Memoriale Rituum - Part V – The Friday of the Passover

CHAPTER I  - THE THINGS TO BE GOT READY FOR THE SERVICE OF THIS DAY

On the Altar.

1. The Altar itself is to be quite bare.  There are to be six candlesticks with unlighted candles of yellow wax.
2. A wooden cross on the Altar, the cross covered with a veil so arranged as to be easily undone and taken off. 
3. A purple cushion on the second step of the Altar.

On a Table or Credence at the High Altar.

1. A linen cloth just covering the top of the credence.
2. A folded cloth for the Altar, of the same length and width as the table of the Altar.
3. Missal stand and Missal.
4. Black burse with corporal, pall, and purificator.
5. Thurible and boat with incense .
6. Black veil for the chalice at the end of the service.
7. Dish with wine and water cruets, and small towel. 
8. Silver plate for the offerings.

Near the Credence.

1. Carpet, purple cushion, and a white veil lined with purple.
2. Processional cross.

In the Chapel of Repose.

1. An open corporal on the Altar.
2. White humeral veil.
3. White canopy or baldachino.
4. Torches and candles for the procession.

In the Sacristy.

1. Three surplices for the servers.
2. Amice, alb, girdle and black maniple, stole and chasuble.
3. A vessel with lighted charcoal and a pair of tongs.

 

CHAPTER II - THE SACRED CEREMONIES TO BE PERFORMED ON THE FRIDAY OF THE PASSOVER

 

§ 1.  THE BEGINNING OF THE SERVICE UP TO THE UNVEILING OF THE CROSS

1. A signal is given with the rattle at the appointed time, and the Celebrant and servers put on their surplices in the Sacristy, and the things are prepared as above.
2. The Celebrant, having washed his hands, vests in amice, alb, girdle and black maniple, stole and chasuble.
3. Wearing his biretta, and preceded by the servers, with hands joined, the Celebrant goes to the High Altar.
4. Taking off his biretta, the Celebrant genuflects in plano, and then lies prostrate on the cushion placed on the second step; he remains prostrate, and prays for about the time of a Miserere.
5. The first server takes the folded cloth, and, assisted by the second server, unfolds it lengthways on the Altar; but it is left folded along its middle, so that the two edges are near the front of the Altar, and the folded edge runs from end to end along the middle of the Altar.
6. The third server places the Missal stand and Missal on the Altar at the Epistle side.
7. The Celebrant rises from his prostration, and, the cushion being removed by a server, he ascends and kisses the Altar in the middle.
8. Going to the Epistle side, he reads the first Lesson and the Tract.
9. He then says Oremus, and, while he and all present kneel, adds, Flectamus genua.  The second server, rising first, says, Levate, and the Celebrant adds the Collect Deus a quo, etc.
10. He then reads the second Lesson and Tract, and immediately after commences the Passion.
11. In the same place he says the Munda cor meum, and then goes on with that portion which as at a High Mass should be sung in the Gospel tone.
12. The book is not kissed at the end, but immediately afterwards, unless there is a sermon on the Passion, the Celebrant, standing at the Epistle side, begins the bidding prayers and Collects contained in the Missal.
13. Before each prayer, except the eighth, the Celebrant, with the others, genuflects and says, Flectamus genua, and the second server, rising before the others, says, Levate.
14. Towards the end of the Collects the first and third servers open out the carpet on the steps of the Altar or Sanctuary; they also put on the lower steps a purple cushion, and the white silk veil lined with purple.

 

§ 2.  THE UNVEILING AND VENERATION OF THE CROSS

1. The Collects being concluded, the Celebrant, still standing at the Epistle corner, takes off the chasuble.
2. Then he genuflects in the middle of the Altar and takes down the cross, and the first server holds the Missal.
3. The Celebrant goes to the hinder corner at the Epistle side, standing with his face towards the people, and the server holds the Missal in front of him.
4. The Celebrant, with his right hand, uncovers the top of the cross as far as the cross-piece, and, holding the cross slightly elevated with both hands, he reads in a solemn tone Ecce lignum crucis, and the servers continue in the same tone, In quo salus mundi pependit. They all, except the Celebrant, genuflect, and after the servers have said Venite adoremus, all rise again.
5. The Celebrant, at the front corner of the Altar on the Epistle side, uncovers the right arm of the cross and the head of the Crucified. He holds the cross a little higher, and, slightly elevating his voice, he says a second time, Ecce lignum crucis.
6. The servers continue In quo salus mundi pependit, and immediately after Venite adoremus, and all genuflect as before.
7. Finally, in the middle of the Altar, the Celebrant totally unveils the cross, and, elevating hands and voice, he says a third time, Ecce lignum crucis.
8. The servers, for the third time, continue, answer, and genuflect as above.
9. The third server places a plate at the left side of the cushion, and the server replaces the Missal on the stand; the processional cross and other crosses in the Church are unveiled.
10. The Celebrant, going down the steps on the Gospel side, and holding the cross high up in both hands, devoutly carries it to the place prepared.
11. He kneels and, arranges the cross on the cushion, and ties it with little cords.
12. He rises, and, making a genuflection, goes to the Epistle side, and there sitting on the Minister’s bench, takes off his shoes with the assistance of the servers.
13. His shoes being taken off, the Celebrant proceeds to venerate the cross, which he adores three times at appropriate intervals; and having made his offering of money, he kisses the cross.
14. He then rises, and, after making a genuflection to the cross, the Celebrant returns to the Minister’s bench at the Epistle side, and puts on his shoes.
15. The servers also take off their shoes, and after the Celebrant, but before all others in the Congregation, they adore the cross just as the Celebrant did; then, re­turning to their places, they put on their shoes.
16. After the servers, the confraternities, if there are any, in their penitential garb, go and adore; and after these the men, and finally the women, all walking two by two, gravely and devoutly.
17. During the veneration the first server goes to render any necessary assistance to those who are adoring the cross; the second and third servers approach near to the Celebrant, and in a high and clear voice recite with him the Improperia as given below. 

FIRST PART

Cel. V. Popule meus, quid feci tibi? aut in quo constristavi te? responde mihi.
V. Quia eduxi te de terra Aegypti: parasti Crucem Salvatori tuo.
2nd server. R. Agios o Theos.
3rd server. R. Sanctus Deus.
2nd server. R. Agios ischyros.
3rd server. R. Sanctus fortis.
2nd server. R. Agios athanatos eleison imas.
3rd server. R. Sanctus immortalis, miserere nobis.
Cel. V. Quia eduxi te per desertum quadraginta annis: et manna cibavi te, et introduxi te in terram satis bonam: parasti crucem Salvatori tuo.
2nd server. R. Agios o Theos.
3rd server. R. Sanctus Deus.
2nd server. R. Agios ischyros.
3rd server. R. Sanctus fortis.
2nd server. R. Agios athanatos eleison imas.
3rd server. R. Sanctus immortalis, miserere nobis.
Cel. V. Quid ultra debui facere tibi, et non feci?  Ego quidem plantavi te vineam meam speciosissimam: et tu facta es mihi nimis amara; aceto namque sitim meam potasti, et lancea perforasti latus Salvatori tuo.
2nd server. R. Agios o Theos.
3rd server. R. Sanctus Deus.
2nd server. R. Agios ischyros.
3rd server. R. Sanctus fortis.
2nd server. R. Agios athanatos eleison imas.
3rd server. R. Sanctus immortalis, miserere nobis.

SECOND PART

Cel. V. Ego propter te flagellavi Aegyptum cum primogenitis suis; et tu me flagellatum tradidisti.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Popule meus, quid feci tibi? aut in quo constristavi te? responde mihi.
Cel. V. Ego eduxi te de Aegypto, demerso Pharaone in mare rubrum; et tu me tradidìsti principibus Sacerdotum.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Popule meus, quid feci tibi? aut in quo constristavi te? responde mihi.
Cel. V. Ego ante te aperui mare, et tu aperuisti lancea latus meum.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Popule meus, quid feci tibi? aut in quo constristavi te? responde mihi.
Cel. V. Ego ante te praeivi in columna nubis: et tu me duxisti ad praetorium Pilati.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Popule meus, quid feci tibi? aut in quo constristavi te? responde mihi.
Cel. V.  Ego te pavi manna per desertum; et tu me caecidisti alapis, et flagellis.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Popule meus, quid feci tibi? aut in quo constristavi te? responde mihi.
Cel. V. Ego te potavi aqua salutis de petra; et tu me potasti felle, et aceto.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Popule meus, quid feci tibi? aut in quo constristavi te? responde mihi.
Cel. V.  Ego propter te Chananaeorum Reges percussi: et tu percussisti arundine caput meum.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Popule meus, quid feci tibi? aut in quo constristavi te? responde mihi.
Cel. V. Ego dedi tibi sceptrum regale; et tu dedisti capiti med spineam coronam.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Popule meus, quid feci tibi? aut in quo constristavi te? responde mihi.
Cel. V. Ego te exaltavi magna virtute; et tu me suspendisti in patibulo Crucis.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Popule meus, quid feci tibi? aut in quo constristavi te? responde mihi.

THIRD PART

Cel. V. Crucem tuam adoramus Domine, et sanctam Resurrectionem tuam laudamus, et glorificamus; ecce enim propter lignum venit gaudium in universo mundo.
Psalm. Deus misereatur nostri, et benedicat nobis.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Illuminet vultum suum super nos, et misereatur nostri.
Cel. V. Crucem tuam adoramus Domine, et sanctam Resurrectionem tuam laudamus, et glorificamus; ecce enim propter lignum venit gaudium in universo mundo.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Crux fidelis inter omnes, arbor una nobilis, nulla sylva talem profert, fronde, flore, germine.  Dulce lignum, dulces clavos, dulce pondus sustinet.
Cel. V. Pange lingua gloriosi lauream certaminis: et super Crucis trophaeo dic triumphum nobilem: qualiter Redemptor orbis immolatus vicerit.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Crux fidelis inter omnes, arbor una nobilis, nulla sylva talem profert, fronde, flore, germine.
Cel. V. De parentis protoplasti fraude factor condolens; quando pomi noxialis in necem morsu ruit; ipse lignum tunc notavit, damna ligni ut solveret.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Dulce lignum, dulces clavos, dulce pondus sustinet.
Cel. V. Hoc opus nostrae salutis ordo depoposcerat multiformis proditoris ars ut artem falleret: et medelam ferret inde, hostis unde laeserat.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Crux fidelis inter omnes, arbor una nobilis, nulla sylva talem profert, fronde, flore, germine.
Cel. V. Quando venit ergo sacri plenitudo temporis; missus est ab arce Patris, Natus orbis conditor: atque ventre virginali carne amictus prodiit.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Dulce lignum, dulces clavos, dulce pondus sustinet.
Cel. V. Vagit infans inter arcta conditus praesepia: membra pannis involuta Virgo Mater alligat: et Dei manus, pedesque, stricta cingit fascia.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Crux fidelis inter omnes, arbor una nobilis, nulla sylva talem profert, fronde, flore, germine.
Cel. V. Lustra sex qui jam peregit, tempus implens corporis: sponte libera Redemptor passioni deditus: Agnus in Crucis levatur immolandus stipite.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Dulce lignum, dulces clavos, dulce pondus sustinet.
Cel. V. Felle potus ecce languet, spina, clavi, lancea, mite corpus perforarunt, unda manat, et cruor: terra, pontus, astra, mundus, quo lavantur flumine.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Crux fidelis inter omnes, arbor una nobilis, nulla sylva talem profert, fronde, flore, germine.
Cel. V. Flecte ramos, arbor alta, tensa laxa viscera: et rigor lentescat ille, quem dedit nativitas: et superni membra Regis tende miti stipite.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Dulce lignum, dulces clavos, dulce pondus sustinet.
Cel. V. Sola digna tu fuisti ferre mundi victimam; atque portum praeparare arca mundo naufrago; quam sacer cruor per unxit, fusus Agni corpore.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Crux fidelis inter omnes, arbor una nobilis, nulla sylva talem profert, fronde, flore, germine.
Cel. V. Sempiterna sit beatae Trinitati gloria: aequa Patri, Filioque, par decus Paraclito: Unius, Trinique nomen laudet univertas: Amen.
2nd and 3rd servers. R. Dulce lignum, dulces clavos, dulce pondus sustinet.

18. Towards the end of the Adoration the first server lights the Altar candles, and the third server takes away the Missal and stand.
19. Then the second and third servers approach the Altar, one at each end, and unfold the cloth on the Altar.
20. The second server then takes to the Altar the burse, with the corporal in it, and upon it a purificator. He unfolds the corporal, and places the purificator at the Epistle side, near the corporal.
21. The third server places the Missal and stand at the Gospel side, the Missal being open and standing obliquely, as in the Mass.
22. The Adoration being finished, the Celebrant replaces the cross on the Altar with the customary genuflections.
23. The servers remove the carpet, cushion, veil, and offertory-plate, and the thurible is filled with lighted charcoal.
24. The Celebrant at the Minister's bench, on the Epistle side, puts on the chasuble, and, not wearing his biretta, goes to the foot of the Altar.

 

§ 3.  THE PROCESSION TO THE CHAPEL AND THE RETURN TO THE HIGH ALTAR WITH THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

1. The Celebrant is before the Altar; he puts incense in the thurible without the customary kisses and blessing.
2. The procession to the place of Reservation is arranged as follows:
  The banner of the Blessed Sacrament.
  Confraternities or devout men.
  Thurifer.
  The unveiled processional cross, carried by the third server.
  Celebrant in chasuble, and the second server on his left hand, slightly in front.
3. At the Chapel: The banner and cross somewhat near the Altar, those walking in procession standing on each side - the juniors near the banner, the seniors near the Altar.
4. The Celebrant, having made a genuflection in plano in the chapel, kneels on the lowest step, and prays for a short time, as also do the others.
5. He rises and opens the urn and genuflects, and, coming down, he stands on the top step, where he puts incense in the thurible, but omitting the usual kisses and blessing; the candles are lighted for the procession, and the canopy or baldachino is got ready.
6. The Celebrant kneels on the edge of the predella and incenses the Blessed Sacrament in the urn; he then rises, and, making a genuflection, takes the chalice out of the urn, and places it on the Altar.
7. He genuflects and closes the urn, in which there is still the ciborium with particles; he again genuflects, and goes down to the top step.
8. Kneeling on the edge of the predella, he receives the humeral veil; then, rising, he genuflects, and afterwards takes the chalice, as he did yesterday, the second server covering the chalice with the veil.
9. The Celebrant turns his back to the Altar, and, when facing, the procession, he begins in a loud voice the hymn Vexilla Regis prodeunt, etc., which, with the second server, he continues to the end, as below:

Vexilla Regis prodeunt:
Fulget Crucis mysterium:
Qua vita mortem pertulit,
Et morte vitam protulit.

Quae vulnerata lanceae
Miicrone diro, criminum
Ut nos lavaret sordibus,
Manavit unda, et sanguine.

Impleta sunt, quae concinit 
David fideli carmine,
Dicendo nationibus :
Regnavit a ligno Deus.

Arbor decora, et fulgida,
Ornata Regis purpura,
Electa digna stipite
Tam sancta membra tangere.

Beata, cujus brachiis
Pretium pependit saeculi
Statera facta corporis,
Tulitque praedam tartari.

O Crux ave spes unica,
Hoc passionis tempore
Piis adauge gratiam,
Reisque dele crimina.

Te, fons salutis Trinitas,
Collaudet omnis spiritus:
Quibus Crucis victoriam
Largiris, adde praemium. Amen.

10. The procession returns to the High Altar in the following order:
  The banner of the Blessed Sacrament.
  Confraternities or devout men with lighted candles.
  Processional cross.
  Thurifer, who is to keep the thurible continuously swinging.
  The Celebrant, walking under the canopy, having on his left and slightly in front the second server.
11. In the Chapel four candles must remain lighted.
12. The banner must be placed outside the sanctuary rails, the processional cross near the credence.
13. Confraternities and devout men in the procession stay outside the Sanctuary, and remain there, holding their lighted candles, until the conclusion of the service.
14. The canopy or baldachino is dispensed with at the entrance to the Sanctuary, and is put away in a suitable place.
15 The Celebrant ascends the Altar and places the chalice on the corporal; he then genuflects, and, having risen, goes down to the top step of the Altar.
16. He puts off the veil, and, standing up, puts incense in the thurible, omitting the usual kisses and blessing; then, kneeling at the edge of the predella, he incenses the Blessed Sacrament.

 

§ 4.  THE REMAINDER OF THE SERVICE AND RITE OF THIS DAY

1. The Celebrant rises and goes to the Altar, where he genuflects. He then unties and lays aside the chalice veil and places the paten on the corporal.
2. Taking the chalice, he transfers from it the Sacred Host, which is placed on the paten; then, holding the paten with both hands, the Celebrant, without word or sign, places the Host on the corporal, and the paten is put in its usual position, but on the corporal, not under it.
3. The Celebrant, having made a genuflection, takes the chalice and goes towards the Epistle corner, holding the chalice in his left hand; he puts in wine and water, in silence and without any blessing.
4. The chalice is not wiped, and is placed on the edge of the corporal.
5. The Celebrant returns to the middle, and, having made a genuflection, places the chalice in its normal position, and, omitting the sign of the cross, covers it with the pall.
6. Standing in the same place, he puts incense in the thurible, omitting blessing and kisses.
7. The Celebrant, receiving the thurible, genuflects, and then incenses the oblations in the usual manner, saying, Incensum istud, etc.
8. When the oblations have been incensed, the Celebrant again genuflects, and (in accordance with a Decree S.R.C., May 14, 1707) incenses the cross, saying, Dirigatur Domine, etc. Having again made a genuflection to the cross, he continues with the customary incensation of the Altar, taking care to genuflect as often as he passes the middle.
9. Having completed the incensation of the Altar, he gives the thurible to the thurifer and says, Accendat in nobis, etc.; but the Celebrant is not incensed.
10. Taking care not to turn his back to the Blessed Sacrament, the Celebrant goes down from the predella to the second step of the Altar, and standing a short distance from the Altar, at the Epistle side, facing the people, he washes his hands in silence.
11. He returns to the middle of the Altar and genuflects; on rising, he joins his hands on the Altar, and, standing moderately inclined, says in a low but audible voice, In spiritu humilitatis, etc.
12. The Celebrant kisses the Altar, genuflects, and at the Gospel side, turning towards the people, says, Orate fratres.  He turns back again to the Altar without completing a circle, and then genuflects.
13. The Suscipiat is not said.
14. The Celebrant, with hands joined on his breast, says in a ferial tone, Oremus: Praeceptis salutaribus, etc.; and when he says Pater noster, etc., he separates his hands.
15. The servers answer, Sed libera nos a malo; and the Celebrant says, almost silently, Amen.  Still holding his hands extended, he adds in the same ferial tone, Libera nos, etc., and at the end the servers answer, Amen.
16. The Celebrant genuflects, and, on rising, uncovers the chalice and places the paten under the Host, and then, holding the paten in the left hand and the Host in the right, he elevates the Host so that it can be seen by all present.
17. The Celebrant lowers the Host over the chalice, which has been uncovered, and immediately divides the Host in three parts in the usual manner, but saying nothing; the last portion of the Host he puts in the chalice in silence, and without making any of the usual signs.
18. Having covered the chalice, he genuflects; on rising, he places his joined hands on the Altar,: and, bowing down, says (secreto), Perceptio corporis, etc., omitting the other two prayers.
19. The Celebrant again genuflects, and then, taking the paten and Host as at other times, says, Panem coelestem, etc., Domine non sum dignus, etc., three times, and striking his breast as usual
20. He signs himself with the Host, saying, Corpus Domini nostri, etc., and communicates himself.
21. Having made a brief meditation, he uncovers the chalice and genuflects.
22. He rises, and collects the fragments as usual; he takes the chalice in both hands and, without saying anything or signing himself, reverently consumes the particle of the Host, with the wine.
23. Omitting the customary purification of the chalice, the Celebrant washes his fingers with wine and water over the chalice, as usual.
24. In the meantime all rise, and the candles are put out.
25. The Celebrant, having consumed the ablution in the middle of the Altar, wipes the chalice and covers it with the small black veil in a becoming manner; then, bowing down with hands joined before his breast, he says (secreto), Quod ore sumpsimus, etc.
26. The first server carries the chalice to the credence.
27. The Celebrant, going down from the Altar, makes with the servers in plano a genuflection to the cross, and then, wearing his biretta, returns to the Sacristy.
28. Here he puts off the Mass vestments and over his cotta puts on a white stole.

 

§ 5.  THE BRINGING BACK THE CIBORIUM

1. The Celebrant, preceded by the first server with the veil and two others with candles, goes to the Chapel where the ciborium was left.
2. Having made a genuflection in plano, he kneels on the lowest step to pray for a short time.
3. He rises an, going up to the Altar, opens the urn; then genuflects, and, taking the ciborium, places it upon the corporal, and again genuflects.
4. Going down to the top step, he kneels on the predella, and then receives the humeral veil from the first server.
5. Ascending the Altar, he genuflects, and with veiled hands takes the ciborium; preceded by the servers with lighted candles, he carries the ciborium, to be kept in a Tabernacle, placed on an Altar in an out-of-the-way Chapel of the Church, or, more fittingly still, in the Sacristy.
6. With the proper genuflections the ciborium is thus placed in seemly keeping, and a lamp is to be kept burning constantly before it.
7. The ciborium having been put in its place, all genuflect, and the midday signal for the Angelus is given with the rattle.
8. Finally, the Altar candles are extinguished, and everything is put away in its proper place.
9. If there is not a Sacristy or a quiet Chapel, as above mentioned, the ciborium is to be left in the place where the chalice was kept, and a lamp kept continuously burning before it.