LENTEN SEASON

ASH WEDNESDAY

1. (1) If it seems appropriate, on Ash Wednesday or on another day during Lent, following the tradition of the Order, in place of the former rite of the penitential psalms some communal penitential celebration or "rite of reconciliation" may be held, whether it be sacramental or non-sacramental. Such a celebration should be carried out in the spirit of the Rite of Penance (nn.36-37) and the norms of liturgical law. [MOP 3]

2. (2) The ashes used today come from the branches blessed the preceding year for Passion Sunday. [MOP 3]

Introductory Rites and Liturgy of the Word

3 (3) The prior or principal celebrant, the concelebrants and the ministers put on violet vestments for Mass (or another penitential color). The deacon wears the vestments proper to his order. Mass begins as usual, however, the penitential rite is omitted. [MOP 3]

Entrance Antiphon (See Wis 11:24-25,27)

4. Lord, you are merciful to all, and hate nothing you have created. You overlook our sins to bring us to repentance. You are the Lord our God. [MOP 3]

OPENING PRAYER

5. Lord, protect us in our struggle against evil. As we begin the discipline of Lent, make this day holy by our self-denial. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 3]

6A. (4) After the homily the principal celebrant together with the ministers, who carry the ashes to be blessed, holy water and the Sacramentary, arrange themselves at the steps to the sanctuary or in some other suitable place. The concelebrants, the members of the community and the faithful stand facing the principal celebrant until the end of the blessing of ashes.

6 B. The principal celebrant joins his hands and says:

7. Dear friends in Christ, let us ask our Father to bless these ashes which we will use as the mark of our repentance. [MOP 4]

Pause for silent prayer.

8. Lord, bless the sinner who asks for your forgiveness and bless + all those who receive these ashes. May they keep this lenten season in preparation for the joy of Easter. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. [MOP 4]

Or:

9A. Almighty and eternal God, you have mercy on all and hate nothing you have made. You overlook the sins of those who do penance and are weighed down by sin. Bless + and sanctify those who receive these ashes. Like the Ninevites, we will bear these ashes on our foreheads as a sign of our repentance and of our desire for forgiveness. May we who call upon your name today receive pardon for our sins. May our observance of this season, which we begin by our fast today, purify our hearts to celebrate the resurrection on the coming feast of Easter and to enjoy everlasting glory in the life to come. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen. [MOP 4-5]

9B. The principal celebrant then sprinkles the ashes with holy water. [MOP 5]

Distribution of Ashes

10A. (5) Then the principal celebrant receives ashes from a concelebrant or the deacon, whoever is designated. He then gives ashes to the concelebrants, the ministers, the members of the community in the order in which they sit in choir, and to the faithful who come forward.

10B. If it seems appropriate, those who receive ashes may genuflect or make some other suitable gesture. The priest says to each:

11. Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return. (See Gen 3:19) [MOP 5]

Or:

12. Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel. (Mk 1:15) [MOP 5]

13A. Where customary, one of the concelebrants or the hebdomadarian sprinkles those who receive ashes with holy water.

13B. If necessary, some of the priests may help the principal celebrant impose ashes. [MOP 5]

14. (6) While ashes are being distributed, one of the following chants or some other suitable song may be sung:

15A. [MOP 5; POP 15-17] [Lord, answer, for your love is kind; in your compassion, turn towards me. (Ps 69/68:17)]

15B. This antiphon is repeated with some verses of Psalm 69/68 (vv.2,3a,3b,4) as necessary. The antiphon "Exaudi nos, Domine" is repeated after each verse. After the last verse the "Gloria Patri" is sung and the antiphon repeated. [MOP 5-6]

15C.

16. Then: [MOP 6; POP 17-18] [Let the priests and ministers of the Lord lament before his altar, and say: Spare us, Lord; spare your people! Do not let us die for we are crying out to you. (See Jl 2:17; Est 13:17 = C 10)]

17A. [MOP 6; POP 18] [Come back to the Lord with all your heart; leave the past in ashes, and turn to God with tears and fasting, for he is slow to anger and ready to forgive. (See J1 2:13; Ps 95/94:6)

17B. The responsory "Emendemus" or some other suitable song may also be sung.

18. [GR 66-671 [Direct our hearts to better things, O Lord; heal our sing and ignorance. Lord, do not face us suddenly with death, but give us time to repent.

R. Turn to us with mercy, Lord; we have sinned against you.

V. Help us, God our savior, rescue us for the honor of your name.

R. Turn to us with mercy, Lord; we have sinned against you. (See Bar 3:5; Ps 78:9)]

19. (7) After the distribution of ashes the principal celebrant and the priests who helped him wash their hands. The rite concludes with the general intercessions or prayer of the faithful.

The profession of faith is not said. [MOP 6]

Liturgy of the Eucharist

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS (8)

20. Lord, help us to resist temptation by our lenten works of charity and penance. By this sacrifice may we be prepared to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ our Savior and be cleansed from sin and renewed in spirit. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 6]

PREFACE 1: Preface of Lent III (9) (The Fruits of Self-denial)

21. V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

V. Lift up your hearts.

R. We lift them up to the Lord.

V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

R. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

You ask us to express our thanks by self-denial. We are to master our sinfulness and conquer our pride. We are to show to those in need you goodness to ourselves.

Now, with all the saints and angels, we praise you for ever: [MOP 7]

Holy, holy...

PREFACE 2: Preface of Lent IV (The Reward of Fasting)

22. V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

V. Lift up your hearts.

R. We lift them up to the Lord.

V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

R. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

Through our observance of Lent you correct our faults and raise our minds to you, you help us grow in holiness, and offer us the reward of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through him the angels and all the choirs of heaven worship in awe before your presence. May our voices be one with theirs as they sing with joy the hymn of your glory: [MR 402]

Holy, holy...

Communion Antiphon (10) (Ps 1:2-3)

23. Whoever meditates day and night on the law of the Lord will yield fruit in due season. [MOP 7]

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (11)

24. Lord, through this communion may our lenten penance give you glory and bring us your protection. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. [MOP 7]

25A. (12) At the end of Mass especially on this day, but also on other weekdays of Lent, the principal celebrant may use one of the Prayers Over the People from the Roman Missal / Sacramentary. [MOP 8]

Prayer Over the People

25B. The deacon, or in his absence one of the concelebrants or the principal celebrant himself, gives the invitation. Another form of invitation may be used. [MOP 8]

25C. Bow your heads before God. [MOP 8]

Or:

25D. Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing. [MOP 8]

25E. The choir and the faithful bow. Then the principal celebrant extends his hands over the people while he says or sings the blessing using the short conclusion. [MOP 8]

26A. Lord, you care for your people even when they stray. Grant us a complete change of heart, so that we may follow you with greater fidelity. Grant this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 8]

26B. After the prayer the priest adds the blessing. [MOP 8]

26C. And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit, come upon you and remain with you for ever. R. Amen. [MOP 8]

27. (13) The blessing and distribution of ashes may be done outside Mass, either as the Roman Missal / Sacramentary indicates or, in celebrations at which the member of the community and the faithful gather, it may be joined to Midday Prayer or the Office of Readings of the Liturgy of the Hours. In this case there should be a suitable liturgy of the word and homily. [MOP 8]

HOLY WEEK

PASSION SUNDAY

(Palm Sunday)

28. (1) On this day the Church celebrates Christ's entrance into Jerusalem to accomplish his paschal mystery. Accordingly, the memorial of this event is included in every Mass, with the procession or the solemn entrance before the conventual Mass, with the simple entrance before the other Masses. The solemn entrance (but not the procession) may be repeated before other Masses that are usually well attended. [MOP 9]

Commemoration of the Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem

First Form: Procession

29. (2) At the scheduled time the members of the community and the faithful gather in a suitable place distinct from the church or, if possible, in the chapter room or in the cloister. Distribution of palms may take place either before the beginning of the celebration or immediately before the proclamation of the gospel. [MOP 9]

30. (3) The prior or principal celebrant, the concelebrants, and the ministers put on red vestments for Mass and go to the place where the members of the community and the faithful have assembled. The principal celebrant may wear a cope instead of a chasuble; in this case he removes the cope after the procession. [MOP 9]

31. (4) Meanwhile, the following antiphon or any other suitable song is sung. [MOP 9]

32. [MOP 9; GR 137] [Hosanna to the Son of David, the King of Israel. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. (Mt 21:9)]

33. [MOP 10; OHS 12] [The great crowd that had come for the feast kept shouting to the Lord: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (See Jn 12:12,13)]

Or:

34. [MOP 10; OHS 12][With the angels and the children we come shouting to the victor over death: "Hosanna in the highest!"]

Blessing of Palms

35A. (5) The principal celebrant greets the community and the people in the usual way. Then he or the deacon or one of the concelebrants gives a brief introduction, inviting the members of the community and the faithful to take a full part in the celebration.

35B. If the first prayer (n.6 below) is used, the introduction should be short since this prayer clearly speaks of the mystery of the liturgy of this day.

35C. For the introduction the following or similar words may be used: [MOP 10]

36. Dear friends in Christ, for five weeks of Lent we have been preparing, by works of charity and self sacrifice, for the celebration of our Lord's paschal mystery. Today we come together to begin this solemn celebration in union with the whole Church throughout the world. Christ entered in triumph into his own city, to complete his work as our Messiah: to suffer, to die, and to rise again. Let us remember with devotion this entry which began his saving work and follow him with a lively faith. United with him in his suffering on the cross, may we share his resurrection and new life. [MOP 10]

Or:

37. Dear friends in Christ, we have gathered at the beginning of this great week to recall the entrance into Jerusalem of our Savior, our gentle and humble King. That he might enter into our hearts and re store us by his blessed passion we confess our sins with firm confidence in him and with sincere hearts. Let us ask him then that at the second coming we, who carry these palms, may joyfully come to him on the way with palms of victory. May we now be witnesses of his love to the world. [MOP 10-11]

38. (6) Afterwards the principal celebrant with hands joined says one of the following prayers: [MOP 11]

39. Let us pray.

Almighty and eternal Redeemer, you were pleased to come down from heaven to earth, and by your own will to choose suffering, that the human race might be made free by your precious blood. Listen to the fervent prayers and petitions of your Church.

You, O Lord, the meek one, sitting upon the meek foal of an ass freely chose to go forth to your passion by which our redemption was accomplished. The multitude of your disciples went forth to meet you and strewed the way with tree branches. A great throng of people, bearing palms of triumph in their hands, met you, exulting and crying our their praises: "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" The way to Mount Olivet was strewn with palm branches. Once you guided Noe in the ark upon the waters of the flood, and chose to use the ministry of a dove to announce by a palm branch that peace had returned to the earth. The patriarch Jacob raised a stone marker to the mystery of your glory, and upon this marker he poured the oil of blessing, made from the branches of this same tree. With this same oil you anointed your kings and prophets.

You are the Christ of God; yours is the fruit of anointing and of peace. With unspeakable praise the psalmist sang of you: "God your God has anointed you with the oil of gladness and exultation above your fellows."

Lord, for these reasons we ask you to bless + these branches which your servants desire to carry in their hands, and to hasten forth with them to meet you, and to praise and glorify you.

Behold you, the meek king, came to Jerusalem sitting on an ass. Come also to us and stand in our midst, that we may feel your presence in our hearts. You once redeemed us by your cross; now that we are fallen again, raise us up by your same blessed passion.

Graciously receive the confession of our lips and our humble fasting. May we be watered by the plentiful showers of your grace, and bring forth an abundance of good fruit to please you. The crowds went out to meet you with freshly-cut branches; at your second coming may we deserve to go forth in joy with palms of victory to meet you, O Savior of the world. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

R. Amen. [MOP 11-13]

Or:

40. Let us pray.

Lord, increase the faith of your people and listen to our prayers. Today we honor Christ our triumphant King by carrying these branches. May we honor you every day by living always in him, for he is Lord for ever and ever. Amen. [MOP 13)

41. When he has finished the blessing, the principal celebrant sprinkles the palms before him with holy water or, if the faithful are holding the palms in their hands, he sprinkles them while moving through the assembly. [MOP 13]

42A. (7) The palm are then distributed, unless the faithful are holding them in their hands. After the principal celebrant has received a palm, the cantor begins the antiphon "Omnes collaudant" or another suitable song which all take up.

42B. The sacristan or another minister distributes palms to the concelebrants, the members of the community and the faithful who do not yet have palms in their hands. [MOP 13]

43A. [MOP 13; OHS 14-15j [Let all praise your name and say: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"]

43B. This antiphon may be repeated after Psalm 147B/147 or after every two verses of the same psalm. [MOP 13]

43C. [O praise the Lord, Jerusalem! Zion, praise your God!) ]

Proclamation of the Gospel

44. (8) Then the account of the Lord's entrance is proclaimed from one of the four gospels. This is done in the usual way or, if there is no deacon, by a concelebrant or priest as indicated in the Roman Missal / Lectionary (n.37). [MOP 14]

45. (9) After the gospel a brief homily may be given. The procession to the church where Mass will be celebrated then begins. [MOP 14]

The Procession

46. (10) Unless he already has one, the principal celebrant receives a palm prepared for him and then the deacon, or in his absence one of the concelebrants or the principal celebrant himself, may begin the procession with these or similar words: [MOP 14]

47. As the crowd acclaimed the Lord at his entrance, let us acclaim him and joyfully accompany him on his way. [MOP 14]

Or:

48. As the crowd went out with tree branches, let us joyfully accompany the Lord at his entrance, just as we expect to do at his second coming. [MOP 14]

49. (11) Where customary, a brother with holy water goes first, sprinkling the water as he goes; if incense is used, the thurifer comes next with a lighted censer; then the cross-bearer with the cross uncovered (at the end of the procession it will be used at the main altar) between two ministers with lighted candles; then the rest of the community, the concelebrants and the principal celebrant with the deacon; and finally the faithful carrying blessed palms. [MOP 14]

50. (12) During the procession the choir and the people sing antiphons, hymns (the following or others appropriate to the mystery of the day, especially "Gloria, laus et honor"), the antiphon "Ave, Rex, noster" or some other suitable acclamation. [MOP 14]

51A. [MOP 14; OHS 7-8] [The children of Jerusalem welcomed Christ the King. They carried olive branches and loudly praised the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. (See Mt 21:15, 8-9)]

51B. The above antiphon may be repeated between verses of Psalm 23. [MOP 14]

52A. [MOP 15; OHS 8-9] [The children of Jerusalem welcomed Christ the King. They spread their cloaks before him and loudly praised the Lord: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! (See Mt 21:15,8-9)]

52B. The above antiphon may be repeated between verses of Psalm 46.

Other antiphons:

53. [MOP 15; OHS 11] [The crowds strewn the path of the Redeemer with flowers and palms and offered homage to the triumphant victor. With their mouths the peoples preached the Son of God and in praise of Christ their voices rang through the skies: Hosanna!]

Or:

54. [MOP 15; OHS 12-13] [Because of all the marvels they had seen, the crowds of those going down to Jerusalem began to joyfully praise God with a loud voice, saying: Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!]

Or:

55. [MOP 15; OHS 161 [Let us spread the path with glistening palms for the Lord who is coming; let us all run to meet him with hymns and canticles, glorifying him and saying: Blessed be the Lord.]

Hymn to Christ the King

56A. If possible, the people join the choir and repeat the refrain "Gloria, laus" after each verse of the hymn. [MOP 15-16]

56B.

56C. Refrain:

All glory, praise, and honor

To you, Redeemer, King,

To whom the lips of children Made

glad hosannas ring!

1. You are the King of Israel,

And David's royal Son,

Now in the Lord's name coming,

Our King and Blessed One.

2. The company of angels

Are praising you on high;

Creation and all mortals

In chorus make reply.

3. The multitude of pilgrims

With psalms before you went.

Our praise and prayer and anthems

Before you we present.

[Text: Theodulph of Orleans, c.760-821; Tr. by John Mason Neale, 1818-1866, alt. Tune: 76.76 with Refrain]

The Entrance into the Church

57A. (13) If possible, the antiphon "Ave, Rex noster" is sung before the open door of .the church or a station can be made at the cross before the entrance to the choir.

57B. The cross-bearer and candle bearers stand facing the community and the people. All genuflect when the cantors begin the antiphon "Ave, Rex noster" or some other suitable acclamation, and take up the singing. [MOP 16]

58. [MOP 16; OHS 17] [Hail our King, the son of David, Redeemer of the world, whom the prophets foretold as the Savior to come to the house of Israel. The Father sent you into the world as a victim for our salvation, you whom all the saints from the beginning of the world looked for. Now Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.]

59. (14) When the antiphon is finished, the cantors begin the responsory "Ingrediente Domino" or another song which refers to the Lord's entrance; this serves as the entrance chant. The procession enters the church while all sing. [MOP 14]

60. [MOP 17; OHS 18] [The children of Jerusalem welcomed Christ the King. They proclaimed the resurrection of life

R. and, waving olive branches, they loudly praised the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

V. When the people heard that Jesus was entering Jerusalem they went to meet him

R. and, waving olive branches, they loudly praised the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.]

61A. (15) If the altar cross has been carried in the procession, the cross-bearer immediately puts the cross in its place. As the members of the community enter the choir they put down their palms at the steps of the sanctuary or at the cross or in another suitable place and they go to their seats in choir.

61B. After the concelebrants put down their palms, they reverence the altar and go to their seats. When the principal celebrant comes to the altar he reverences it and may also incense it. Then he goes to his chair (removes the cope, if it was used in the procession, and puts on a red chasuble) and begins immediately the opening prayer of Mass, which concludes the procession. Mass then continues in the usual way. [MOP 17]

Second Form: The Solemn Entrance

62. (16) If the procession cannot be held outside the church or in the cloister, the commemoration of the Lord's entrance may be celebrated before the principal Mass with the solemn entrance, which takes place within the church. [MOP 17]

63. (17) The members of the community and the faithful, holding the branches, assemble either in front of the church door or inside the church. The principal celebrant, the concelebrants and ministers, with a representative group of the community and the faithful, )o to a suitable place in the church-outside the sanctuary, so that most of the people will be able to see the rite. [MOP 17]

64A. (18) While the principal celebrant and the others go to the appointed place, the antiphons "Hosanna" or "Turba multa" (n .4) or another suitable song is sung. After the greeting and introduction the principal celebrant blesses the palms as above (nn.5-6); then the gospel account of the Lord's entrance is proclaimed (nn.8-9).

64B. After the gospel the principal celebrant, with the concelebrants, the ministers and the group of the faithful, moves solemnly through the church to the sanctuary (in the order described in n.11), while an antiphon or another suitable song is sung (n.12). If possible, the station at the cross can be made with the antiphon "Ave, Rex noster" (n.13) in the middle of the church or before the entrance to the choir. Then he proceeds to the altar while the responsory "Ingrediente Domino" (n.14) or another suitable song is sung as the entrance chant. [MOP 17-18]

65. (19) When the concelebrants and principal celebrant come to the altar they reverence it (n.15) and go to their seats. The principal celebrant immediately begins the opening prayer of Mass, which then continues in the usual way. [MOP 18]

Third Form: The Simple Entrance

66. (20) At all other Masses on this Sunday, if the solemn entrance is not held, the Lord's entrance is commemorated with the following simple entrance. [MOP 18]

67A. (21) While the priest goes to the altar, the entrance antiphon with its psalm (n.22) or another song with the same theme is sung. After the priest reverences the altar, he goes to his chair and greets the people. Mass continues in the usual way.

67B. At Masses without a congregation and other Masses at which an entrance chant cannot be sung, the priest goes at once to the altar and reverences it. The he greets the people and reads the entrance antiphon, and Mass continues in the usual way. [MOP 18]

Entrance Antiphon

68. Six days before the solemn Passover the Lord came to Jerusalem, and children waving palm branches ran out to welcome him. They loudly praised the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed are you who have come to us so rich in love and mercy.

V. Open wide the doors and gates. Lift high the ancient portals. The King of glory enters. Who is this King of glory? He is God the mighty Lord. (Ps 24:9-10)

Hosanna in the highest. Blessed are you who have come to us so rich in love and mercy. [MOP 18]

MASS

69. (23) After the procession or solemn entrance the principal celebrant begins the Mass with the opening prayer. [MOP 19]

OPENING PRAYER (24)

70. Almighty, ever-living God, you have given the human race Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility. He fulfilled your will by becoming man and giving his life on the cross. Help us to bear witness to you by following his example of suffering and make us worthy to share in his resurrection. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 19]

71A. (25) The passion is read by the deacon or, if there is no deacon, by a concelebrant or by the principal celebrant himself. It may also be read by lay readers, with the part of Christ, if possible, reserved to the deacon or priest. It is proclaimed without candles or incense. The greeting and signs of the cross are omitted.

71B. Only a deacon asks the blessing before the passion, as he does before the gospel.

71C. At the words "he gave up his spirit" all genuflect or prostrate and pray for a short time in silence. [MOP 19]

72. (26) After the passion, a brief homily may be given.

The profession of faith is said. [MOP 19]

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS (27)

73. Lord, may the suffering and death of Jesus, your only Son, make us pleasing to you. Alone we can do nothing, but may this perfect sacrifice win us your mercy and love. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. [MOP 19]

PREFACE: Preface of Passion Sunday (28)

74. V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

V. Lift up your hearts.

R. We lift them up to the Lord.

V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

R. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Though he was sinless, he suffered willingly for sinners. Though innocent, he accepted death to save the guilty. By his dying he has destroyed our sins. By his rising he has raised us up to holiness of life.

We praise you, Lord, with all the angels in their song of joy: [MOP 20]

Holy, holy...

Communion Antiphon (29) (Mt 26:42)

75. Father, if this cup may not pass, but I must drink it, then your will be done. [MOP 20]

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (30)

76. Lord, you have satisfied our hunger with this eucharistic food. The death of your son gives us hope and strengthens our faith. May his resurrection give us perseverance and lead us to salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 20]

77. (31) Where neither the procession nor the solemn entrance can be celebrated, there should be a bible service on the theme of the Lord's messianic en trance and passion, either on Sunday evening or on Sunday at a convenient time. [MOP 20]

THURSDAY OF HOLY WEEK

Communal Celebration of Penitence

78. If it seems appropriate, today or on another day this week, following the tradition of the Order, in place of the former rite of the penitential psalms some communal penitential celebration or "rite of reconciliation" may be held, whether it be sacramental or non-sacramental. Such a celebration should be carried out in the spirit of the Rite of Penance (nn.36-37) and the norms of liturgical law. [MOP 21]

Concern for the Sick

79A. During these days it is desirable that brothers and sisters who are sick, especially those in hospitals, should be helped to view their sickness as a sharing in the paschal mystery of Christ. They should share in and be participants in the liturgical celebrations of the community.

79B. Therefore, keeping in mind their varying conditions and different circumstances, everything should be so arranged that in the most suitable manner the sick may have the possibility of receiving communion; the various faculties found in the Ritual should be freely used. Indeed our concern, which is manifested through our brotherly and sisterly care and prayer, furnishes the strongest testimony to the world about the mutual bonds by which we are united through the gospel, about our faith in God, and about the power of the resurrection of his Son. [MOP 21]

The "Mandatum"

80A . The rite known as the "Mandatum" may be celebrated outside Mass in the chapter room, or in the cloister, or in another suitable place.

80B. Any community may find a more appropriate manner of symbolically expressing this action which signifies the giving of oneself in service to others as a means of following Christ. Moreover the celebration can also express the sense of reconciliation contained in this rite.

80C. While the "Mandatum" is carried out, the gospel may be read (Jn 13:1-17 or some part of Jn 13-17) and some of the customary chants for the "Mandatum" (see Officium Hebdomadae Sanctae OP. (1965), pp.91-98) or other appropriate songs are sung. [MOP 21]

EASTER TRIDUUM

EVENING MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

81A. According to the Church's ancient tradition, all Masses without a congregation are prohibited on this day. Priests may concelebrate the conventual Mass in which all are invited to receive communion. 81B. The Mass of the Lord's Supper is celebrated in the evening, at a convenient hour, with the full participation of the whole community and with all the priests and ministers exercising their ministry.

81C. Priests who have already celebrated the chrism Mass or a Mass for the convenience of the faithful may concelebrate again at the evening Mass.

81D. For pastoral reasons the local Ordinary may permit another Mass to be celebrated in churches and oratories or in private chapels in the evening or, in case of genuine necessity, even in the morning, but exclusively for those who are in no way able to take part in the evening Mass. Such Masses must not be celebrated for the advantage of private persons or prejudice the principal evening Mass.

81E. Holy Communion may be given to the faithful only during Mass, but may be brought to the sick at any hour of the day. [MOP 22]

Introductory Rites and Liturgy of the Word

82. (1) Before Mass all the altars except the main altar are uncovered. The tabernacle, if it is attached to the main altar, should be entirely empty; a sufficient amount of bread should be consecrated at this Mass for the communion of the members of the community and the faithful today and tomorrow. [MOP 22]

83A. (2) At the scheduled time the prior or principal celebrant, the concelebrants and ministers put on white vestments for Mass.

83B. The entrance into the church and the liturgy of the word are carried out according to the Roman Missal / Sacramentary. If they wish, the community may join in the procession with the concelebrants, singing the entrance chant as they process into the church. [MOP 22]

Entrance Antiphon (3) (See Gal 6:14)

84. We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, our life and our resurrection; through him we are saved and made free. [MOP 22]

85. (4) During the singing of the "Gloria" the church bells are rung and then remain silent until the Easter Vigil, unless the conference of bishops or the Ordinary decrees otherwise. [MOP 23]

OPENING PRAYER (5)

86. God our Father, we are gathered here to share in the supper which your only Son left to his Church to reveal his love. He gave it to us when he was about to die and commanded us to celebrate it as the new and eternal sacrifice. We pray that in this eucharist we may find the fullness of love and life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. [MOP 23]

87. (6) If the people are present and the "Mandatum" takes place at Mass, the gospel reading should be John 13:1-15. However, when the "Mandatum" takes place outside Mass and the gospel reading of John 13:1-15 has already been read, another gospel can be read at Mass, namely, Matthew 26:17-29 with the gospel acclamation as found in the Roman Lectionary. [MOP 23]

Washing of Feet

88A. (7) The washing of feet follows the homily, unless the "Mandatum" was carried out outside Mass.

88B. This rite follows the directives in the Roman Missal/Sacramentary and local custom. During the washing of feet some of the customary chants for the "Mandatum" (see Officium Hebdomadae Sanctae, O.P. (1965), pp.91-98) or other appropriate songs are sung.

88C. If it seems more desirable, the washing of feet may follow the proclamation of the gospel immediately. The homily, which then follows, should make the symbolic nature of this action clear and should illustrate the most powerful mystery which is celebrated today. [MOP 23]

89. (8) The general intercessions follow the washing of feet or, if this does not take place, they follow the-homily. The profession of faith is not said in this Mass. [MOP 24]

Liturgy of the Eucharist

90. (9) At the beginning of the liturgy of the eucharist, the community may join in the procession of the faithful with gifts for the poor as suggested by the Roman Missal/Sacramentary. During the procession "Ubi caritas" may be sung, or another appropriate song. [MOP 24]

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS (10)

91. Lord, make us worthy to celebrate these mysteries. Each time we offer this memorial sacrifice, the work of our redemption is accomplished. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. [MOP 241

PREFACE: Preface of the Holy Eucharist I (11)

92A. V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

V. Lift up your hearts.

R. We lift them up to the Lord.

V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

R. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.

He is the true and eternal priest who established this unending sacrifice. He offered himself as a victim for our deliverance and taught us to make this offering in his memory. As we eat his body which he gave for us, we grow in strength. As we drink his blood which he poured out for us, we are washed clean.

Now, with the angels and archangels, and the whole company of heaven, we sing the unending hymn of your praise: [MOP 24-25]

Holy, holy...

92B. (12) When Eucharistic Prayer I is used, the special Holy Thursday forms of "In union with the whole Church", "Father, accept this offering", and "The day before he suffered" are said. [MOP 25]

Communion Antiphon (13) (1 Cor 11:24,25)

93A. This body will be given for you. This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood; whenever you receive them, do so in remembrance of me. [MOP 27]

93B. In the song for communion or in a hymn after communion other portions of the Lord's discourse may be used. [MOP 27]

94. (14) After the distribution of communion, the ciborium with hosts for Good Friday is left on the altar. Mass concludes with the prayer after communion. [MOP 27]

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (15)

95. Almighty God, we receive new life from the supper your Son gave us in this world. May we find full contentment in the meal we hope to share in your eternal kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. [MOP 27]

Transfer of the Holy Eucharist

96. (16) After the prayer the principal celebrant stands before the altar and puts incense in the thurible. Kneeling he incenses the Blessed Sacrament three times. Then he receives the humeral veil, takes the ciborium, and covers it with the veil. Meanwhile everyone in choir kneels and lights candles. [MOP 27]

97. (17) The procession is led by a cross-bearer accompanied by ministers with lighted candles; the members of the community holding lighted candles follow, then the concelebrants and then the thurifer incensing the Body of the Lord continually from the side. The principal celebrant assisted by the deacon carries the Blessed Sacrament through the church to the place of reposition prepared in a chapel suitably decorated for the occasion. If it is appropriate the faithful also carry candles. During the procession the hymn, "Pange lingua" (exclusively of the last two stanzas) or some other eucharistic song is sung. [MOP 27-28]

98. (18) When the procession reaches the place of reposition, the priest sets the ciborium down. Then he puts incense in the thurible and, kneeling, incenses the Blessed Sacrament, while "Tantum ergo Sacramentum" is sung. The tabernacle of reposition is then closed. [MOP 28]

99. (19) After a period of silent adoration, the principal celebrant and ministers genuflect and return to the sacristy. [MOP 28]

----------------------------

100A. At a suitable time after today's celebration is concluded, the main altar is stripped and, if possible, the crosses are removed from the church. It is desirable to cover any crosses which remain in the church. [MOP 28]

100B. Evening Prayer is not said by those who participate in the evening Mass. [MOP 28]

100C. Today and tomorrow after Night Prayer the blessing is not given, the antiphon "Salve Regina" is omitted, and holy water is not used. [MOP 28]

100D. Portions of the "Sermo Dominicus" may be read in the vernacular during dinner. It may also be used as the last celebration of the day in common before the Blessed Sacrament. [MOP 28]

100E . The members of the community and the faithful should be encouraged to continue adoration before the Blessed Sacrament for a suitable period of time during the night, according to local circumstances, but there should be no solemn adoration after midnight. [MOP 28]

GOOD FRIDAY

Celebration of the Lord's Passion

101A . On this Day of Preparation (Mt 27:62) the celebration of the Lord's Passion is carried out as directed in the Roman Missal/Sacramentary. However, for the veneration of the cross the rite proper to our Order may be used in addition to the two forms given in the Roman Missal/Sacramentary (nn.14-20).

101B. Therefore these three possibilities should be used as seems best for the community and the other faithful who assemble for this celebration. [MOP 29]

------------------------------

102. (1) According to the Church's ancient tradition, the sacraments are not celebrated today or tomorrow. [MOP 29]

103A. (2) The celebration of the Lord's passion takes place in the afternoon, about three o'clock, unless pastoral reasons suggest a later hour. The celebration consists of three parts: liturgy of the word, veneration of the cross, and holy communion.

103B. Holy communion may be given to the faithful only at the celebration of the Lord's passion, but may be brought at any hour of the day to the sick who cannot take part in this service. [MOP 29]

104. (3) The altar should be completely bare, without cloths, candles, or cross. For the celebration of the Lord's passion the priest who presides at the celebration and the ministers wear red Mass vestments. The deacon wears the vestments proper to his order. [MOP 29]

105. (4) The prior or priest who presides at the celebration, the deacon and the other ministers go to the altar. There they make a reverence and prostrate themselves, or they may kneel. All pray silently for a while. If it seems appropriate, the community may enter the church with the celebrants and ministers. [MOP 29]

106. (5) Then all rise and the priest who presides at the celebration goes to the chair with the ministers. He faces the people and, with hands joined, sings or says one of the following prayers. "Let us pray" is not said. [MOP 30]

PRAYER

107. Lord, by shedding his blood for us, your Son, Jesus Christ, established the paschal mystery. In your goodness, make us holy and watch over us always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. [MOP30]

Or:

108. Lord, by the suffering of Christ your Son you have saved us all from the death we inherited from sinful Adam. By the law of nature we have borne the likeness of his manhood. May the sanctifying power of grace help us to put on the likeness of our Lord in heaven, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. [MOP 30]

PART ONE

LITURGY OF THE WORD

109. (6) All sit and the first reading, from the book of the prophet Isaiah (52:13-53:12), is read with its responsorial psalm. [MOP 30]

110. (7) The second reading, from the letter to the Hebrews (4:14-16; 5:7-9), follows and then the chant before the gospel is sung. [MOP 30]

111. (8) Finally the account of the passion according to John (18:1-19:42) is read, in the same way as on the preceding Sunday. [MOP 30]

112. (9) After the reading of the passion there may be a brief homily. [MOP 30]

General Intercessions

113A. (10) The general intercessions conclude the liturgy of the word. The deacon stands at the lectern or another suitable place and says or sings the introduction in which each intention is stated. While the intentions are announced all in choir stand facing the altar.

113B. All kneel and pray silently for some period of time, and the priest who presides at the celebration, with hands extended, sings or says the prayer. During the prayers the members of the community make a profound bow, or kneel, or stand facing the altar. The faithful may either kneel or stand. [MOP 31]

114. (11) The deacon's traditional invitation to kneel and pray in silence may be used: "Let us kneel. -- Let us stand." or an acclamation by the people may be introduced before the prayer of the priest. [MOP 31]

115. (12) In case of serious public need, the local Ordinary may permit or decree the addition of a special intention. [MOP 31]

116. (13) The priest may choose from the prayers in the missal those which are more appropriate to local circumstances, provided the series follows the rule for the general intercessions (see General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n.46). [MOP 31]

I. For the Church

117A. Let us pray, dear friends, for the holy Church of God throughout the world, that God the almighty Father guide it and gather it together, so that it may worship him in peace and tranquility. [MOP 31]