[Sidenote:  High mass in the Sixtine chapel.]

In the Sixtine chapel the crucifix and tapestry over the altar are covered with a white and not a purple veil; the throne also is white, and the Pope is vested in a white cope.  On the rich facing of the altar is represented Christ dead, His descent into limbo, and His resurrection.  The cardinal dean generally celebrates the high mass, after the Gloria in excelsis of which no bells are allowed to be tolled in Rome (except at the papal benediction) but in their stead are used troccole or boards struck with iron:  this practice is observed until the Gloria in excelsis is sung in the papal chapel on the following saturday-morning[63].

After the offertory of the mass Palestrina’s motet Fratres ego enim is sung; of which Baini says that he “does not hesitate to affirm that it resembles as closely as possible the music of heaven”.  Two hosts are consecrated, one of which is received by the celebrant, and the other destined for the following day is put into a chalice, which the deacon covers with a paten and palla or linen cloth, as the dead body of Christ was wrapped in “fine linen"[64].  Mark XV, 46.  At the beginning of the canon twelve lighted torches are brought in by bussolanti; and after the elevation two masters of ceremonies distribute among the cardinals and others candles carried by clerks of the chapel, in preparation for the procession.  The usual kiss of peace is not given, from detestation of the treacherous kiss given this day by Judas to his divine master, as Alcuin remarks[65].

[Sidenote:  Antiquity of processions]

Immediately after mass the cardinal celebrant with his ministers leaves the chapel; the other cardinals, bishops and mitred abbots, put on their respective sacred vestments, and the Uditori di Rota, the Cherici di Camera, Votanti, and Abbreviatiori, their surplices:  the other prelates wear their usual cappe.  They all now accompany the B. Sacrament to the Pauline chapel[66] in solemn procession, which is regulated like that of palm-Sunday.  The singers go to the sala regia, illuminated with large cornucopia, and there begin to sing the Pange lingua (a hymn in honour of the holy Sacrament) as soon as the cross covered with a purple veil appears:  the last verses of it are sung in the Pauline chapel, which is splendidly illuminated.  The cardinals bearing their mitres and torches precede two by two the Holy Father, who bare-headed and on foot carries the blessed Sacrament under a canopy supported by eight assistant bishops or protonotaries[67].  When the Pope reaches the altar, the first cardinal deacon receives from His hands the B. Sacrament, and preceded by torches carries it to the upper part of the macchina; M. Sagrista places it within the urn commonly called the sepulchre, where it is incensed by the Pope; in the mean time the conclusion of the hymn is sung.  M. Sagrista then shuts the sepulchre, and delivers the key to thy Card.  Penitentiary, who is to officiate on the following day.