Original

254
carried back to the side-chapel. There is but one Mass
said on Holy Thursday, and it is celebrated with
all the solemnity observed at Mass on great festivals.
In cathedral churches, the holy oils are blessed at
this Mass. In other churches all the signs of mourning
which accompany the Mass in Lent are omitted, except
that the Alleluia is not sung. The Gloria in excelsis is
heard once more, and whilst it is being sung, the bells
ring continuously after which they are silent until Holy
Saturday.
The Introit gives glory to the Cross of Jesus Christ
and to the divine Redeemer who has become heavenly
bread for the salvation, life, and resurrection of souls.
In the Offertory, the faithful soul is filled with joy and
gives thanks to God for the divine food which delivers
from death.
In former times the STATION at Rome for Holy Thursday
was at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, the mother
and mistress of all the other churches, the metropolitan
church of the Eternal City and of the whole world.
However, in order to be able to give the apostolic bless
ing from the Loggia, in these days the Pope celebrates
at Saint Peter s.
The Collect contains an allusion to the reconcilia
tion of penitents, and recalls the very different fate of
Judas to that of the penitent thief : both were guilty,
yet whilst one was condemned, the other was pardoned,
striking examples of the manner in which divine
justice and mercy are exercised. The Secret com
memorates the institution of the Sacrifice which is
unceasingly renewed on our altars in union with the
oblation of Calvary. The Postcommunion prays that
the divinQ food of our souls may secure to us a happy
eternity.