[Sidenote:  indulgences]

When the mass is ended, the palms are carried home by those who have received them, and are preserved with respect.  Two larger than the rest are kept until the ascension, in the sacristy called the Letto dei Paramenti because anciently the aged Pontiffs after their fatiguing walk to the stational churches used to repose on a letto or bed prepared for them in the sacristy, where they afterwards put on the paramenti or vestments.  The paschal candle also, an emblem of Christ the true light, as we shall afterwards see is removed on the day of the ascension:  this circumstance may explain the above-mentioned custom.

[Sidenote:  Cardinal penitentiary at S. John Lateran’s.]

In the afternoon of palm-sunday, the Cardinal great Penitentiary goes in state to S. John Lateran’s.  He is met, before he enters their college, by the minor penitentiaries, who at this basilic are Franciscans, minori osservanti.  Having sprinkled those present with holy water, he goes up to their private oratory[44] in the Lateran palace, whither he is escorted by the prelates and other ministers of the apostolic Penitenzieria.  After a short prayer, he proceeds to the library, where he holds the Segnatura or tribunal for signing documents relating to his office, and afterwards enters the basilic of St. John Lateran’s, where he is received by four canons.  Here seated at his tribunal of penance, he touches with his rod the heads of the prelates, ministers and others who approach to him; and for this act of humiliation they receive an indulgence, or remission of the canonical penance, of 100 days.  He also hears the confessions of any persons who may choose to present themselves:  but the solution of difficult cases and absolution from crimes reserved to his jurisdiction may be obtained without confessing to his Eminence on so public an occasion[45].

The ceremonies, which we have described, are designed to honour our divine Redeemer, whose actions and sufferings are thereby commemorated, and at the same time to excite sentiments of devotion in the hearts of His servants.  Here ought the catholic to exercise faith, hope, love, and contrition for his sins:  and all, of whatever country or creed they may be, who are admitted with hospitality and liberality to witness the solemn and imposing service, if they do not feel such noble sentiments, ought at least to observe that external decorum, which the season, the place, the hierarchy, and above all the commemoration of the sufferings of the God of charity will dictate to every well-educated and well-principled mind.  It is to be lamented, that not only the devotion of Catholics is disturbed, but their feelings also are occasionally insulted in their own house of worship by the unbecoming remarks of individuals—­but enough:  “you have not so learned Christ:  if yet you have heard him, and have been taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus”.  Ephes.  IV, 20, 21.  If on this day even the inhabitants of Jerusalem received Him with triumph and jubilee, let us His disciples and children offer to Him the best tribute in our power of love praise and adoration.