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Pope to send by acolytes to the various churches in Rome
a PARTICLE OF CONSECRATED BREAD to be consumed by
the priests belonging to these churches at the same time
as the sacred Host consecrated at the Mass celebrated
by them. This custom, according to most liturgists,
explains the words datur fermentum which we find in
the old records. A similar distribution is said to have
taken place every Sunday to emphasize the close union
between the titularies of the various churches and their
hierarchical head, they really partook in Communion
of the same consecrated Host. The distribution on this
Saturday was exceptional ; no doubt the functions of
Palm Sunday would not allow of it being easily accom
plished on that day.
This distribution of the fermentum at the beginning
of Holy Week had its importance on account of the Pas
chal Communion, for which reason it is sometimes
called : fermentum paschale. This Saturday was also
called Lazarus, or Bethany Saturday, because in early
times the Gospel, now transferred to Monday in Holy
Week, in which is described the repast at Bethany on
the occasion of the raising of Lazarus, was read. In
Jerusalem, the clergy went to the spot on which the
miracle was wrought, and afterwards assembled in the
church of the Resurrection, according to custom for the
Lucernarium (evening Office or Vespers).
In the Epistle we read the terrifying anathemas pro
nounced by Jeremias, who is a figure of Jesus Christ,
against the Jews, his persecutors. The Man-God has
exhausted all the resources of His mercy in regard to
the Jews. Their hatred grows greater, and in secret
they treacherously plot to put to death our Lord whose
presence embarrasses and condemns them. The Gospel
relates the more recent events which exasperated the