They all now accompany
the B. Sacrament to the Pauline chapel[66] in solemn procession, which
is regulated like that of palm-Sunday. The singers go to the _sala
regia_, illuminated with large cornucopia, and there begin to sing
the _Pange lingua_ (a hymn in honour of the holy Sacrament) as soon
as the cross covered with a purple veil appears: the last verses of
it are sung in the Pauline chapel, which is splendidly illuminated.
The cardinals bearing their mitres and torches precede two by two
the Holy Father, who bare-headed and on foot carries the blessed
Sacrament under a canopy supported by eight assistant bishops or
protonotaries[67]. When the Pope reaches the altar, the first cardinal
deacon receives from His hands the B. Sacrament, and preceded by
torches carries it to the upper part of the _macchina_; M. Sagrista
places it within the urn commonly called the sepulchre, where it is
incensed by the Pope; in the mean time the conclusion of the hymn is
sung. M. Sagrista then shuts the sepulchre, and delivers the key to
thy Card. Penitentiary, who is to officiate on the following day.
[Sidenote: Reservation of the B. Sacrament.]
Two objects are obtained by this custom; 1st. the blessed sacrament
is solemnly preserved for the adoration of the faithful on this
anniversary of its institution, as well as for the priest's communion
on good friday[68]; 2nd. the burial of our divine Saviour is
represented: this is anticipated, in order that the principal altar
may be striped, in sign of mourning, and as He was stripped before His
crucifixion.
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