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The Ceremonies of the Holy-Week at Rome

Note (return) — CHAP. VI.

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The Cardinal afterwards changes his cope for a chasuble, which is purple as well as that of the subdeacon; but the deacon, as he is going to bless the Paschal candle112, wears a white dalmatic. They then enter the Sixtine chapel; where, having put incense into the thurible, the Cardinal remains: but the deacon, the subdeacon who carries the cross, and the other ministers go to the Pauline chapel, whence a procession returns in the following order. After two mace bearers comes an acolythe with the five grains of incense, and another with the thurible; then the subdeacon carrying the cross; and the deacon with a reed, at the top of which are 3 candles united together. At his left hand is a Master of ceremonies with a small candle lighted from the blessed fire, and he is followed by two other acolythes. When the deacon arrives near the door of the cancellata, one of the three candles is lighted, and all genuflect, except the subdeacon: the deacon then sings, Lumen Christi, the light of Christ, and the choir answers, Thanks be to God. The other two candles are lighted in turn, as the Deacon approaches nearer to the altar; singing the same words each time, but gradually in a higher tone. He then gives the reed to an acolythe; and before he sings the exultet or blessing of the Paschal candle, he receives the benediction of the Card. Celebrant, who once more puts incense into the thurible.

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