]
Pouget (Institut. Cath. t. 2, c. 8) proves that the blessing of the
oils originates in apostolic tradition, as St. Basil cited above
observes. He proves also that since the fifth and sixth centuries the
bishop and priests used to breathe three times over the chrism and
oil of catechumens, and to salute them with the words "Ave sanctum
chrisma: ave sanctum oleum". Our Saviour breathed on His apostles,
when He said 'Receive ye the holy Ghost': and hence his ministers
breathe over the chrism, by which the Holy Ghost is conferred in
confirmation, and over the oil of catechumens, which is used in other
sacred rites. Respect is paid to them, because they are employed in
God's service, and hence it is a relative respect directed to Him.
An ardent soul will never hesitate to address inanimate objects; in
fact some of the finest passages of ancient and modern oratory are
apostrophes of this nature[62]. S. Andrew is said to have saluted the
cross, on which he suffered, S. Paula the birth-place of our divine
Lord; and theirs were words of love of God, and not of idolatry.
[Sidenote: High mass in the Sixtine chapel.]
In the Sixtine chapel the crucifix and tapestry over the altar are
covered with a white and not a purple veil; the throne also is white,
and the Pope is vested in a white cope. On the rich facing of the
altar is represented Christ dead, His descent into limbo, and His
resurrection.
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