My Experience in the Calling.

I have an Experience of having a calling. The type of calling is Spiritual. I experienced once in one of my dreams, That I was talking to God. I not dare to ask Him "who Are you?" Because I know Him that He is. Then we started a talk. After which He asked me. "I would ask you a favor. Would you like to be my laborers in the vineyard?" I answered, I can't my Lord. He told me, I would be giving you 2 weeks to decide. If you are sure tell it to Me. I could wait for your answer, my son.
After that Talk to God, it changed my life and I also thinking of it and I also think that this what God has planned for me.

Holy Orders

Holy Orders

Do you have a calling? Or did you expect that you would serve Him as a priest? this is the Sacrament... Holy Orders.
there are division of Orders. there are Minor and Major Orders. the Minor Orders are as follows. porter, Lector, Acolyte and Exorcist
The Minor Order
1. Porter
In the Old Testament Levites were appointed to keep the gates of the tabernacle and later of the temple; they also had charge of the sacred vessels (1 Paral. 9, 26). The sacredness of the house of God in the New Testament and of the vessels used for the celebration of the divine mysteries calls for at least the same care and safekeeping. The ostiarii were the doorkeepers or porters of the church. The word is derived from the Latin ostium, the door.

The office was of special importance during the times of persecution. Reliable men were needed to inform the faithful of the time and place of the divine services, to open and lock the doors, to keep out undesirables. In later times the ringing of bells sufficed for the purpose of informing the faithful of the time of the divine services, since there was no further need of informing them of the place.

Opening of the book for the preacher, mentioned as one of the duties of the porter, must also be understood in the light of earlier times. Those ancient rolls were not as handy as a modern book, but often heavy and of considerable size, and the place for reading could not be found as readily. The porter, therefore, would carry the book to the ambo and open it for the preacher. In the course of time the care of the sacred vessels was also entrusted to porters, which gave the order added importance.

It seems probable that up to the fourth century porters were not ordained, but simply appointed. In our days the duties of porters are usually performed by sacristans, ushers, and janitors.

If the ostiariate is conferred during Mass, this is done:
Saturday before Passion Sunday: after the Kyrie.
Holy Saturday: after the Gloria.
On other days, if the Mass has Gloria: after the Gloria; if the Mass has no Gloria: after the Kyrie.

The Rite

The Call. The bishop, with his miter on, sits on the faldstool before the middle of the altar. The archdeacon bids the candidates come forward; the notary reads their names:

Let those come forward who are to be ordained to the order of porter: N. N. etc.

Each one answers, adsum, goes before the altar and kneels, holding the burning candle in his right hand.

The Instruction. When all are assembled, the bishop address them as follows:

Dearly beloved sons, you are about to receive the order of porter. Behold what you must do in the house of God. The duty of the porter is to ring the bells, to open the church and sacristy, and to open the book for the preacher. Take good care, therefore, lest anything in the church perish through your negligence. Open the house of God to the faithful at the appointed hours, and always shut it to unbelievers.

As you open and shut with material keys the visible church, let it also be your endeavor by your word and example to shut to the devil and open to God the invisible house of God, namely, the hearts of the faithful, that they may keep in mind the word of God which they have heard and carry it out in deed. May the Lord in His mercy accomplish this in you.

Here the candles are laid aside.

The Bestowal of the Office. The bishop presents to each one the keys of the church. They touch them with the right hand, while the bishop says:

So act, even as about to give an account to God of the things which are kept under these keys.

The archdeacon, or the one who takes his place, now conducts the candidates to the door of the church, which they lock and unlock; then to the tower, where the bell rope is handed them, and each rings the bell with one stroke. Should thee be no tower, or should the tower be too far away or too difficult of ascent, the sacristy bell, or a small bell, placed at the church door, may be used. The candidates are then conducted back to the altar.

Prayer. The porters kneel, while the bishop, with miter on, turned to the ordained, prays:

Dearly beloved brethren, let us fervently beseech God, the Father Almighty, to + bless these His servants, whom He has deigned to elect to the office of porter; may they with utmost care attend to the house of God, by day and night and announce the hours appointed for divine services, through the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with Him in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

The bishop, with his miter off, turns to the altar and says:

Let Us Pray
Let us bend our knees. R. Arise.

Turning again to the candidates kneeling before him, the bishop prays:

Holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, bless + these Thy servants for the office of porter, that among the keepers of the Church they may be devoted to Thy service and together with Thine elect have a share in Thy reward. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

2. Lector or Lectorate
The lector is a reader. Readings from the sacred books formed part of the divine services even in the Old Testament. In the Christian Church such readings were incorporated from the very beginning into the celebration of the Eucharistic mystery. The first part of holy Mass constituted the so-called Mass of the catechumens, or instruction service, for those who prepared for baptism and were not allowed as yet to assist at the whole Mass. The instructions were based on Holy Scripture, and the reader would read the text.

It must be remembered that the ancient manuscripts were not as easy to read as a modern book. No distinction was made between small letters and capitals, words were not clearly separated, punctuation marks not used. Reading, therefore, required careful preparation in order to be done correctly, fluently, and distinctly.

It seems that in the beginning capable laymen took care of this reading, but at a very early date readers were ordained; even boys possessing the necessary knowledge were admitted to this order. As the Mass of the catechumens lost its original significance, and reading at the divine services was taken over more and more by members of the major orders, readers began to form the schola cantorum and took care of the singing, probably before the seventh century.

The rite mentions as another duty of lectors the blessing of bread and first fruits. The faithful as well as the catechumens would bring along these things to be blessed, and since the catechumens were dismissed before the beginning of the Mass of the faithful, it was convenient that the lector should perform the blessing before they left. Canon 1147 reaffirms this privilege of the lector. It is the only case where a cleric in minor orders is authorized to perform a blessing.

At the present time it is customary in seminary chapels that a reader sings the Epistle during a simple High Mass; but the singing of the Epistle at the solemn High Mass is reserved to the subdeacon. Readers, however, sing the prophecies on Holy Saturday and the Saturday before Pentecost.

If the lectorate is conferred during Mass, this is done:
Saturday before Passion Sunday: after the Kyrie.
Holy Saturday: after the Gloria.
Saturdays of Ember weeks: after the second lesson.
On other days, if the Mass has Gloria: after the Gloria; if the Mass has no Gloria: after the Kyrie.

The Rite

The Call. The bishop, with his miter on, sits on the faldstool before the middle of the altar. The archdeacon bids the candidates come forward; the notary reads their names:

Let those come forward who are to be ordained to the office of reader: N.N., etc.

Each one answers, adsum, goes before the altar and kneels, holding the burning candle in his right hand.

The Instruction. When all are assembled, the bishop address them as follows:

Dearly beloved sons, chose to be readers in the house of our God, know your office and fulfill it; for God is powerful to give you in increasing measure the grace of everlasting perfection.

The reader's duty is to read what he preaches (or: to read the Scripture text for the preacher), to sing the lessons, to bless bread and all new fruits. Endeavor, therefore, to read the word of God, that is, the sacred lessons, distinctly and intelligibly, without any mistake or falsification, so that the faithful may understand and be edified, and that the truth of the divine lessons be not through your carelessness lost for the instruction of the hearers.

But what you read with your lips, you must believe in your hearts and practice in your works; so that you may be able to teach your hearers by word and example.

Therefore, when you read, stand in a high place of the church, so that you may be heard and seen by all. This your bodily position is to signify that your life ought to move on a high plane of virtue, so that you may give the example of a heavenly life to all those by whom you are heard and seen. May God by His grace accomplish this in you.

Here the candles are laid aside.

The Bestowal of the Office. The bishop now presents to the candidates the book containing the lessons, that is, a missal, breviary, or bible. The ordinands touch it with the right hand, while he says:

Receive, and be readers of the word of God. If you fulfill your office faithfully and profitably, yours will be the reward of those who have duly administered the word of God from the beginning.

Prayer. The bishop rises and prays:

Let us beseech, beloved brethren, God, the Father Almighty, graciously to bless these servants whom He deigns to assume into the order of reader. May they intelligibly read what is to be read in the Church of God, and carry it out in works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, His Son, who lives and reigns with Him in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

The bishop, with miter off, turns to the altar and says:

Let Us Pray
Let us bend our knees. R. Amen.

Turning again to the candidates kneeling before him, the bishop prays:

Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, vouchsafe to + bless these Thy servants for the office of reader. May they by constant application to reading acquire knowledge and proficiency, read aloud what must be done and practice what thy have read, so that by the example of their virtue in both respects they may give support to holy Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

3. Exorcist or Exorcistate
To exorcise means to deliver a person from the presence or influence of evil spirits. That the devil, within the limits allowed by God, has retained a certain power over men even after the coming of Christ is clearly testified by Holy Scripture and the history of the Church. Jesus drove out devils from the possessed and He bestowed this power upon His apostles and disciples. In the early times of the Christian era many lay persons possessed this power as a charism.

It is in harmony with reason and faith to assume that the devil has greater power over the unbaptized in consequence of original sin. For this reason, at a very early date, exorcisms were performed repeatedly over the catechumens in preparation for baptism. To perform these exorcisms and, in general, to exorcise persons possessed by or under the influence of evil spirits exorcists were ordained.

The rite speaks of exorcists as spiritual physicians endowed with the power of healing. This may also refer to bodily afflictions caused by the devil; once the influence of the devil is broken by the exorcism, the affliction ceases.

The other duties of the exorcist stood in close relation to this principal function of the order. According to the usual interpretation of the instruction read to the ordinands, he was to direct persons under exorcism, and for that reason barred from Holy Communion, when to withdraw. Furthermore, it was his duty at sacred functions to administer the water for the washing of hands to the officiating priest. The latter ceremony symbolizes purification from sin, hence a banishing of the influence of the evil spirits; it was fitting, therefore, to assign this duty to the exorcist.

In our days all baptismal exorcisms are embodied in the solemn rite of baptism, and are performed by the priest or deacon who baptizes. To exorcise a person possessed by the devil an explicit permission of the diocesan bishop is required, and it can be given only to a priest.

If the exorcistate is conferred during Mass, this is done:
Saturday before Passion Sunday: after the Kyrie.
Holy Saturday: after the Gloria.
Saturdays of Ember weeks: after the third lesson.
On other days, if the Mass has Gloria: after the Gloria; if the Mass has no Gloria, after the Kyrie.

The Rite

The Call. The bishop, with his miter on, sits on the faldstool before the middle of the altar. The archdeacon bids the candidates come forward; the notary reads their names:

Let those come forward who are to be ordained to the office of exorcist: N. N., etc.

Each one answers adsum, goes before the altar and kneels, holding the burning candle in his right hand.

The Instruction. When all are assembled, the bishop addresses them as follows:

Dearly beloved sons, as you are about to be ordained to the office of exorcist, you must understand the office which you receive. The duty of the exorcist is to cast out devils, to direct the people that he who is barred from Communion should withdraw, and to administer water at the sacred functions. You receive, therefore, the power to lay your hands upon the possessed; and by the imposition of your hands, the grace of the Holy Spirit, and the words of the exorcism, the unclean spirits shall be cast out from the bodies of the possessed.

Accordingly, as you cast out devils from others, seek to remove from your own minds and bodies all uncleanness and iniquity, lest you be overcome by those evil spirits whom, in virtue of your office, you cast out of others. Through the exercise of your office learn to rule over evil habits, lest the enemy discover in your lives anything which he might claim as his own. For then you will consistently command the evil spirits in others when you first overcome their manifold wickedness in yourselves. May the Lord through His Holy Spirit grant that you may accomplish this.

Here the candles are laid aside.

The Bestowal of the Office. The candidates now come up to the bishop, and each touches the book which he presents to them, saying:

Receive, and commit to memory, and have the power to lay your hands upon the possessed, be they baptized or catechumens.

Prayer. The bishop rises and prays for the candidates kneeling before him:

Let us, dearly beloved brethren, humbly beseech God, the Father Almighty, that He may graciously + bless these His servants for the office of exorcist. May they be spiritual commanders, to cast out of the bodies of the possessed the evil spirits with all their manifold wickedness. Through His only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with Him in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

The bishop, with his miter off, turns to the altar and says:

Let Us Pray
Let us bend our knees. R. Arise.

Turning again to the candidates kneeling before him, the bishop prays:

Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, vouchsafe to bless these Thy servants for the office of exorcist. May they have power and authority, by the imposition of their hands and the word of prayer, to restrain the unclean spirits and be the approved physicians of Thy Church, endowed with the power of healing and with heavenly strength. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

4. Acolyte
The acolytate is the highest of the minor orders. The term is derived from a Greek word which signifies to follow, to accompany. The acolyte's duty and privilege was and is to assist members of the major orders at the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice and other liturgical functions; he takes care of the light and serves the wine and water at holy Mass.

Light was always extensively used at divine services, even in the Old Testament, because of its deep significance. To the symbolic reasons was added the practical necessity, when services were held at nighttime or, as it frequently happened during the times of persecution, in the catacombs.

For a long time, acolytes performed other very important functions, at least in the Church of Rome. At the Communion of the Mass they received the sacred species in linen bags, hung around their neck, and presented them to the priest or bishop for distribution to the people. As we know from the story of St. Tarsicius, acolytes were employed to bring the Blessed Eucharist to the absent, especially the confessors of the faith detained in prison; they, likewise, carried consecrated particles from the pope's Mass to the priests, who celebrated the sacred mysteries in the parish churches of Rome; finally, they were the bearers of the blessed bread, eulogia, which bishops exchanged among themselves as a symbol of their communion in the charity of Christ.

In the course of time, however, some of these functions were discontinued, others were taken over by members of the major orders. And, because of the practical difficulty of having ordained acolytes stationed at every church, laymen, especially boys, were admitted to act as Mass servers and torchbearers, and the order of acolyte merely served as a transition to the major orders.

If the acolytate is conferred during Mass, this is done:
Saturday before Passion Sunday: after the Kyrie.
Holy Saturday: after the Gloria.
Saturdays of Ember weeks: after the fourth lesson.
On other days, if the Mass has Gloria: after the Gloria; if the Mass has no Gloria: after the Kyrie.

The Rite

The Call. The bishop, with miter on sits on the faldstool before the middle of the altar. The archdeacon bids the candidates come forward; the notary reads their names:

Let those come forward who are to be ordained to the office of acolyte: N. N., etc.

Each one answers adsum, goes before the altar and kneels, holding the burning candle in his right hand.

The Instruction. When all are assembled, the bishop addresses them as follows:

Dearly beloved sons, about to receive the office of acolyte, consider what it is that you receive. The duty of the acolyte is to carry the candlestick; to light the lights of the church, to minister wine and water at the Eucharistic Sacrifice.

Hence, endeavor to discharge worthily the office received. For you cannot be pleasing to God if in your hands you carry the light for God and in your works are slaves of darkness and thus give to your fellowmen the example of faithlessness.

Rather, as the Truth says: "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." And as the apostle Paul says: "In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life. Therefore, let your loins be girt and burning lamps in your hands, that you may be children of the light. Cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. For you were heretofore darkness, but now light in the Lord. Walk then as children of the light."

What is to be understood by that light on which the Apostle insists so much, he himself explains when he adds: "For the fruit of the light is in all goodness and justice and truth."

Be fervent, therefore, in all justice and goodness and truth, that you may enlighten yourselves and others and the Church of God. For then you will worthily minister wine and water at the divine Sacrifice when you have offered yourselves as a sacrifice to God by a chaste life and good works. May the Lord in His mercy grant it to you.

Here the candles are laid aside.

The Bestowal of the Office. The bishop now presents to each candidate a candlestick with an unlighted candle. Each one touches both, the candlestick with the thumb, and the candle with the index finger of the right hand, while the bishop says:

Receive the candlestick with the candle, and know that it is your duty to light the lights of the church in the name of the Lord.

The acolyte answers: Amen.

Then an empty cruet is presented to them. They touch it, while the bishop says:

Receive the cruet, to minister wine and water for the Eucharist of the blood of Christ, in the name of the Lord.

The acolyte answers: Amen.

Prayer. The candidates kneel. The bishop rises, with miter on, and, turned toward them, prays:

Dearly beloved brethren, let us humbly beseech God, the Father Almighty, to + bless these His servants in the order of acolyte, that as they carry the material light in their hands, they may also send forth a spiritual light by their conduct, through the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Him and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

The bishop, with his miter off, turns to the altar and says:

Let Us Pray
Let us bend our knees. R. Amen.

Turning again to the candidates kneeling before him, the bishop prays:

Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, Thou hast sent the light of Thy glory into this world through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, and His apostles, and hast willed that, in order to blot out the ancient debt of our death He should be fastened to the most glorious standard of the Cross and that blood and water should flow from His side, for the salvation of the human race. Vouchsafe to + bless these Thy servants for the office of acolyte, that they may faithfully serve at Thy holy altars, attend to the lighting of Thy Church, and minister wine and water for the consecration of the blood of Christ, Thy Son, at the Eucharistic Sacrifice. Enkindle, O Lord, their minds and hearts with they love of Thy grace, so that, alight with they splendor of Thy countenance, they may faithfully serve Thee in holy Church. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

Let Us Pray

Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, who didst speak to Moses and Aaron that lamps should be lighted in the Tabernacle of the Testimony, bless + these Thy servants, that thy may be acolytes in Thy Church. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

Let Us Pray

Almighty, everlasting God, Fountain of light and Source of goodness, who has enlightened the world through Jesus Christ Thy Son, the true light, and hast redeemed it through the mystery of His Passion, vouchsafe to + bless these Thy servants whom we ordain to the office of acolyte. We beseech Thee in Thy mercy to illumine their minds with the light of knowledge, and to refresh them with the dew of Thy tender love, that with Thy help they may so fulfill the office assumed as to attain an everlasting reward. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.







Major Orders

1. Deacon or Diaconate


The diaconate is the lowest order of the divinely established hierarchy, as well as the lowest sacramental order. It is a true sacrament and imprints an indelible mark upon the soul of the recipient. The deacon partakes of the priesthood so far as he is the assistant of the priest and bishop. The election and ordination of the first deacons is related in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 6, 1-6). In the Old Testament the order of deacons was typified by the Levites.

Deacons have always held an important place in the Church. Their duties in ancient times were manifold: to assist the priest at the Holy Sacrifice, to distribute Holy Communion, to read the Gospel, to preach and to instruct the people. They also exercised a certain supervision over the faithful, and together with priests assisted the bishop in the ecclesiastical courts; lastly, they had charge of the poor and sick, and administered the revenues of the Church. At the present time the functions of the deacon are mainly to assist the priest at solemn liturgical functions. It is only in rare cases that deacons baptize, preach, or distribute Holy Communion.

New ceremonial acts which appear in the ordination of deacons are:

1. The Postulation -- The archdeacon requests the bishop, in the name of the Church to perform the ordination. The postulation is the public expression of the anxious desire of the Church that worthy ministers of the altar be ordained, so that the public worship of God may be continued and the mission of Christ for the salvation of souls carried on.
2. The Scrutiny -- The bishop makes inquiry as to the worthiness of the candidates. Many laws have been passed, and many are still in force, whereby the responsibility authorities are required to watch over the candidates for the priesthood and to recommend for ordination only such men as, according to their opinion, will be worthy priests.
3. The Consultation of the People -- The assembled people are called upon to state openly if they know aught concerning a candidate which would make him undesirable for the service of the Church. This, as well as the preceding act, was of eminently practical value in ancient times, when candidates for the priesthood did not receive a seminary training of many years as in our days. The ceremony clearly shows the importance which holy Church attaches to the selection of worthy candidates for the service of the altar. Indeed, the bishop cannot in conscience ordain anyone concerning whose worthiness he does not have a positive assurance.
4. The Imposition of the Hands -- This is the essential rite by which the orders of sacrmental character are conferred; it symbolizes the communication of supernatural grace and power through the Holy Spirit.

The diaconate is always conferred after the Epistle.

Candidates for deaconship present themselves for ordination dressed in alb, cincture, amice, maniple; on their left arm they carry stole and dalmatic, and in their right hand a burning candle.

The Rite

The Call. The bishop, with his miter on, sits on the faldstool before the middle of the altar. The archdeacon bids the candidates come forward; the notary reads their names:

Let those come forward who are to be ordained deacons: N. N., etc.

Each one answers adsum, goes before the altar and kneels, holding the burning candle in his right hand.

The Postulation. The archdeacon continues:

Most Reverend Father,

If the ordaining bishop is a cardinal, the archdeacon says:

Most Eminent and Reverend Father,

our holy mother, the Catholic Church, requests that you ordain the subdeacons here present to the office of deaconship.

The Scrutiny. The bishop inquires:

Does thou know them to be worthy?

The archdeacons answers:

As far as human frailty allows to know, I know and I testify that they are worthy of the charge of this office.

The bishop says:

Thanks be to God.

Consultation of the People. The bishop, with his miter on, now makes to clergy and people the following announcement:

By the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose the subdeacons here present for the order of deaconship. If anyone has anything against them, let him confidently come forward and speak in the presence of God and for the sake of God. However, let him be mindful of his condition.

The Instruction. After a short pause the bishop addresses to the ordinands the following instruction:

Dearly beloved sons, about to be promoted to the order of Levites, consider well to what an exalted rank you rise in the Church. The office of the deacon is to assist at the altar, to baptize, and to preach.

Under the Old Law, indeed, the one tribe of Levi was chosen out of the twelve tribes, that it should attend with special devotion to the Tabernacle of God and to its sacrifices according to a perpetual rite. So great was the dignity bestowed upon it that no one, except of this tribe, could rise to hold an office in the performance of that divine worship. Thus by some great hereditary privilege it deserved bot to be and to be called the tribe of the Lord.

Today, dearly beloved sons, you receive their name and their office. You are chosen for the service of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, that is, the Church of God, in the Levitical office. The Church, always ready for battle, wages an unceasing warfare against her enemies, as the Apostle says: "Our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places." It is your duty to uphold and defend this Church of God, even as the Tabernacle, with the armor of holiness, by divine preaching and perfect example.

Levi signifies added, or lifted up. You, dearly beloved sons, who receive your name from an office of paternal inheritance, be lifted up above the desires of the flesh and earthly passions which war against the soul. Be clean and undefiled, pure and chaste, as it behooves ministers of Christ and dispensers of the mysteries of God, that you may worthily be added to the number of those who have ecclesiastical rank and deserve to be the inheritance and the beloved tribe of the Lord. And since you are co-ministers and cooperate in the sacrifice of the body and blood of the Lord, keep yourselves proof against every allurement of the flesh, as the Scripture says: "Be ye clean, you that carry the vessels of the Lord." Remember that Blessed Stephen was elected by the apostles for this office, because of his eminent chastity. Take care to interpret the gospel by living works to those to whom you are preaching so that it may be said of you: "Blessed are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, of them that bring glad tidings of good things." Have your feet shod with the examples of the saints in the propagation of the gospel of peace. May the Lord grant it to you by His grace. R. Amen.

Prayer. If no subdeacons have been ordained, the prostration takes place here and the Litany of the Saints is said.

After the litany, the ordinands kneel, and the bishop, sitting on the faldstool, with his miter on, addresses clergy and people as follows:

Let common supplication and united prayer continue, that these men, who are prepared for the ministry of deaconship, may, through the prayer of the whole Church, shine in the order of Levitical + benediction, distinguish themselves by a spiritual life and show forth the grace by which they have been sanctified, through the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, God forever. R. Amen.

The bishop rises, with the miter on and, facing the ordinands, says with a loud voice:

Dearly beloved brethren, let us beseech God, the Father Almighty, that He may graciously pour out His grace upon and bless these His servants whom He deigns to assume into the office of deaconship, and in His goodness preserve in them the gifts of the ordination to which they are admitted. May He graciously hear our prayers and by His loving assistance bring to perfection what we are about to administer, and may He by His + blessing sanctify and strengthen them, whom according to our knowledge we consider worthy to be assigned to the celebration of the sacred mysteries. Through His only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Him and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, God,

The bishop, without miter and with arms extended, continues:

Forever and ever.
R. Amen.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And also with thee.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We have lifted them up unto the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is meet and just.

It is truly meet and just, right and profitable unto salvation, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, who givest honors, assignest rank, and bestowest offices. Abiding in Thyself, Thou renewest all things and disposest all things through Thy Word and Power and Wisdom, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. With eternal providence dost Thou prepare and dispense in due time what is needful. Thou hast adorned with a variety of heavenly gifts Thy Church, which is His body. Its members are distinct, but Thou hast united them by a wonderful law which governs its whole structure. Thus Thou makest it to grow and to expand, and Thy temple to enlarge.

Thou hast ordained that those who are in charge of the sacred ministry should serve Thy holy name in three orders. So of old, the sons of Levi were chosen as faithful guardians to devote their lives to the sacred mysteries celebrated in Thy house and to possess as their abiding portion the heritage of a blessing which was to endure forever.

Look down graciously, O Lord, also on these Thy servants whom we, amid humble prayer, ordain to the office of deacon, that they may serve Thy holy altars. As men without the resources of divine perception and supreme understanding, we judge of their lives so far as we are able. But what is unknown to us, does not escape Thee, O Lord; and what is hidden does not deceive Thee. Thou knowest the secrets; Thou searchest the hearts. Thou art able to examine their lives with heavenly discernment, by which Thou always prevailest, both to cleanse from sin and to grant what is to be accomplished.

The Bestowal of the Office. Here the Ordinands rise, go up to the altar and kneel before the bishop, who lays his right hand on each one and says:

Receive the Holy Spirit, unto power and to resist the devil and his temptations. In the name of the Lord.

Each one returns to his place and kneels. Then the bishop, holding his right hand extended over all, continues:

Send forth upon them, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the Holy Spirit that they may be strengthened by Him, through the gift of Thy sevenfold grace, unto the faithful discharge of Thy service. May the pattern of all virtue abound in them, modest authority, constant propriety, the purity of innocence, the observance of spiritual discipline. Let Thy precepts shine forth in their lives so that, by the example of their holiness, the faithful may be aroused to holy imitation. May they prize above all things the testimony of a good conscience, persevere firm and steadfast in Christ, an by Thy grace make themselves worthy to rise in due succession from a lower to a higher order.

Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

Investiture with the Insignia of the Office. Here the bishop seats himself and receives the miter; the ordained approach and kneel before him, each holding in his hand a stole which the bishop takes and imposes upon the left shoulder, saying:

Receive the spotless + stole from the hand of God, fulfill thy ministry; for God is powerful to increase His grace unto thee, who lives and reigns forever and ever.

The deacon answers: Amen.

The bishop takes the dalmatic from each one and invests him with it, saying:

May the Lord clothe thee with the garment of salvation and the vesture of gladness, and may the dalmatic of justice ever encompass thee. In the name of the Lord.

The deacon answers: Amen.

At last the bishop presents to them the book of gospels; all touch it with the right hand, while the bishop says:

Receive the power to read the Gospel in the Church of God, both for the living and for the dead. In the name of the Lord.

The deacon answers: Amen.

Prayer. The bishop, miter off, turns to the altar and says:

Let Us Pray
The assistants: Let us bend our knees. R. Arise.

Turning again to the ordained, the bishop continues:

Hear, O Lord, our prayers, and send forth upon these Thy servants the Spirit of Thy + blessing, so that enriched with the heavenly gift they may be able to earn the favor of Thy Majesty and give to others the example of a virtuous life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

Let Us Pray

Holy Lord, Father of faith, hope and grace, Rewarder of progress: everywhere in heaven and on earth dost Thou employ the services of angels and scatter the works fo Thy will throughout the universe: vouchsafe to enlighten also these Thy servants by love of spiritual things so that, ready for Thy service, they may as irreproachable ministers join Thy holy altars. May they grow in purity through Thy grace, and be worthy of the rank of those seven men whom the apostles elected under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and of whom Stephen was the chief and the leader. Adorned with all virtues which Thy service calls for, may they be pleasing to Thee. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

Upon the direction of the archdeacon, the ordained return to their places. One of the newly ordained deacons reads the Gospel aloud, together with the bishop.

3. Priest

This is the great sacrament by which the deacon becomes a priest of the New Testament, another Christ. The word priest is derived from the Greek word presbyteros, which means elder; the term "elder" designates a person holding an office which usually is conferred only on such as are distinguished by age, experience, nobility of character and life. The priest is distinguished from the rest of the people by the dignity and authority inherent in the very nature of the priesthood.

Priests were typified in the Old Testament by the seventy elders, who were chosen by Moses in the desert to assist him in the government of the people. At what time the first priests were ordained in the church of the New Testament cannot be established with certainty. However, it is probable that when St. Paul wrote to Timothy: "Lay not thy hands lightly on any man." (1 Tim. 5, 22), he had in mind the ordination of priests.

Of the awe-inspiring powers vested in the priesthood three are conferred by a special ceremonial act, i.e.: the power to offer up the Holy Sacrifice, the power to forgive sins, and the power to bless. The indelible character of the priesthood is impressed upon the priest's soul: and for all eternity he shall be "priest according to the order of Melchisedech" (Ps. 109, 4).

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The rite of the ordination of priests is truly sublime. Of the many new ceremonial acts which appear in the rite, the following call for brief explanation.

1. The Anointing of the Hands of the Priest - Holy oil was used extensively in the liturgical functions of the Old Testament. The high priest and the priests, the Tabernacle and is furniture, prophets and kings, were anointed. Christ Himself is announced as the Messias, which means the Anointed. He is the supreme prophet, king, and priest. It is fitting, therefore, that the priest of the Christian Dispensation, the "other Christ," should also be anointed. The anointing symbolizes the dedication of a person to the service of God, and the bestowal of grace.
2. The Concelebration - Concelebration denotes the celebration of the same Mass by more than one priest. From the Offertory on, the newly ordained priests say the Mass together with the bishop, so that their ordination Mass is really their first Mass. According to the present discipline of the Latin Church, concelebration takes place only on the occasion of ordination; but it was common in ancient times and is so to the present day in the Eastern churches. Concelebration beautifully expresses the truth that there is but one priesthood and one sacrifice.
3. The Profession of Faith -- Toward the end of the Mass, all newly ordained priests recite together the Apostles' Creed. It is fitting that, as they enter upon their mission of teaching, they should solemnly profess the faith which they will announce to the world.
4. The Promise of Obedience - This promise of obedience is not a vow like the vow of obedience made by religious, but it imposes upon the priest the solemn obligation to administer his office in faithful obedience to his ecclesiastical superiors. Without obedience the Church could not carry on her work. And after all, how fitting it is that the priest, who is "another Christ," should distinguish himself and merit the blessing of God for his work by the practice of that virtue which may be called the characteristic virtue of our Savior Jesus Christ, who "became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philipp. 2,8).

The priesthood is conferred before the last verse of the Tract or paschal Alleluia, before the Alleluia of the Gradual, before the last stanza of the Sequence, as the case may be.

Deacons present themselves for ordination to the priesthood dressed in amice, alb, cincture, maniple, and stole. On their left arm they carry a folded chasuble and in their right hand a burning candle.

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The Rite

The Call. The bishop, with his miter on, sits on the faldstool before the middle of the altar. The archdeacon bids the candidates come forward; the notary reads their names:

Let those who are to be ordained to the order of the priesthood come forward: N.N., etc.

Each one answers: adsum, goes before the altar and kneels, holding the burning candle in his right hand.

The Postulation. The archdeacon presents the candidates to the bishop, requesting him to ordain them:

Most Reverend Father,

If the ordaining bishop is a cardinal, the archdeacon says:

Most Eminent and Reverend Father,

Our holy Mother, the Catholic Church, requests that you ordain the deacons here present to the office of the priesthood.

The Scrutiny. The bishop inquires:

Doest thou know them to be worthy?

The archdeacon answers:

As far as human frailty allows to know, I know and I testify that they are worthy of the charge of this office.

The bishop says:

Thanks be to God.

Consultation of the People. The bishop, with his miter on, makes to the clergy and people the following announcement:

Dearly beloved brethren, the captain of a ship as well as the passengers are in the same condition as to safety or danger. Their cause is common, therefore they ought to be of the same mind. Indeed, not without reason did the Fathers ordain that in the election of those who were to be employed in the service of the altar the people also should be consulted. For it happens here and there that, as to the life and conduct of a candidate, a few know what is unknown to the majority. Necessarily, also, people will render obedience more readily to the ordained if they have consented to his ordination."

Now, with the help of the Lord, these deacons are to be ordained priests. As far as I can judge, their life has been of approved goodness and pleasing to God, and, in my opinion, merits for them promotion to a higher ecclesiastical honor. However, lest one or a few be mistaken in their judgment, or deceived by affection, we must hear the opinion of many. Therefore, whatsoever you know about their lives or character, whatsoever you think of their worthiness, freely make it known. Testify as to their fitness for the priesthood according to merit rather than according to affection. If anyone has anything against them, before God and for the sake of God let him confidently come forward and speak. However, let him be mindful of his condition.

The Instruction. The bishop makes a short pause; then he addresses to the ordinands the following instruction:

Dearly beloved sons, you are about to be ordained to the order of the priesthood. Strive to receive it worthily, and having received it, to discharge its duties in a praiseworthy manner.

The office of the priest is to offer sacrifice, to bless, to govern, to preach, and to baptize. Truly, it must be with great fear that you ascend to so high a station; and care must be taken that heavenly wisdom, an irreproachable character, and long-continued righteousness shall commend the candidates chosen for it.

It is for this reason that the Lord, when commanding Moses to select from the whole people of Israel seventy men to assist him, and to impart to them a share in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, added this direction: Take whom thou knowest to be elders among the people. Now you have been typified by the seventy men who were elders, if, observing the Ten Commandments of the Law by the help of the seven-fold Spirit, you will be men of virtue, mature in knowledge as well as in work.

Under the same mystery and figure, the Lord chose in the New Testament seventy-two disciples and sent them two by two, to go before Him, preaching. Thus He wished to teach by word and deed that the ministers of His Church should be perfect in faith and practice, in other words, that they should be grounded in the twin virtue of charity, namely, the love of God and the love of neighbor.

Therefore, endeavor to be such that, by the grace of God, you may be worthy to be chosen as helpers of Moses and the twelve apostles, that is, the Catholic bishops who are signified by Moses and the twelve apostles. Truly wonderful is the variety with which holy Church is endowed, adorned, and governed. Its ministers are men ordained to various orders, some bishops, others inferior in rank, priests and deacons and subdeacons; and out of many members distinguished as to dignity, the one body of Christ is formed.

And so, dearly beloved sons, chosen by the judgment of our brethren to be our helpers in the ministry, maintain in your deportment inviolate purity and holiness of life. Understand what you do, imitate what you administer. Inasmuch as you celebrate the mystery of the death of the Lord, you should endeavor to mortify in your members all sin and concupiscence. Let your teaching be a spiritual medicine for the people of God and the odor of your lives a delight for the Church of Christ. May you thus build up, by preaching and example, the house, that is, the family of God, so that your promotion may not be a cause of damnation for me, nor the reception of so great an office for you, but rather of reward. May He by His grace grant it to us. R. Amen.

The Prostration and the Litany of the Saints. If no subdeacons or deacons have been ordained, there follows now the touching ceremony of the prostration. The ordinands prostrate themselves on the floor of the sanctuary, as a sign of their unworthiness and need of divine assistance. The bishop, with his miter on, kneels at the faldstool; all others who assist kneel in their places. The chanters begin the Litany of the Saints; the choir answers. If there is no choir, the bishop recites the litany, and all assisting clerics answer. The whole Church Triumphant is called upon to intercede with God that He may give worthy ministers to the Church Militant.

The Litany of the Saints is prayed here.

After the litany the ordinands rise.

The Bestowal of the Office. The most solemn moment of the rite of ordination has now arrived, the moment in which that wonderful transformation takes place in the soul of the ordinand, which makes him "Priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech." The bishop imposes both his hands upon each ordinand without saying any prayer, and after him all priests present do the same; then the bishop and all priests raise their right hands and hold them extended over the candidates. All is hushed in silence - it is as if the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit come down in visible form to take possession of His elect: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me" (Is. 61, 1).

Holding his right hand extended, the bishop prays:

Let us pray, dearly beloved brethren, to God, the Father Almighty, that He may multiply heavenly gifts upon these His servants whom He has chosen for the office of the priesthood. May they by His help accomplish what they undertake at His gracious call. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

Prayer. The bishop, with his miter off, turns to the altar and says:

Let Us Pray
The assistants: Let us bend our knees. R. Amen.

Again the bishop turns to the ordained and prays:

Hear us, we beseech Thee, Lord our God, and pour out upon these Thy servants the + blessing of the Holy Spirit and the power of priestly grace. Sustain them forever with the bounty of Thy gifts, whom we present to Thy mercy to be consecrated. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy son, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, God,

The following is said by the bishop, with his arms extended:

V. Forever and ever.
R. Amen.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And also with thee.
V. Lift up your hearts.
R. We have lifted them up unto the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
R. It is meet and just.

It is truly meet and just, right and profitable unto salvation to give thanks at all times and in all places to Thee, holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, Giver of honors and Dispenser of all dignities. Through Thee all things progress; by Thee they are sustained; through Thee the endowments of our rational nature are continually raised to a higher perfection according to a wisely appointed plan.

Thus have come into existence priestly orders and the office of Levites, instituted amid sacred mysteries. When Thou didst appoint high priests to govern the people, Thou didst also choose men of lower rank and inferior dignity to be at their side and to assist them in their work. Thus didst Thou multiply in the desert the spirit of Moses through the minds of seventy judicious men, so that with their help he easily governed the countless multitudes of the people. In like manner Thou hast bestowed upon Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron, the fullness of their father's priestly power, so that there might be a sufficient number of priests for the offering of salutary sacrifices and the performance of the numerous sacred rites. By the same providence Thou, O Lord, has joined to the apostles of Thy Son teachers of the faith; and with their help they have filled the whole world with the glad tidings of the gospel.

Therefore, we beseech Thee, O Lord, give also to us such help in our infirmity; we need it so much more than they, as our weakness is so much greater. We beseech Thee, almighty Father, invest these Thy servants with the dignity of the priesthood. Do Thou renew in their hearts the spirit of holiness, that they may hold the office, next to ours in importance, which they have received from Thee, O Lord, and by the example of their lives point out a norm of conduct. May they be prudent fellow laborers of our order; may the pattern of all justice shine forth in them so that, when they will give a good account of the stewardship entrusted to them, they may receive the reward of eternal bliss.

What follows is said in a low voice but loud enough to be heard by those standing about.

Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

Investiture with the Priestly Vestments. The bishop sits, with his miter on. The ordained are now vested with the priestly vestments. The bishop arranges to stole of each one, which up to now was worn over the left shoulder, in the manner in which it is worn by the priest at Mass, i.e., in the form of a cross. In doing this he says:

Receive the yoke of the Lord; for His yoke is sweet and His burden light.

Then the bishop vests the candidates with the chasuble in such a manner that only the front part hangs down and the back part remains folded, saying at the same time:

Receive the priestly vestment, by which charity is signified; for God is powerful to increase unto thee charity and perfection of work.

The ordained answers:

Thanks be to God.

Prayer. While all are kneeling, the bishop, with his miter off, prays:

O God, Author of all holiness, from whom comes true consecration and the fullness of benediction, do Thou, O Lord, pour out Thy gracious blessing upon these Thy servants, upon whom we confer the honor of the priesthood. May they, by gravity of demeanor and strictness of life, prove themselves to be elders, trained according to the principles which Paul set forth to Titus and Timothy. May they keep Thy law before their minds day and night, believe what they read, teach what they believe, and practice what they teach. May they show forth in their persons justice, constancy, mercy, fortitude, and all other virtues, be leaders by their example, inspire strength by exhortation, and preserve the gift of their ministry pure and undefiled; may they change by a holy benediction bread and wine into the body and blood of Thy Son for the worship of Thy people. And having kept their conscience pure and true their faith in never failing charity, may they rise on the day of God's just and final judgment, full of the Holy Spirit, to perfect manhood, in the full measure of the age of Christ. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. R. Amen.

The bishop, with his miter off, turns to the altar, kneels and intones the following hymn, which is then continued by the choir.

Veni Creator Spiritus (Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come…)

The Anointing of the Hands. After the first stanza the bishop seats himself and receives the miter. He takes off his gloves, and a cloth or towel is spread over his lap. The candidates approach, and kneeling before him, one by one, they hold their hands for the anointing in such a manner that the palms are turned upward and the sides and the little fingers touch each other. The bishop dips his thumb into the holy oil, draws a line from the thumb of the right hand to the index finger of the left and from the thumb of the left hand to the index finger of the right, and then anoints the whole of both palms. While doing this he pronounces the following prayer:

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to consecrate and sanctify these hands by this unction and our + blessing.

The anointed answers: Amen.

That whatsoever they shall bless may be blessed, and whatsoever they shall consecrate be consecrated and sanctified, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The anointed answers: Amen.

Then, keeping his hands joined, he goes to the side of the altar, where one of the assisting priests binds them together with a white cloth, leaving the fingers free. When all have been anointed, the bishop purifies his thumb with crumbs of bread.

Bestowal of the Power to Offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. By the preceding rite of the imposition of hands the candidates have been made priests and possess all priestly powers. But the power to celebrate Mass, to change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ is such a tremendous, awe-inspiring power that a special rite is employed to express its bestowal and to bring more fully into realization what has been received.

The ordained again approach the bishop and kneel before him. A chalice containing wine and water, and the paten with a host lying on it, is presented to each; whereupon the ordained takes the paten between the index and the middle finger, touching with the index finger the paten and host and with the middle finger the cup of the chalice, while the bishop says:

Receive the power to offer sacrifice to God and to celebrate Mass for the living as well as for the dead. In the name of the Lord.

The ordained answers: Amen.

The bishop washes his hands and continues the Mass. After the Offertory the bishop puts on the miter and takes his seat before the middle of the altar. All the ordained now approach in due order, two by two, and, kneeling, offer to the bishop a burning candle, at the same time kissing the bishop's ring. If the number of the ordained is very great, only one of each order offers a candle.

Having received this offering, the bishop washes his hands, and the Mass is continued. From now on all the newly ordained priests say the Mass together with the bishop, and all prayers, even those usually said in a low voice, are said aloud.

The Mass here continues with the Offertory.

The Communion of the Ordained. After the bishop has consumed the sacred species, the newly ordained priests receive Holy Communion at his hands, but under one species only. However, since the young priests were also celebrants of the ordination Mass, the customary prayers, Confiteor, Misereatur, etc., are not said; neither does the bishop say any prayer when distributing Holy Communion. But each one, before receiving the sacred host, kisses the ring of the bishop.

Now the others who have been ordained approach the altar. Confiteor, Misereatur, etc., are said in the usual way but when giving Holy Communion the bishop uses the formula:

May the body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thee unto life everlasting.

Each one answers: Amen, kisses the ring of the bishop and receives the sacred host.

After receiving Communion -- The newly ordained priests have finished their first holy Mass. They are other Christs and in a very special manner the friends of Jesus. Now the mission of Jesus is theirs in the fullest sense of the word. As they will daily offer the Holy Sacrifice, so their endeavor must be to apply to the world the merits of the death of the Savior. This is done especially by announcing to the world the true faith and by forgiving sins. But that in the exercise of these offices they may truly advance the glory of God, they must act in obedience to their lawful superiors. These are the thoughts expressed in the following ceremonies.

After the bishop as taken the ablution, he washes his hands; with miter off and, standing on the epistle side, he intones the following responsories, which are then continued by the choir. If there is no choir present, the bishop reads these responsories.

I will not now call you servants but my friends; for you have known all things whatsoever I have wrought in the midst of you. Alleluia.

Receive in you the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete; He it is whom the Father will send you. Alleluia.

You are my friends if you do the things that I command you. Receive in you the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. He it is whom the Father will send you. Alleluia.

The alleluia is omitted from Septuagesima to Easter.

The Profession of Faith. Having said this responsory, the bishop, with his miter on, goes to the middle of the altar and turns to the newly ordained priests. These, standing before the altar, now recite the Apostle's Creed, thus publicly professing the faith which they will preach to the world.

Bestowal of the Power to Forgive Sins. It must be remembered that the ordained were made priests and received all priestly powers by the imposition of the hands of the bishop. However, because of the excellence of the power to forgive sins, a special ceremony is employed to express its bestowal upon the priest. It is particularly fitting that this should be done after the offering of that Holy Sacrifice by which Christ has made atonement for the sins of men and reconciled us with His heavenly Father.

The bishop, with his miter on, seats himself. The newly ordained come up and kneel before him; he lays his hands on each one and says:

Receive the Holy Ghost; whose sins thou shalt forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins thou shalt retain, they are retained.

The Unfolding of the Chasuble. Then the bishop unfolds the back part of the chasuble, saying:

May the Lord clothe thee with the robe of innocence.

The Promise of Obedience. Now the bishop takes both hands of the ordained into his own and asks for the promise of obedience. If he is the Ordinary of the ordained, he says:

Dost thou promise me and my successors reverence and obedience?

If the bishop is not the Ordinary of the ordained, he says:

To secular priests: Dost thou promise to the Bishop, thy Ordinary …?
To religious priests: Dost thou promise to the Bishop (or Prelate) who will be thy Ordinary for the time being, reverence and obedience?

The priest answers: I promise.

Then the bishop, still holding the newly ordained priest's hands within his own, kisses him on the right cheek, saying:

The peace of the Lord be always with thee.

The priest answers: Amen.

Instruction. The bishop, having received the crozier, now addresses to the newly ordained priests the following exhortation:

Dearly beloved sons, since the office which you will perform is beset with considerable danger, I admonish you to learn carefully from other experienced priests the order of the whole Mass, the consecration and the breaking of the host, and the communion, before you begin to celebrate Mass.

The Solemn Blessing. The bishop rises and blesses the priests kneeling before him:

May the blessing of the almighty God, the + Father, the + Son, and the Holy + Ghost, descend upon you, that you may be blessed in the priestly order, and offer up the sacrifice of propitiation for the sins and offenses of the people to almighty God, to whom be honor and glory forever and ever. R. Amen.

The bishop lays aside miter and crozier and continues the Mass prayers (the Communion verse and Post Communion verse) together with the newly ordained.

The Final Admoniton. (After the Last Blessing) With miter on and crozier in hand, the bishop seats himself and addresses all the ordained kneeling before him. If all orders have been conferred, the following admonition is read as it stands; if not, reference to the orders not received is left out.

Dearly beloved sons, carefully consider the order which you have received today and the burden which has been laid upon your shoulders. Endeavor to live holy lives devoted to religion and to be pleasing to the almighty God, that you may obtain His grace. May He in His mercy deign to bestow it upon you.

All those who have been promoted to the first tonsure, or the four minor orders, say once the seven penitential psalms with the litany, versicles, and orations.

Subdeacons and deacons, say the nocturn of this day.

Those who have been ordained priests, say, after your first Mass, three other Masses: one of the Holy Spirit, another of the Blessed Mary, ever virgin, and the third one for the faithful departed, and pray to almighty God also for me.

The ordained answer: Gladly.

The Last Gospel. The bishop having put aside crozier and miter goes to the gospel side of the altar and, together with the newly ordained priests, begins the Last Gospel.

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Indulgences. On the day of a first Mass:

A plenary indulgence may be gained:

1. by the newly ordained priest under the usual conditions.
2. by the relatives of the priest within the third degree of consanguinity if they assist at the first Mass, receive the sacraments and pray for the intention of the Holy Father; one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be is sufficient.

A partial indulgence of seven years may be gained by all the faithful who assist at the first Mass and pray for the intention of the Holy Father. (Raccolta, 629 and 684).