Note (return) — CHAP. V.

Anciently on fasting days nothing was allowed to be eaten till sunset; and Vespers used therefore to be said before dinner: now that the one meal allowed on such days may be eaten as early as noon, the ancient practice of saying Vespers before dinner is still preserved. Vespers are therefore sung immediately after the mass of the Presanctified: they consist of the Our Father and Hail Mary said in secret, of five psalms with their anthems, and the Magnificat with its anthem. At the verse 'Christ became obedient unto death', all kneel down to adore Him, and the Miserere and the usual prayer are recited, but without the solemnity of Tenebrae104.