{"id":18010,"date":"2026-03-21T15:22:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T15:22:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/?page_id=18010"},"modified":"2026-03-21T15:43:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T15:43:42","slug":"good-friday-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/?page_id=18010","title":{"rendered":"Good Friday"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>The Celebration of\u00a0the Passion of the Lord<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>\u201cLet us admire, congratulate, rejoice, love, praise, adore; because through the death of our Redeemer we are called from darkness to light, from death to life, from exile to home, from grief to everlasting joy\u201d (Saint Augustine). \u201cWho is the one that is not filled with hope of obtaining confidence and courage when he gazes trustfully on the position of our Lord\u2019s crucified body? His head is bent to give us the kiss of peace, his arms extended to receive us, his hands pierced to pour his blessings upon us, his heart opened to love us, his feet nailed to the cross to soften our hearts and remain with us\u201d (Saint Bernard of Clairvaux).\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>On this and the following day, by a most ancient tradition, the Church does not celebrate the Sacraments at all, except for Penance and the Anointing of the Sick.<\/p>\n<p>On this day, Holy Communion is distributed to the faithful only within the celebration of the Lord\u2019s Passion; but it may be brought at any hour of the day to the sick who cannot participate in this celebration.<\/p>\n<p>The altar should be completely bare: without a cross, without candles and without cloths.<\/p>\n<p>On the afternoon of this day, about three o\u2019clock (unless a later hour is chosen for a pastoral reason), there takes place the celebration of the Lord\u2019s Passion consisting of three parts, namely, the Liturgy of the Word, the Adoration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.<\/p>\n<p>The Priest and the Deacon, if a Deacon is present, wearing red vestments as for Mass, go to the altar in silence and, after making a\u00a0reverence to the altar, prostrate themselves or, if appropriate, kneel and pray in silence for a while. All others kneel.<\/p>\n<p>Then the Priest, with the ministers, goes to the chair where, facing the people, who are standing, he says, with hands extended, one of the following prayers, omitting the invitation\u00a0Let us pray.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prayer<br \/>\n<\/strong>Remember your mercies, O Lord,<br \/>\nand with your eternal protection sanctify your servants,<br \/>\nfor whom Christ your Son,<br \/>\nby the shedding of his Blood,<br \/>\nestablished the Paschal Mystery.<br \/>\nWho lives and reigns for ever and ever.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p>Or:<\/p>\n<p>O God, who by the Passion of Christ your Son,<br \/>\nour Lord,<br \/>\nabolished the death inherited from ancient sin<br \/>\nby every succeeding generation,<br \/>\ngrant that just as, being conformed to him,<br \/>\nwe have borne by the law of nature<br \/>\nthe image of the man of earth,<br \/>\nso by the sanctification of grace<br \/>\nwe may bear the image of the Man of heaven.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>First Part: The Liturgy of the Word<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>He was pierced for our transgressions.\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A reading from the Prophet Isaiah\u00a052:13\u201353:12<br \/>\nBehold, my servant\u00a0shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you\u2014his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind\u2014so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.\u00a0Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the\u00a0Lord\u00a0been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.\u00a0Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned\u2014every one\u2014to his own way; and the\u00a0Lord\u00a0has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgement he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.\u00a0Yet it was the will of the\u00a0Lord\u00a0to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the\u00a0Lord\u00a0shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.<br \/>\n<em>The word of the Lord.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Psalm 31\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>R\/\u00a0\u00a0(Lk 23:46) Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In you, O\u00a0Lord, I take refuge.<br \/>\nLet me never be put to shame.<br \/>\nIn your justice, set me free.<br \/>\nInto your hands I commend my spirit.<br \/>\nYou will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.<br \/>\n<strong>Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Because of all my foes<br \/>\nI have become a reproach,<br \/>\nan object of scorn to my neighbours<br \/>\nand of fear to my friends.<br \/>\n<strong>Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Those who see me in the street,<br \/>\nthey flee from me.<br \/>\nI am forgotten, like someone dead,<br \/>\nand have become like a broken vessel.<br \/>\n<strong>Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>But as for me, I trust in you, O\u00a0Lord;<br \/>\nI say, \u201cYou are my God.<br \/>\nThere in your hands is my lot,<br \/>\nfrom the hands of my enemies deliver me<br \/>\nand from those who pursue me.\u201d<br \/>\n<strong>Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet your face shine on your servant.<br \/>\nSave me in your merciful love.\u201d<br \/>\nBe strong, let your heart take courage,<br \/>\nall who hope in the Lord.<br \/>\n<strong>Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>He learned obedience and became the source of salvation to all who obey him.\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews\u00a0<span lang=\"fr-FR\">4:14-16; 5:7-9<br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong>Brothers and sisters:\u00a0We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.\u00a0In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.<br \/>\n<em>The word of the Lord.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Acclamation before the Gospel<\/strong><br \/>\nPraise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory. Christ was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all names. Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.<\/p>\n<p>The passion narratives are proclaimed in full so that all see vividly the love of Christ for each person. In light of this, the crimes during the Passion of Christ cannot be attributed, in either preaching or catechesis, indiscriminately to all Jews of that time, nor to Jews today. The Jewish people should not be referred to as though rejected or cursed, as if this view followed from Scripture. The Church ever keeps in mind that Jesus, his mother Mary, and the apostles all were Jewish. As the Church has always held, Christ freely suffered his passion and death because of the sins of all, that all might be saved.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John\u00a018:1\u201319:42<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>X: Christ;\u00a0N:\u00a0Narrator;\u00a0S:\u00a0<wbr \/>Speakers other than Christ.<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0At that time: Jesus went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cWhom do you seek?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0They answered him,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cJesus of Nazareth.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Jesus said to them,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cI am he.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, \u201cI am he\u201d, they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cWhom do you seek?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0And they said,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cJesus of Nazareth. \u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Jesus answered,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cI told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0This was to fulfil the word that he had spoken: \u201cOf those whom you gave me I have lost not one.\u201d Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest\u2019s servant and cut off his right ear. The servant\u2019s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cPut your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.<\/p>\n<p>Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cYou also are not one of this man\u2019s disciples, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0He said,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cI am not.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.<\/p>\n<p>The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cI have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cIs that how you answer the high priest?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Jesus answered him,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cIf what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.<\/p>\n<p>Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cYou also are not one of his disciples, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0He denied it and said,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cI am not.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cDid I not see you in the garden with him?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Peter again denied it, and at once a cock crowed.<\/p>\n<p>Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor\u2019s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor\u2019s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cWhat accusation do you bring against this man?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0They answered him,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cIf this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Pilate said to them,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cTake him yourselves and judge him by your own law.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0The Jews said to him,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cIt is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0This was to fulfil the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.<\/p>\n<p>So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cAre you the King of the Jews?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Jesus answered,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cDo you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Pilate answered,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cAm I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you up to me. What have you done?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Jesus answered,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cMy kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Then Pilate said to him,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cSo you are a king?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Jesus answered,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cYou say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world \u2014 to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Pilate said to him,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cWhat is truth?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cI find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0They cried out again,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cNot this man, but Barabbas!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Now Barabbas was a robber.<\/p>\n<p>Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cHail, King of the Jews!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0and struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cSee, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cBehold the man!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cCrucify him, crucify him!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Pilate said to them,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cTake him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0The Jews answered him,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cWe have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cWhere are you from?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cYou will not speak to me? Do you not know that I\u00a0have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Jesus answered him,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cYou would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cIf you release this man, you are not Caesar\u2019s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgement seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cBehold your King!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0They cried out,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cAway with him, away with him, crucify him!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Pilate said to them,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cShall I crucify your King?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0The chief priests answered,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cWe have no king but Caesar.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.<\/p>\n<p>So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, \u201cJesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.\u201d Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cDo not write, \u2018The King of the Jews\u2019, but rather, \u2018This man said, I am King of the Jews.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Pilate answered,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cWhat I have written I have written.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another,<\/p>\n<p>S\u00a0\u201cLet us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0This was to fulfil the Scripture which says, \u201cThey divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.\u201d So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother\u2019s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cWoman, behold, your son!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Then he said to the disciple,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cBehold, your mother!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.<\/p>\n<p>After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the Scripture),<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cI thirst.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said,<\/p>\n<p>X\u00a0\u201cIt is finished,\u201d<\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.<\/p>\n<p><strong>All kneel for a period of silence.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>N\u00a0Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness\u2014his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth\u2014that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: \u201cNot one of his bones will be broken.\u201d And again another Scripture says, \u201cThey will look on him whom they have pierced.\u201d<br \/>\nAfter these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about thirty-five kilograms in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.<br \/>\n<em>The Gospel of the Lord.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Solemn Intercessions<br \/>\n<\/strong>The Liturgy of the Word concludes with the Solemn Intercessions, which take place in this way: the Deacon, if a Deacon is present, or if he is not, a lay minister, stands at the ambo, and sings or says the invitation in which the intention is expressed. Then all pray in silence for a while, and afterwards the Priest, standing at the chair or, if appropriate, at the altar, with hands extended, sings or says the prayer.<\/p>\n<p>The faithful may remain either kneeling or standing throughout the entire period of the prayers.<\/p>\n<p>Before the Priest\u2019s prayer, in accord with tradition, it is permissible to use the Deacon\u2019s invitations\u00a0Let us kneel\u2014Let us stand, with all kneeling for silent prayer.<\/p>\n<p>The Conferences of Bishops may provide other invitations to \u00adintroduce the prayer of the Priest.<\/p>\n<p>In a situation of grave public need, the Diocesan Bishop may \u00adpermit or order the addition of a special intention.<\/p>\n<p><strong>I. For Holy Church<br \/>\n<\/strong>Let us pray, dearly beloved, for the holy Church of God,<br \/>\nthat our God and Lord be pleased to give her peace,<br \/>\nto guard her and to unite her throughout the whole world<br \/>\nand grant that, leading our life in tranquillity and quiet,<br \/>\nwe may glorify God the Father almighty.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Almighty ever-living God,<br \/>\nwho in Christ revealed your glory to all the nations,<br \/>\nwatch over the works of your mercy,<br \/>\nthat your Church, spread throughout all the world,<br \/>\nmay persevere with steadfast faith in confessing<br \/>\nyour name.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>II. For the Pope<br \/>\n<\/strong>Let us pray also for our most Holy Father Pope\u00a0N.,<br \/>\nthat our God and Lord,<br \/>\nwho chose him for the Order of Bishops,<br \/>\nmay keep him safe and unharmed for the Lord\u2019s<br \/>\nholy Church,<br \/>\nto govern the holy People of God.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Almighty ever-living God,<br \/>\nby whose decree all things are founded,<br \/>\nlook with favour on our prayers<br \/>\nand in your kindness protect the Pope chosen for us,<br \/>\nthat, under him, the Christian people,<br \/>\ngoverned by you their maker,<br \/>\nmay grow in merit by reason of their faith.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>III. For all orders and degrees of the faithful<br \/>\n<\/strong>Let us pray also for our Bishop\u00a0N.,<br \/>\nfor all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons of the Church<br \/>\nand for the whole of the faithful people.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Almighty ever-living God,<br \/>\nby whose Spirit the whole body of the Church<br \/>\nis sanctified and governed,<br \/>\nhear our humble prayer for your ministers,<br \/>\nthat, by the gift of your grace,<br \/>\nall may serve you faithfully.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>IV. For catechumens<br \/>\n<\/strong>Let us pray also for\u00a0(our)catechumens,<br \/>\nthat our God and Lord<br \/>\nmay open wide the ears of their inmost hearts<br \/>\nand unlock the gates of his mercy,<br \/>\nthat, having received forgiveness of all their sins<br \/>\nthrough the waters of rebirth,<br \/>\nthey, too, may be one with Christ Jesus our Lord.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Almighty ever-living God,<br \/>\nwho make your Church ever fruitful with new offspring,<br \/>\nincrease the faith and understanding of\u00a0(our)<br \/>\ncatechumens,<br \/>\nthat, reborn in the font of Baptism,<br \/>\nthey may be added to the number of your adopted<br \/>\nchildren.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>V. For the unity of Christians<br \/>\n<\/strong>Let us pray also for all our brothers and sisters<br \/>\nwho believe in Christ,<br \/>\nthat our God and Lord may be pleased,<br \/>\nas they live the truth,<br \/>\nto gather them together and keep them in his one Church.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Almighty ever-living God,<br \/>\nwho gather what is scattered<br \/>\nand keep together what you have gathered,<br \/>\nlook kindly on the flock of your Son,<br \/>\nthat those whom one Baptism has consecrated<br \/>\nmay be joined together by integrity of faith<br \/>\nand united in the bond of charity.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>VI. For the Jewish people<br \/>\n<\/strong>Let us pray also for the Jewish people,<br \/>\nto whom the Lord our God spoke first,<br \/>\nthat he may grant them to advance in love of his name<br \/>\nand in faithfulness to his covenant.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Almighty ever-living God,<br \/>\nwho bestowed your promises on Abraham and his<br \/>\ndescendants,<br \/>\ngraciously hear the prayers of your Church,<br \/>\nthat the people you first made your own<br \/>\nmay attain the fullness of redemption.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>VII. For those who do not believe in Christ<br \/>\n<\/strong>Let us pray also for those who do not believe in Christ,<br \/>\nthat, enlightened by the Holy Spirit,<br \/>\nthey, too, may enter on the way of salvation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Almighty ever-living God,<br \/>\ngrant to those who do not confess Christ<br \/>\nthat, by walking before you with a sincere heart,<br \/>\nthey may find the truth<br \/>\nand that we ourselves, being constant in mutual love<br \/>\nand striving to understand more fully the mystery of<br \/>\nyour life,<br \/>\nmay be made more perfect witnesses to your love in<br \/>\nthe world.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>VIII. For those who do not believe in God<br \/>\n<\/strong>Let us pray also for those who do not acknowledge God,<br \/>\nthat, following what is right in sincerity of heart,<br \/>\nthey may find the way to God himself.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says<\/strong>:<br \/>\nAlmighty ever-living God,<br \/>\nwho created all people<br \/>\nto seek you always by desiring you<br \/>\nand, by finding you, come to rest,<br \/>\ngrant, we pray,<br \/>\nthat, despite every harmful obstacle,<br \/>\nall may recognise the signs of your fatherly love<br \/>\nand the witness of the good works<br \/>\ndone by those who believe in you,<br \/>\nand so in gladness confess you,<br \/>\nthe one true God and Father of our human race.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>IX. For those in public office<br \/>\n<\/strong>Let us pray also for those in public office,<br \/>\nthat our God and Lord<br \/>\nmay direct their minds and hearts according to his will<br \/>\nfor the true peace and freedom of all.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Almighty ever-living God,<br \/>\nin whose hand lies every human heart<br \/>\nand the rights of peoples,<br \/>\nlook with favour, we pray,<br \/>\non those who govern with authority over us,<br \/>\nthat throughout the whole world,<br \/>\nthe prosperity of peoples,<br \/>\nthe assurance of peace,<br \/>\nand freedom of religion<br \/>\nmay through your gift be made secure.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>X. For those in tribulation<br \/>\n<\/strong>Let us pray, dearly beloved,<br \/>\nto God the Father almighty,<br \/>\nthat he may cleanse the world of all errors,<br \/>\nbanish disease, drive out hunger,<br \/>\nunlock prisons, loosen fetters,<br \/>\ngranting to travellers safety, to pilgrims return,<br \/>\nhealth to the sick, and salvation to the dying.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prayer in silence. Then the Priest says:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Almighty ever-living God,<br \/>\ncomfort of mourners, strength of all who toil,<br \/>\nmay the prayers of those who cry out in any tribulation<br \/>\ncome before you,<br \/>\nthat all may rejoice,<br \/>\nbecause in their hour of need<br \/>\nyour mercy was at hand.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Second Part: The Adoration of the Holy Cross<br \/>\n<\/strong>After the Solemn Intercessions, the solemn Adoration of the Holy Cross takes place. Of the two forms of the showing of the Cross presented here, the more appropriate one, according to pastoral needs, should be chosen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Showing of the Holy Cross<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>First Form<br \/>\n<\/strong>The Deacon accompanied by ministers, or another suitable \u00administer, goes to the sacristy, from which, in procession, accompanied by two ministers with lighted candles, he carries the Cross, covered with a\u00a0violet veil, through the church to the middle of the sanctuary.<\/p>\n<p>The Priest, standing before the altar and facing the people, receives the Cross, uncovers a little of its upper part and elevates it while beginning the\u00a0Ecce lignum Crucis\u00a0(Behold the wood of the Cross). He is assisted in singing by the Deacon or, if need be, by the choir. All respond,\u00a0Come, let us adore. At the end of the singing, all kneel and for a brief moment adore in silence, while the Priest stands and holds the Cross raised.<\/p>\n<p>Behold the wood of the Cross,<br \/>\non which hung the salvation of the world.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0Come, let us adore.<\/p>\n<p>Then the Priest uncovers the right arm of the Cross and again, raising up the Cross, begins,\u00a0Behold the wood of the Cross\u00a0and everything takes place as above.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, he uncovers the Cross entirely and, raising it up, he begins the invitation\u00a0Behold the wood of the Cross\u00a0a third time and everything takes place like the first time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Second Form<br \/>\n<\/strong>The Priest or the Deacon accompanied by ministers, or another suitable minister, goes to the door of the church, where he receives the unveiled Cross, and the ministers take lighted candles; then\u00a0the procession sets off through the church to the sanctuary. Near the\u00a0door, in the middle of the church and before the entrance of\u00a0the sanctuary, the one who carries the Cross elevates it, singing,\u00a0Behold the wood of the Cross, to which all respond,\u00a0Come, let us adore. After each response all kneel and for a brief moment adore in silence, as above.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Adoration of the Holy Cross<br \/>\n<\/strong>Then, accompanied by two ministers with lighted candles, the Priest or the Deacon carries the Cross to the entrance of the sanctuary or to another suitable place and there puts it down or hands it over to the ministers to hold. Candles are placed on the right and left sides of the Cross.<\/p>\n<p>For the Adoration of the Cross, first the Priest Celebrant alone approaches, with the chasuble and his shoes removed, if appropriate. Then the clergy, the lay ministers, and the faithful approach, moving as if in procession, and showing reverence to the Cross by a\u00a0simple genuflection or by some other sign appropriate to the usage of the region, for example, by kissing the Cross.<\/p>\n<p>Only one Cross should be offered for adoration. If, because of the large number of people, it is not possible for all to approach individually, the Priest, after some of the clergy and faithful have adored, takes the Cross and, standing in the middle before the altar, invites the people in a few words to adore the Holy Cross and afterwards holds the Cross elevated higher for a brief time, for the faithful to adore it in silence.<\/p>\n<p>While the adoration of the Holy Cross is taking place, the antiphon\u00a0Crucem tuam adoramus\u00a0(We adore your Cross, O Lord), the Reproaches, the hymn\u00a0Crux fidelis(Faithful Cross) or other \u00adsuitable chants are sung, during which all who have already adored the Cross remain seated.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Chants to Be Sung during the Adoration of the Holy Cross<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Antiphon<br \/>\n<\/strong>We adore your Cross, O Lord,<br \/>\nwe praise and glorify your holy Resurrection,<br \/>\nfor behold, because of the wood of a tree<br \/>\njoy has come to the whole world.<\/p>\n<p>May God have mercy on us and bless us, may he let his face shed its light upon us<br \/>\nand have mercy on us.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Antiphon:\u00a0<\/strong>We adore\u2026.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Reproaches<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Parts assigned to one of the two choirs separately are indicated by the numbers\u00a01\u00a0(first choir) and\u00a02(second choir); parts sung by both choirs together are marked:\u00a01\u00a0and\u00a02. Some of the verses may also be sung by two cantors.<\/p>\n<p>I<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2<\/p>\n<p>My people, what have I done to you?<\/p>\n<p>Or how have I grieved you? Answer me!<br \/>\n1\u00a0Because I led you out of the land of Egypt,<\/p>\n<p>you have prepared a Cross for your Saviour.<\/p>\n<p>1\u00a0Hagios o Theos,<\/p>\n<p>2\u00a0Holy is God,<\/p>\n<p>1\u00a0Hagios Ischyros,<\/p>\n<p>2\u00a0Holy and Mighty,<\/p>\n<p>1\u00a0Hagios Athanatos, eleison himas.<\/p>\n<p>2\u00a0Holy and Immortal One, have mercy on us.<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2<\/p>\n<p>Because I led you out through the desert forty years<\/p>\n<p>and fed you with manna and brought you into a land of plenty,<\/p>\n<p>you have prepared a Cross for your Saviour.<\/p>\n<p>1\u00a0Hagios o Theos,<\/p>\n<p>2\u00a0Holy is God,<\/p>\n<p>1\u00a0Hagios Ischyros,<\/p>\n<p>2\u00a0Holy and Mighty,<\/p>\n<p>1\u00a0Hagios Athanatos, eleison himas.<\/p>\n<p>2\u00a0Holy and Immortal One, have mercy on us.<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2<\/p>\n<p>What more should I have done for you and have not done?<\/p>\n<p>Indeed, I planted you as my most beautiful chosen vine<\/p>\n<p>and you have turned very bitter for me,<\/p>\n<p>for in my thirst you gave me vinegar to drink<\/p>\n<p>and with a lance you pierced your Saviour\u2019s side.<\/p>\n<p>1\u00a0Hagios o Theos,<\/p>\n<p>2\u00a0Holy is God,<\/p>\n<p>1\u00a0Hagios Ischyros,<\/p>\n<p>2\u00a0Holy and Mighty,<\/p>\n<p>1\u00a0Hagios Athanatos, eleison himas.<\/p>\n<p>2\u00a0Holy and Immortal One, have mercy on us.<\/p>\n<p>II<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>I scourged Egypt for your sake with its firstborn sons,<br \/>\nand you scourged me and handed me over.<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2 repeat:<\/p>\n<p>My people, what have I done to you?<br \/>\nOr how have I grieved you? Answer me!<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>I led you out from Egypt as Pharaoh lay sunk in the Red Sea,<br \/>\nand you handed me over to the chief priests.<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2 repeat:<\/p>\n<p>My people\u2026.<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>I opened up the sea before you,<br \/>\nand you opened my side with a lance.<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2 repeat:<\/p>\n<p>My people\u2026.<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>I went before you in a pillar of cloud,<br \/>\nand you led me into Pilate\u2019s palace.<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2 repeat:<\/p>\n<p>My people\u2026.<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>I fed you with manna in the desert,<br \/>\nand on me you rained blows and lashes.<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2 repeat:<\/p>\n<p>My people\u2026.<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>I gave you saving water from the rock to drink,<br \/>\nand for drink you gave me gall and vinegar.<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2 repeat:<\/p>\n<p>My people\u2026.<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>I struck down for you the kings of the Canaanites,<br \/>\nand you struck my head with a reed.<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2 repeat:<\/p>\n<p>My people\u2026.<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>I put in your hand a royal sceptre,<br \/>\nand you put on my head a crown of thorns.<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2 repeat:<\/p>\n<p>My people\u2026.<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>I exalted you with great power,<br \/>\nand you hung me on the scaffold of the Cross.<\/p>\n<p>1 and 2 repeat:<\/p>\n<p>My people\u2026.<\/p>\n<p>Hymn<\/p>\n<p>All:<\/p>\n<p>Faithful Cross the Saints rely on,<br \/>\nNoble tree beyond compare!<br \/>\nNever was there such a scion,<br \/>\nNever leaf or flower so rare.<br \/>\nSweet the timber, sweet the iron,<br \/>\nSweet the burden that they bear!<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>Sing, my tongue, in exultation<br \/>\nOf our banner and device!<br \/>\nMake a solemn proclamation<br \/>\nOf a triumph and its price:<br \/>\nHow the Saviour of creation<br \/>\nConquered by his sacrifice!<\/p>\n<p>All:<\/p>\n<p>Faithful Cross the Saints rely on,<br \/>\nNoble tree beyond compare!<br \/>\nNever was there such a scion,<br \/>\nNever leaf or flower so rare.<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>For, when Adam first offended,<br \/>\nEating that forbidden fruit,<br \/>\nNot all hopes of glory ended<br \/>\nWith the serpent at the root:<br \/>\nBroken nature would be mended<br \/>\nBy a second tree and shoot.<\/p>\n<p>All:<\/p>\n<p>Sweet the timber, sweet the iron,<br \/>\nSweet the burden that they bear!<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>Thus the tempter was outwitted<br \/>\nBy a wisdom deeper still:<br \/>\nRemedy and ailment fitted,<br \/>\nMeans to cure and means to kill;<br \/>\nThat the world might be acquitted,<br \/>\nChrist would do his Father\u2019s will.<\/p>\n<p>All:<\/p>\n<p>Faithful Cross the Saints rely on,<br \/>\nNoble tree beyond compare!<br \/>\nNever was there such a scion,<br \/>\nNever leaf or flower so rare.<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>So the Father, out of pity<br \/>\nFor our self-inflicted doom,<br \/>\nSent him from the heavenly city<br \/>\nWhen the holy time had come:<br \/>\nHe, the Son and the Almighty,<br \/>\nTook our flesh in Mary\u2019s womb.<\/p>\n<p>All:<\/p>\n<p>Sweet the timber, sweet the iron,<br \/>\nSweet the burden that they bear!<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>Hear a tiny baby crying,<br \/>\nFounder of the seas and strands;<br \/>\nSee his virgin Mother tying<br \/>\nCloth around his feet and hands;<br \/>\nFind him in a manger lying<br \/>\nTightly wrapped in swaddling-bands!<\/p>\n<p>All:<\/p>\n<p>Faithful Cross the Saints rely on,<br \/>\nNoble tree beyond compare!<br \/>\nNever was there such a scion,<br \/>\nNever leaf or flower so rare.<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>So he came, the long-expected,<br \/>\nNot in glory, not to reign;<br \/>\nOnly born to be rejected,<br \/>\nChoosing hunger, toil and pain,<br \/>\nTill the scaffold was erected<br \/>\nAnd the Paschal Lamb was slain.<\/p>\n<p>All:<\/p>\n<p>Sweet the timber, sweet the iron,<br \/>\nSweet the burden that they bear!<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>No disgrace was too abhorrent:<br \/>\nNailed and mocked and parched he died;<br \/>\nBlood and water, double warrant,<br \/>\nIssue from his wounded side,<br \/>\nWashing in a mighty torrent<br \/>\nEarth and stars and oceantide.<\/p>\n<p>All:<\/p>\n<p>Faithful Cross the Saints rely on,<br \/>\nNoble tree beyond compare!<br \/>\nNever was there such a scion,<br \/>\nNever leaf or flower so rare.<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>Lofty timber, smooth your roughness,<br \/>\nFlex your boughs for blossoming;<br \/>\nLet your fibres lose their toughness,<br \/>\nGently let your tendrils cling;<br \/>\nLay aside your native gruffness,<br \/>\nClasp the body of your King!<\/p>\n<p>All:<\/p>\n<p>Sweet the timber, sweet the iron,<br \/>\nSweet the burden that they bear!<\/p>\n<p>Cantors:<\/p>\n<p>Noblest tree of all created,<br \/>\nRichly jewelled and embossed:<br \/>\nPost by Lamb\u2019s blood consecrated;<br \/>\nSpar that saves the tempest-tossed;<br \/>\nScaffold-beam which, elevated,<br \/>\nCarries what the world has cost!<\/p>\n<p>All:<\/p>\n<p>Faithful Cross the Saints rely on,<br \/>\nNoble tree beyond compare!<br \/>\nNever was there such a scion,<br \/>\nNever leaf or flower so rare.<\/p>\n<p>The following conclusion is never to be omitted:<\/p>\n<p>All:<\/p>\n<p>Wisdom, power, and adoration<br \/>\nTo the blessed Trinity<br \/>\nFor redemption and salvation<br \/>\nThrough the Paschal Mystery,<br \/>\nNow, in every generation,<br \/>\nAnd for all eternity.\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p>In accordance with local circumstances or popular traditions and if it is pastorally appropriate, the\u00a0Stabat Mater\u00a0may be sung, as found in the\u00a0Graduale Romanum, or another suitable chant in memory of the compassion of the Blessed Virgin Mary.<\/p>\n<p>When the adoration has been concluded, the Cross is carried by the Deacon or a minister to its place at the altar. Lighted candles are placed around or on the altar or near the Cross.<\/p>\n<p>Third Part:<br \/>\nHoly Communion<\/p>\n<p>A cloth is spread on the altar, and a corporal and the Missal put in place. Meanwhile the Deacon or, if there is no Deacon, the Priest himself, putting on a humeral veil, brings the Blessed Sacrament back from the place of repose to the altar by a shorter route, while all stand in silence. Two ministers with lighted candles \u00adaccompany the Blessed Sacrament and place their candlesticks around or upon\u00a0the altar.<\/p>\n<p>When the Deacon, if a Deacon is present, has placed the Blessed Sacrament upon the altar and uncovered the ciborium, the Priest goes to the altar and genuflects.<\/p>\n<p>Then the Priest, with hands joined, says aloud:<\/p>\n<p>At the Saviour\u2019s command<br \/>\nand formed by divine teaching,<br \/>\nwe dare to say:<\/p>\n<p>The Priest, with hands extended, says, and all present continue:<\/p>\n<p>Our Father, who art in heaven,<br \/>\nhallowed be thy name;<br \/>\nthy kingdom come,<br \/>\nthy will be done<br \/>\non earth as it is in heaven.<br \/>\nGive us this day our daily bread,<br \/>\nand forgive us our trespasses,<br \/>\nas we forgive those who trespass against us;<br \/>\nand lead us not into temptation,<br \/>\nbut deliver us from evil.<\/p>\n<p>With hands extended, the Priest continues alone:<\/p>\n<p>Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil,<br \/>\ngraciously grant peace in our days,<br \/>\nthat, by the help of your mercy,<br \/>\nwe may be always free from sin<br \/>\nand safe from all distress,<br \/>\nas we await the blessed hope<br \/>\nand the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n<p>He joins his hands. The people conclude the prayer, acclaiming:<\/p>\n<p>For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now<br \/>\nand for ever.<\/p>\n<p>Then the Priest, with hands joined, says quietly:<\/p>\n<p>May the receiving of your Body and Blood,<br \/>\nLord Jesus Christ,<br \/>\nnot bring me to judgement and condemnation,<br \/>\nbut through your loving mercy<br \/>\nbe for me protection in mind and body<br \/>\nand a healing remedy.<\/p>\n<p>The Priest then genuflects, takes a particle, and, holding it slightly raised over the ciborium, while facing the people, says aloud:<\/p>\n<p>Behold the Lamb of God,<br \/>\nbehold him who takes away the sins of the world.<br \/>\nBlessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.<\/p>\n<p>And together with the people he adds once:<\/p>\n<p>Lord, I am not worthy<br \/>\nthat you should enter under my roof,<br \/>\nbut only say the word<br \/>\nand my soul shall be healed.<\/p>\n<p>And facing the altar, he reverently consumes the Body of Christ, saying quietly:\u00a0May the Body of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.<\/p>\n<p>He then proceeds to distribute Communion to the faithful. During Communion, Psalm 21 or another appropriate chant may be sung.<\/p>\n<p>When the distribution of Communion has been completed, the ciborium is taken by the Deacon or another suitable minister to a\u00a0place prepared outside the church or, if circumstances so require, it is placed in the tabernacle.<\/p>\n<p>Then the Priest says:\u00a0Let us pray, and, after a period of sacred silence, if circumstances so suggest, has been observed, he says the Prayer after Communion.<\/p>\n<p>Almighty ever-living God,<br \/>\nwho have restored us to life<br \/>\nby the blessed Death and Resurrection of your Christ,<br \/>\npreserve in us the work of your mercy,<br \/>\nthat, by partaking of this mystery,<br \/>\nwe may have a life unceasingly devoted to you.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p>For the Dismissal the Deacon or, if there is no Deacon, the Priest himself, may say the invitation\u00a0Bow down for the blessing.<\/p>\n<p>Then the Priest, standing facing the people and extending his hands over them, says this Prayer over the People:<\/p>\n<p>May abundant blessing, O Lord, we pray,<br \/>\ndescend upon your people,<br \/>\nwho have honoured the Death of your Son<br \/>\nin the hope of their resurrection:<br \/>\nmay pardon come,<br \/>\ncomfort be given,<br \/>\nholy faith increase,<br \/>\nand everlasting redemption be made secure.<br \/>\nThrough Christ our Lord.<br \/>\nR\/\u00a0\u00a0Amen.<\/p>\n<p>And all, after genuflecting to the Cross, depart in silence.<\/p>\n<p>After the celebration, the altar is stripped, but the Cross remains on the altar with two or four candlesticks.<\/p>\n<p>Vespers (Evening Prayer) is not celebrated by those who have been present at the solemn afternoon liturgical celebration<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Celebration of\u00a0the Passion of the Lord \u201cLet us admire, congratulate, rejoice, love, praise, adore; because through the death of our Redeemer we are called from darkness to light, from death to life, from exile to home, from grief to &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/?page_id=18010\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-18010","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18010","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18010"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18010\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18014,"href":"https:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18010\/revisions\/18014"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stbedesclaytongreen.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18010"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}