Original

follow : In
262
quo The choir responds in the same
tone, Venite, adoremus and all, except the celebrant,
kneel during the singing of this Response.
This ceremony, first observed in Jerusalem in the
fourth century, after the finding of the true Cross by
Saint Helena, REMINDS us of the GRADUAL GLORIFI
CATION OF THE CROSS of Jesus Christ. First it
was shown in obscurity then it was preached to the
Jews of the Synagogue, finally it was proclaimed
throughout the whole world. This was, as it were,
the reparation for the outrages inflicted on our Lord
in the house of Caiphas the high priest, in the prse-
torium, and lastly on the hill of Calvary.
At the third chanting of the Venite adoremus, all
remain kneeling, and the celebrant lays the cross on a
purple cushion ; then, in a sentiment of profound
respect for the cross, he takes off his shoes, and
together with his assistants having made the accus
tomed triple adoration at measured intervals, he kneels
before the cross and kisses the sacred feet, the assis
tants following each in turn ; then the choir approach
in succession to render this act of homage to the Cross.
Finally the celebrant having put on his shoes, takes
the crucifix and presents it for the adoration of each
of the faithful.
During the adoration of the Cross a SERIES OF ANTI-
PHONS is sung. These antiphons are called Improperia
REPROACHES because they consist of the reproaches
which, by the mouth of His prophets, God addressed to
the Jewish people for their ingratitude. The ceremony
concludes with the SINGING OF A HYMN in honour of
the Cross. The deacon, having received the cross from
the celebrant, replaces it on the altar, from which time
all genuflect when passing before it. Whilst taking part