he sings on a higher tone than before:
V. Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the Savior of the world.
R. Come, let us adore.
Then at the middle of the altar the Celebrant uncovers the whole Cross, and, lifting it up, begins still higher, the ministers and choir continuing as before:
V. Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the Savior of the world.
R. Come, let us adore.
Two assistants take the unveiled Cross to the center of the sanctuary, where they stand facing the people and supporting the Cross upright by the arms; the acolytes place their candles at either side of the Cross and themselves kneel down facing the Cross throughout the adoration that follows. The celebrant and his ministers and assistants take off their shoes, and each in turn approaches, genuflecting thrice, and kisses the feet of the Crucifix. The Cross, still supported by the two assistants and candles and acolytes, is then placed more conveniently for the adoration of the faithful; these should form a procession past the Cross, men first, women afterwards, and after one simple genuflection devoutly kiss the feet of the Crucified. Meanwhile two choirs should be singing the Improperia or Reproaches.
REPROACHES
Two cantors sing the following:
V. O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me.
V. Because I led thee out of the land of Egypt, thou hast prepared a cross for thy Savior.
R. O holy God!
R. O holy God!
R. O holy strong One!
R. O holy strong One!
R. O holy immortal one, have mercy on us.
R. O holy immortal one, have mercy on us.3
Two cantors:
V. Because I led thee out through the desert forty years: and fed thee with manna, and brought thee into a land exceeding good, thou hast prepared a Cross for thy Savior.
R. O holy God!
R. O holy God!
R. O holy strong One!
R. O holy strong One!
R. O holy immortal one, have mercy on us.
R. O holy immortal one, have mercy on us.3
Two cantors:
V. What more ought I have done for thee, that I have not done? I planted thee, indeed, My most beautiful vineyard: and thou hast become exceeding bitter to Me: for in My thirst thou gavest Me vinegar to drink: and with a lance thou hast pierced the side of thy Savior.
R. O holy God!
R. O holy God!
R. O holy strong One!
R. O holy strong One!
R. O holy immortal one, have mercy on us.
R. O holy immortal one, have mercy on us.


The verses of the following reproaches are sung alternately by two cantors of each choir. The choirs respond after each verse: Popule meus . . . as far as the verse Quia.
V. For thy sake I scourged Egypt with its first-born: and thou hast scourged Me and delivered Me up.
R. O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me.
V. I led thee out of Egypt having drowned Pharao in the Red Sea: and thou hast delivered Me to the chief priests.
R. O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me.
V. I opened the sea before thee: and thou with a spear hast opened My side.
R. O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me.
V. I went before thee in a pillar of cloud: and thou hast led Me to the judgement hall of Pilate.
R. O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me.
V. I fed thee with manna in the desert; and thou hast beaten Me with whips and scourges.
R. O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me.
V. I gave thee the water of salvation from the rock to drink: and thou hast given Me gall and vinegar.
R. O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me.
V. For thy sake I struck the kings of the Chanaanites: and thou hast struck My head with a reed.
R. O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me.
V. I gave thee a royal sceptre: and thou hast given to My head a crown of thorns.
R. O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me.
V. I exalted thee with great strength: and thou hast hanged Me on the gibbet of the Cross.
R. O my people, what have I done to thee? or wherein have I afflicted thee? Answer me.
The following anthem is then sung:
Ant. We adore Thy Cross, O Lord: and we praise and glorify Thy holy Resurrection: for behold by the wood of the Cross joy has come into the whole world.
Ps. 66:2
May God have mercy on us, and bless us: may He cause the light of His countenance to shine upon us, and have mercy on us.
Ant. We adore Thy Cross, O Lord: and we praise and glorify Thy holy Resurrection: for behold by the wood of the Cross joy has come into the whole world. 


CRUX FIDELIS
Afterwards the hymn Pange lingua lauream is sung in the following manner with the Crux fidelis.
Ant. Faithful Cross! above all other, One and only noble Tree! None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit thy peer may be; * Sweetest wood and sweetest iron, Sweetest weight is hung on thee.
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle!
With completed victory rife!
And above the Cross's trophy
Tell the triumph of the strife:
How the world's Redeemer conquer'd
By the offering of His life.

Ant. Faithful Cross! above all other, One and only noble Tree! None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit thy peer may be.
God, his Maker, sorely grieving,
That the first-made Adam fell,
When he ate the fruit of sorow,
Whose reward was death and hell,
Noted then this Wood the ruin,
Of the ancient wood to quell.

Ant. Sweetest wood and sweetest iron, Sweetest weight is hung on thee.
For this work of our salvation
Needs must have its order so,
And the manifold deceiver's
Art by art would overthrow,
And from thence would bring the healing,
Whence the insult of the foe.

Ant. Faithful Cross! above all other, One and only noble Tree! None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit thy peer may be.
Wherefore when the appointed fullness
Of the holy time was come,
He was sent who maketh all things
From th' eternal Father's home,
And proceeded, God Incarnate,
Offspring of the Virgin's womb.

Ant. Sweetest wood and sweetest iron, Sweetest weight is hung on thee.
Weeps the Infant in the manger
That in Bethlehem's stable stands:
And His Limbs the Virgin Mother
Doth compose in swaddling bands,
Meetly thus in linen folding
Of her God the feet and hands.

Ant. Faithful Cross! above all other, One and only noble Tree! None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit thy peer may be.
Thirty years among us dwelling,
His appointed time fulfilled,
Born for this, He meets His Passion,
For that this He freely willed:
On the Cross the Lamb is lifted,
Where His life-blood shall be spilled.

Ant. Sweetest wood and sweetest iron, Sweetest weight is hung on thee.
He endured the nails, the spitting,
Vinegar, and spear, and reed;
From that holy Body broken
Blood and water forth proceed:
Earth, and stars, and sky, and ocean,
By that flood from stain are freed.

Ant. Faithful Cross! above all other, One and only noble Tree! None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit thy peer may be.
b. Bend thy boughs, O Tree of glory!
Thy relaxing sinews bend;
For awhile the ancient rigor,
That thy birth bestowed, suspend:
And the King of heavenly beauty
On thy bosom gently tend!

Ant. Sweetest wood and sweetest iron, Sweetest weight is hung on thee.
Thou alone wast counted worthy
This world's ransom to uphold;
For a shipwrecked race preparing
Harbor, like the Ark of old;
With the sacred Blood anointed
From the smitten Lamb that rolled.

Ant. Faithful Cross! above all other, One and only noble Tree! None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit thy peer may be.
To the Trinity be glory
Everlasting, as is meet:
Equal to the Father, equal
To the Son, and Paraclete:
Trinal Unity, Whose praises
All created things repeat.
Amen.


The Cross is placed at the center of the altar so that it can be seen by all in the church, and the acolytes' candles are placed on either side. The Sacred Ministers change into purple vestments, but only the Deacon goest to the Altar of Repose with the acolytes. There he withdraws the Ciborium from the tabernacle without incensation, and returns to the High Altar, each acolyte carrying one of the lighted candles from the Altar of Repose. Meanwhile everyone else kneels, and the choir sings these antiphons:
We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee, because by Thy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Through a tree we were enslaved, and through a holy Cross have we been set free: the fruit of a tree led us astray, the Son of God bought us back.
v Savior of the world, do Thou save us, do Thou, who through Thy Cross and Blood didst redeem us, do Thou help us, our God, we beseech Thee.


Communion
At the High Altar the Deacon places the Ciborium on a corporal, and the Celebrant and Subdeacon with double genuflections join him there. Without delay the Celebrant recites:
Let us pray.
Instructed by Thy saving precepts, and following Thy divine institution, we make bold to say:
Whereupon all present, clergy and faithful, recite the Pater Noster in Latin, as preparation for Communion; this recitation should be "solemn, grave, distinct."
Our Father, who art in Heaven: hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Celebrant continues alone with:
Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, present, and to come; and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and of the Holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, and of Andrew, and of all the Saints, mercifully grant peace in our days, that through the assistance of Thy mercy we may be always free from sin, and secure from all disturbance. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth God, world without end.
And all answer together:
R. Amen.
The celebrant joins his hands and bows, and in a lower voice continues:
Let not the partaking of Thy Body, O Lord Jesus Christ, which I, though unworthy, presume to receive, turn to my judgment and condemnation; but let it, through Thy mercy, become a safeguard and remedy, both for soul and body; Who with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God, for ever and ever. Amen.
He opens the Ciborium, genuflects, and takes out a sacred particle. He then makes his Communion as usual:
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.
May the body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul unto life everlasting. Amen.


Holy Communion is now distributed as on Maundy Thursday, except that priests wear a purple stole, not white. When all have communicated, the Celebrant purifies his fingers and places the Ciborium in the tabernacle in silence. All stand, in order to join him in his thanksgiving, which he recites in ferial tone:

Let us pray.
Upon Thy people who with devout hearts aave recalled the Passion and Death of Thy Son, we beseech Thee, O Lord, may plentiful blessings descend: may gentleness be used with us, and consolation given us, may our faith increase in holiness, our redemption for ever made firm. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
R. Amen.

Let us pray.
Almighty and merciful God, who hast restored us by the Passion and Death of Thy Christ: preserve within us the work of Thy mercy; that by our entering into this mystery we may ever live devoutly. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
R. Amen.

Let us pray.
Be mindful of Thy mercies, O Lord, and hallow us with eternal protection us Thy servants, from whom Christ Thy Son established through His Blood this mystery of the Pasch. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
R. Amen.
The Ministers genuflect before retiring to the Sacristy.


[Thanks to http://divinumofficium.com/cgi-bin/missa/missa.pl]