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was replaced by a general ordination at Saint John
Lateran s. The sixth scrutiny, which should have taken
place on that Saturday, was deferred until Wednesday
in Holy Week. The final scrutiny took place on Holy
Saturday, immediately before the administration of
Baptism.
If we except the first and the third, the SAME CERE
MONIES performed before the celebration of Mass were
observed AT ALL THE SCRUTINIES. A consultation with
the faithful regarding the candidates took place, an in
struction was given to the catechumens themselves, they
were questioned as to their religious belief, after which
followed the exorcisms and the symbolic giving of
salt.
The announcement of the scrutiny having been
made beforehand, that is, either on the third Sunday of
Lent, or the following day, together with the place
appointed for the Station, the scrutiny began with
the SOLEMN ADMISSION of the candidates. An acolyte
took the names of those who presented themselves with
the names of their god-fathers or god-mothers. Then
followed the ROLL-CALL and the placing of the candi
dates, the men on the right, the women on the left,
with each one s god-father or god-mother behind. Next
came the ceremonies common to all the scrutinies :
the breathing upon the candidates, the signing of the
candidates with the sign of the Cross, the exorcism,
the giving of salt.
These ceremonies were performed by a priest, and
are still carried out in the administration of solemn
Baptism. First there was the instruction and the exam
ination in the faith. The instruction was a familiar
and catechetical explanation of the Sacraments and
the necessary conditions for their reception.
We have