SOLEMN AFTERNOON LITURGY OF GOOD FRIDAY

An adapted version of the Solemn form without deacon or subdeacon

With customs practiced by the Society of St. Pius X1

FOREWORD
The Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday adheres in many ways to the ancient form of the Roman Mass and hence many
contrasts to older practices are witnessed [Link] rite’s order imitates an Ember Day Mass, but without
an Offertory, Canon or Consecration (a remnant of the former Mass of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts). There is also:
• the veneration of the cross (derived from a similar ceremony practiced with the True Cross in Jerusalem),
• the gradual preparation (addition of the altar cloth—once performed during Mass, placement of the candles
and cross—once carried by the crossbearer and acolytes in procession and then placed near or upon
the altar),
• the denuding (denudatur) of the altar (once performed after every Mass; also seen on Holy Thursday),
• and double translation of the Blessed Sacrament (recalling an older method of distributing Communion
after Mass, and in cathedrals, of retrieving the Hosts from a special chapel of reservation; also seen on
Holy Thursday).
The order of this unique rite will be recognizable for those familiar with the Eastern Rites’ Divine Liturgies. The
ceremonies are also characteristically Roman, particularly in the starkness of the decorations employed, which
are kept to a bare minimum.

ABOUT THESE NOTES

The Solemn form of the Holy Week ceremonies is the ideal method, but this is not always practical in a typical
parish situation that lacks the requisite number of ordained ministers for the various positions.2 This fact was
recognized and dealt with during the Holy Week reform, thus several options exist for rendering the ceremonies as
solemn as possible according to the situation, either per the Solemn, Semi-Solemn or Small Churches form. These
notes outline a High Mass adaptation3 of the Solemn form, which is suitable for churches capable of rendering
the ceremonies of Holy Week in a more complete manner than the simpler Small Churches form. A number of
options are provided for rendering certain parts of Good Friday's ceremonies, and these are also outlined within
these notes.4

PERSONS REQUIRED FOR THE CEREMONY

• Celebrant (C).
• Master of ceremonies (MC15).
• Acolytes (Ac1, Ac2, Ac3, Ac4).

1 Per the decision of the General House, the Society of St. Pius X uses “grosso modo” (for the most part) the 1955 edition of the Holy
Week Rites as found in the 1956 edition of the Ordo Hebdomadae Sanctae Instauratus, or OHS for [Link] practically occurred because
the 1955 edition was generally the only edition that could be obtained. It should also be noted that through the behest of Archbishop
Marcel Lefebvre and later the influence of the SSPX’s seminary in Econe, Switzerland, the General House has directed the retention of
a few pre-1955 practices from the Memoriale Rituum (1920 edition); this specifically applies here to the procession with palms. Where
these decisions differ from the 1962 (last) edition of the OHS, a footnote is given with the appropriate directional quote preceded by
the abbreviation “SSPX.” The quotes are derived from a fax received by the author from the Econe seminary in 2000 seeking clarification
on these points.
2 E.g., the least being, tonsured cleric for Sd, diaconate for D, and diaconate for the three deacons of the Passion.
3 There are in fact several methods of High Mass, or missa cantata, with the most advanced being an adaptation of Solemn Mass, as
explained in the High Mass notes offered by Romanitas Press.
4 The main sources cited throughout these notes are: Rev. Adrian Fortescue, The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described (Burns & Oates,
1962; reprinted by St. Austin Press, 1996); Rev. J.B. O’Connell, The Ceremonies of Holy Week: Simple and Solemn Rite (Burns & Oates, 1963);
and Very Rev. Walter J. Schmitz, Holy Week Manual For Priests (Bruce, 1962).
5 In the simple rite, only acolytes are mentioned, but not an MC. It is very practical though to have one server versed in everyone’s
position, which allows for better coordination and C to concentrate on his liturgical role. Hence in these notes, the MC’s position has
been adapted from the solemn and simple rites as a type of hybrid “High Mass” form, actually a fairly common practice.
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 • Lectors.6
• Sacristan.

OPTIONS FOR THE PASSION READING7

Several methods exist for enacting the Passion,8 based upon whether it is sung or read, who are the ministers
and which parts they will render. There are three parts for the Passion reading, the Christus (Christ), Chronista
(Narrator), and Synagoga (the Synagogue). It is presumed that the Passion will be sung by three clerics who are at
least ordained deacons,9 but this is not usually possible in a parish, hence outlined here are a variety of options:
1. The celebrant may sing (or read) either all or some of the Passion parts; in either case, if C is involved, he
must at least take the part of Christus from a lectern on the Gospel side of the sanctuary.
2. A deacon may sing (or read) all three parts, in which case, C merely listens from the sedilia.10
3. A schola may sing (but not read) the crowd (Turba) parts of the Synagoga.11 In this case, the individual
Synagoga parts (e.g., Pontius Pilate) are sung by the Chronista.12

To summarize the options:

If sung:
a. C sings all three parts.
b. C sings the Christus and D the Chronista and Synagoga.
c. C sings the Christus, D the Chronista and Synagoga’s individual parts, and the schola the Synagoga’s crowd
parts.
d. C sings the Christus, Chronista and individual parts of the Synagoga, and the schola the Synagoga’s crowd
parts.
If read:
a. C reads all three parts.
b. C reads the Christus and D the Chronista and Synagoga.

PREPARATIONS
General principles of decoration
No extra embellishments should be employed; items used should be the plainest on hand.13

6 If an ordained lector is not available, a layman (or altar server) in cassock and surplice may perform this function; cf. Fortescue, p 306,
ff1 and O’Connell, p 56, ff 2. NB: in the Solemn form, the first Lesson is presumed to be read by a lector, while the second Lesson (which
takes the place of Epistle) must be read by Sd (cf. Fortescue, pp 291 and 297).
7 As indicated by O'Connell on p 42, ff 1, the same options for Palm Sunday are applicable to Good Friday; the difference here is that
all of the ministers chant the Passion from a lectern on the Gospel side (the Palm Sunday option of C reading from the altar is not
possible on Good Friday as the altar is not prepared until just before the Solemn Prayers).
8 Though mentioned in the treatment of Small Churches form by Fortescue and O’Connell, the option of using two or three deacons
to sing the Passion have been omitted here, since neither one is usually available in a typical parish. See the Solemn and Semi-Solemn
form notes for these options, as well as the ones specific with these forms.
9 Fortescue, p 271 and O’Connell, p 12.
10 An option envisioned by Schmitz on p 26, ff 12.
11 Fortescue, p 275, ff 1: “The crowd parts may be sung by the choir”, O’Connell, p 12, and Schmitz, p 42 and in ff 26 citing SRC 40442.
This implies an all-male choir and not a mixed choir, since this is a liturgical function (e.g., Schmitz on p 42, ff 25, cites SRC 2169 and
O’Connell on p 12, ff 4, SRC 27402 and 38043,4, which specifically forbid nuns singing the crowd parts). It likewise follows that a schola
member would be prohibited from singing the Passion solo (because this is a diaconate prerogative). Preferably, the schola members
would be vested in cassock and surplice and situated within the sanctuary (but not at a lectern as for a deacon), or close by to facilitate
the proper coordination.
12 Fortescue, p 275, ff 1, and O’Connell, p 12.
13 Lace, a symbol of joy, should not be used on this day. J.B. O’Connell, The Celebration of Mass: A Study of the Rubrics of the Roman Missal
(Bruce, 1964; reprinted by Preserving Christian Publications, 2007), pp 170-171: “Lace is, too, a sign of festivity, and so an entirely plain alb
should be worn on ordinary days and for penitential or mourning functions.” No mention of this is made in regards to the altar and credence
cloths, as it is presumed that these do not have lace hanging over the front (which O’Connell states on p 153 is “not desirable” as the frontal
should be covering the altar like a vestment, with a linen covering only the top and sides); nevertheless, the same principle applies.
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Sacristy
-alb (without lace), amice, black cincture, stole and biretta.14
-on a cope stand15 in vesting order: black cope over a violet cincture, stole and chasuble.16
-large crucifix17 veiled in violet18 with a base (if needed).19
-two plain candlesticks with unbleached candles20 (to be carried with the crucifix).
-tray to hold the removed pins with a finger towel on it (used to wipe off the cross during its veneration).
-two candles (or torches) for the re-translation of the SSMM to the altar of repose at the end of the service.
-if necessary, a long pole to remove veils from crosses in high places.
-if a deacon will chant part of the Passion: Cantius Passionis book, plain alb, violet cincture and stole, and biretta.

At the altar
-the altar is completely bare without any cloths, antependium, crucifix or candlesticks.
-the tabernacle is unveiled and empty, except for a corporal inside; its door is partially opened.
-a violet cushion is placed on the second altar step in the center of the foot.

Credence
The credence is placed in its normal position on the Epistle side, but only the top is covered with a linen cloth;
prepared on it:21
-single altar cloth.22
-unveiled missal stand with the OHS23 (the opening facing the altar as usual).
-book for the Lessons (if there is a lector).24
-violet burse with corporal.
-on a small tray: ablution cup and finger towel.
-Communion plate.
-tabernacle key.
-violet conopaeum.25

14 C wears the biretta only during the first entry procession, while seated for the Lessons, Responsories and the Veneration of the
Cross (Fortescue, p 299), and for the final recessional.
15 After C vests, if a sacristy doorway is readily accessible from the Epistle side of the sanctuary, it is practical to position the cope stand
near the doorway to enable the acolytes to easily retrieve or return the vestments. Or the sacristan can bring or remove the vestments
as required.
16 If the sacristy is not readily accessible from the sanctuary, these items may be placed on a secondary credence.
17 O’Connell comments on p 40, ff 2: “The crucifix must be a tall one—yet it must not be unduly heavy, it has to be carried for some time by
the celebrant—with the figure high on the cross, so that when it is held resting on the ground, it may be easy for one who is standing to kiss the fee
of the [Link] cross should be so made as to be easily fitted into a base, after its veneration, and placed on the altar (behind the tabernacle,
if there is one) so that it may be seen by the people; or it may be hung behind the altar, if this can be conveniently arranged for.”
18 O’Connell states on p 40, ff 2: “The veil should be so arranged as to be easily removable.” The veil should be pinned on the cross three
times so it may be uncovered in this order: 1) the top of the cross (but not the face; O’Connell, p 45); 2) the head and right arm; 3) the
entire cross.
19 This base should be placed behind the tabernacle (Fortescue, pp 291 and 296, and O’Connell, p 39, ff 4); and based upon the rules
for the altar cross neither on the tabernacle (cf. p 207 and ff 10, Church Building and Furnishing:The Church’s Way, J.B. O’Connell [University
of Notre Dame Press, 1955] and p 55 in The Liturgical Altar, Geoffrey Webb [Newman Press, 1949—Romanitas Press, 2010]) or in an
exposition throne (cf. the latter authors citing SRC 35763 and 41362; O’Connell further states in ff 12:“It must not even seem, from a distance,
to stand in it”).
20 Fortescue, pp 291 and 297.
21 These items should be arranged in the order they will be used (e.g., the altar cloth on top of the burse, then the tabernacle veil).
22 This cloth should cover the entire mensa, and, in principle, should not hang over the front or sides. It is recommended to fold it
inwards (from sides to the center) into sections (halves) like the vesperale cover; this allows the acolytes to quickly prepare the cloth
by centering it on the mensa and unfolding it into place.
23 It should be noted that three editions exist; the 1955 (whose 1956 printing is the most obtainable), 1957 and finally 1962 (encompassed
in the 1962 Missale Romanum).
24 This may be the actual lectionary, a Liber Usualis, second OHS, missal, binder, or other book with the text.
25 If the tabernacle veil is actually curtains suspended by removable rods, these should previously be inserted.
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For the Passion reading26
-on the Gospel side of the chancel prepare as many unveiled lecterns recta linea facing the Gospel side wall27 as
will be required.
-Cantus Passionis books as required (if the Passion is merely read, an OHS or missal can be used for this purpose),
with their ribbons marked and exposed for the proper Passion reading; if placed on the credence, the opening
facing left.

Epistle side of the sanctuary

-unveiled sedilia.28
-stools for the four acolytes.29
-if a lector30 will chant the Lessons, unveiled lectern on the Epistle side of the chancel (if C is chanting the Lessons
instead, place this lectern near the sedilia31).

Altar of repose32
-corporal unfolded in front of the repository.33
-repository key (on the right side of the mensa).34
-four plain candlesticks with bleached candles35 on the altar (two for the temporary exposition of the SSMM36
and two to be carried while accompanying the SSMM’s transfer37).
-wooden clapper on the Gospel side.38
-white humeral veil near the MC’s position.
-ombrellino39 on the Epistle side.

SYNOPSIS OF THE CEREMONY

1. PROCESSION
2. SOLEMN PROSTRATION
3. FIRST ORATION
4. FIRST Lesson / FIRST RESPONSORY / ORATION / SECOND Lesson / SECOND RESPONSORY

26 The SSPX uses the text and rubrics for the Passion as found in the 1955 OHS, but with the addition of the solemn ending of the
Chronista found in the 1953 edition of the Cantus Passionis printed by Desclee (SSPX: “The conclusion of the Passion previous to Pius XII
(with the solemn tone) has been kept, even for Low Mass: from ‘Erat autem Marie Magdelene’ to ‘signantes lapidem cum custodibus.’”). The
Passion reading for Good Friday is Passio Domini nostri Jesu Christi secundum Joannem, and the text is identical to that found in the 1953
Cantus Passionis with exception to the preparation for the Chronista's conclusion (that was treated as the Gospel; now the entire Passion
is treated as the Gospel by the ministers) which is now omitted.
27 I.e., the north side (even if only symbolic).
28 This may be merely a stool in this case.
29 The MC may also choose to sit near the sedilia, but not in line with it.
30 Fortescue on p 296 states: “he may be one of the servers,” which following the same rule for the Lessons on Holy Saturday, includes a
layman. When all three sacred ministers are present, the subdeacon must chant the second Lesson (following the ancient Roman Mass
when this was the Epistle). Otherwise, in the subdeacon’s absence an ordained lector (or layman in cassock and surplice) may do this; cf.
OHS, Feria VI in Passione et Morte Domini, n. 9: “Oratione expleta, sequitur altera lectio, a subdiacono dicenda ad legile...” and n. 9a: “Lectionem
legat lector ad legile...”, Fortescue, pp 291-292 and 297, and O’Connell, pp 43 and 94-95.
31 This is only required if C will chant the Lessons; otherwise, Ac1 can hold the OHS during the single Oration that C says from the sedilia.
32 It is presumed that any flowers or extra candles were removed from the altar of repose as of midnight on Holy Thursday when the
Passion begins; cf. Fortescue, p 286 and O’Connell, p 38. If not though, these need to be removed at this time.
33 A portable urn-shaped locking vessel; often an actual tabernacle is used for this purpose.
34 Per Canon Law, this should have been secured overnight and not left at the altar.
35 Ibid.
36 These should be on the altar.
37 These can be on the altar or on the opposite ends of the predella where they can be easily retrieved by the acolytes. It is also desirable
that these two candlesticks match the candlesticks used for accompanying the cross.
38 If a second clapper is not available, this can prepared in the sacristy to be retrieved later by Ac4, or moved by the sacristan to the
altar of repose.
39 The Italian term for the liturgical umbrella used to accompany the SSMM in places where a processional canopy is not practical; it is
an ancient symbol of respect for royal dignity, in this case of Christ's.
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 5. PASSION secundum Joannem
TYPICAL FORMATIONS USED
6. SOLEMN PRAYERS with flectamus genua
DURING SOLEMN AFTERNOON LITURGY
7. SOLEMN VENERATION OF THE CROSS
A. Recess to the sacristy.
B. Procession with the cross to the foot.
C. Unveiling of the cross.
D. Veneration of the cross:
• By the celebrant.
Ac4 Ac2 C MC Ac1 Ac3
• By the clergy.
• By the servers.
• By the laity.
E. Placement of cross at altar and unveiling of crosses Recta linea formation at foot
in the church.
8. COMMUNION RITE
A. Preparation of the altar.
B. Recess to the altar of repose.
C. Retrieval of the SSMM.
D. Translation of SSMM to the altar.
E. Pater noster, Libera nos, Perceptio Corporis.

Ac2 Ac1
Ac4 Ac3
F. Celebrant’s Domine non sum dignus and

MC
C
Communion.
G. Confiteor and distribution of Communion. BOX FORMATION AT SEDILIA
H. Placing of ciborium in the tabernacle temporarily.
I. Ablution of C’s fingers.
9. Three Orations.
10. Recessional in pairs.
11. Return of SSMM to altar of repose.
12. Compline.
13. POST-CEREMONIAL DUTIES

GENERAL RULES40
When the cross is not on the altar
All reverences to the altar are moderate bows. These bows are made when one would normally perform a
genuflection, namely when:
• Crossing the center of the altar.
• Entering or leaving the sanctuary.
• Leaving the center of the altar per breviorem in conjunction with C (following the principle of ratione
accommodationis).

When the cross is on the altar

Once the cross is exposed in the sanctuary, genuflections are made towards it for the usual reasons for reverencing
the altar.41

When the SSMM is in the sanctuary

When the SSMM is in the sanctuary, genuflections are made according to the rules of coram Sanctissimo.
40 Cf. The General Principles of Ceremonies of the Roman Rite (For Inferior Ministers), Louis [Link] (Romanitas Press, 2010-revised), for a comprehensive
treatment of the general principles, particularly of the expository table of “Progression of Reverences for Inferior Ministers during Sacred
Triduum” on p 63.
41 This principle is denoted explicitly throughout Fortescue and O’Connell in the treatment of the Solemn Afternoon Liturgy. Previously
when the Solemn Afternoon Liturgy was considered a Mass of the Presanctified Gifts, genuflections were made as usual (a point Schmitz
did not alter in his revised editions from 1955 to 1963).
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Acolytes, MC and C
Ac1 and Ac2 are the lead pair, Ac3 and Ac4 the middle pair, followed in single file by MC and C. Ac1 and Ac3 are
usually to the right-hand side, while Ac2 and Ac4 are usually to the left-hand side.

Responding to prayers
The servers (in conjunction with the faithful) make all of the appropriate responses and according to whether
the text has been sung or said (e.g., the servers do not say a reply to a sung text).42

Omission of bows to persons

All bows to persons are omitted completely during the Solemn Afternoon Liturgy.43

Omission of solita oscula

On Good Friday, all solita oscula are omitted, because these signify joy.44

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE FAITHFUL

It is recommended that the faithful be instructed beforehand on some ceremonial points. These announcements
can be made from the pulpit by a priest or by one of the MCs.

During the veneration of the Cross:

1. The faithful genuflect to it after "Venite adoremus" has been sung;45 that is, after the MC has signalled
this.46
2. The faithful approach to kiss the Cross genuflecting only once (just in front of the Communion rail) and
the standing47 kiss the feet of the Crucified. Without any further genuflection, the faithful then return to
their places where they sit.48

RITE OF THE SOLEMN AFTERNOON LITURGY

Procession
-in the sacristy, the acolytes line up shoulder to shoulder in the following pairs: Ac1 and Ac2 (who will lead), and
Ac3 and Ac4.
-meanwhile C vests with MC assisting.
-when finished, MC signals all to bow to the veiled sacristy cross.49

42 As denoted throughout the rite by Fortescue and O’[Link] rule differs from the usual one at sung Masses, where the ministers
(both sacred and inferior) strictly-speaking should not make sung responses (as this office belongs to the schola), but only answer to
said responses.
43 Fortescue, p 290 and O’Connell, p 6 are specific on this point regarding to those in choir, and along with Schmitz, imply it throughout
their notes for Good Friday.
44 Cf. Msgr. Camilius Callewaert, Cæremoniale in Missa: Privata et Solemni (Bayaert, 1941—reprinted by Romanitas Press, 2009), p 38;
hence why the non-essential ones are also omitted during a Requiem Mass.
45 Fortescue, p 292: “All then sing Venite adoremus. When this is finished all, except the celebrant and the acolytes holding candles, kneel in
worship.”
46 NB:The Sacred Triduum Missal published by Neri Publications has this action phrased in such a way as to mislead the reader to genuflect
while singing the phrase. Hence it is a good idea to notify the faithful of this before the start of the ceremonies.
47 Per Fortescue, p 294 and O'Connell, p 46; if the feet on the corpus are too low to facilitate standing, then the faithful may kneel
(O'Connell, p 46).
48 Fortescue, p 294 and O'Connell, p 46.
49 Saying “Procedamus in pace” as usual if this is customary.
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-Ac1 strikes the clapper50 to announce the beginning of the ceremonies,51 and
then all process out of the sacristy, with the pairs of acolytes leading, followed
by MC and then C (all at a distance of about four pews apart):
Ac2 Ac1 P

Ac4 Ac3
C
MC Ac4 Ac2 MC Ac1 Ac3
C
-it is befitting that the procession follows the same route as for High Mass (i.e.,
through the nave).
Ac2 Ac1
-upon reaching the foot, each acolyte pairs off to his respective side, with Ac1
and Ac2 being nearest the center, leaving room for MC (on the right of C) and
Ac4 Ac3
C (at the center of the foot):
Ac4 Ac2 C MC Ac1 Ac3
MC
This is the recta linea position of the acolytes at the foot.52
C
Solemn Prostration
order of procession and recta
-when C arrives at the foot, MC receives the biretta (giving it to Ac1) and then linea positions at the Foot
signals all to make a moderate bow to the altar.
-Ac1 takes the biretta to the sedilia, then goes to the credence to retrieve the
OHS, returning to his former recta linea position.
-then MC signals all to kneel and make a moderate bow while C fully prostrates
himself with his head and hands resting on the pillow (on the altar step); after
“some time in prayer” MC signals all to rise.53 P

1
Ac
First Oration Ac4 Ac2 C Mc1MCMc1 Ac3
-when the moment of silence has ended, MC signals a rise, but only C, MC and
positions during
Ac1 stand. the first oration
-Ac1 holds the OHS against his chest, MC opens the book and steps back to [Ac1 holding OHS]

allow Ac1 to stand54 aside in front of C (who should be standing slightly away
from the foot). Then MC indicates the text and kneels for the prayer.
-C reads the first prayer, Deus, qui peccati veteris, in the second ferial tone.
-at the conclusion of the oration (i.e., after all have sung “Amen”), MC signals all to stand, closes the OHS, and
allows Ac1 to return to his recta linea position.
-meanwhile, Ac2 has retrieved the pillow from the altar step.
-when both acolytes are ready, MC signals all to bow, all turn inward,55 and with the pairs of acolytes leading (Ac1 and
Ac2 first), and MC leading C unus post alium,56 all return to their seats; except Ac1 and Ac2 who go directly to the

50 If the church does not possess a second clapper and if the sacristy doorway is conveniently located on the Gospel side of the
sanctuary, this clapper can remain near the doorway so Ac4 can retrieve it just before recessing to the altar of repose. Or the sacristan
can discretely move the clapper to the altar of repose for Ac4.
51 The sacristy warning bell should not be used for this occasion. After the Gloria on Holy Thursday, all bells are silenced to denote the
period of mourning for Our Lord’s Passion. No bells should be sounded again until the Gloria of the Easter Vigil Mass.
52 Cf. O’Connell on p 94 (Small Churches form); on p 42 (Solemn form), he has the acolytes in their normal places during the prostration
because there is not sufficient room at the foot for both the sacred and inferior ministers.
53 Both Fortescue (pp 291 for Solemn form) and O’Connell (p 43 for Solemn form) are explicit on these points. Both also (Fortescue
additionally on p 297 for Small Churches) instruct the MC (and C) to indicate all to rise after the length of the Miserere (Psalm 50),
based on the defunct prescription in the Memoriale Rituum (“after about the time required for a Miserere”); this prayer takes less than a
minute to say.
54 Neither Fortescue, nor O’Connell state that the acolyte kneels while holding the book. It is reasonable that he would stand because
he is acting as a lectern and it is impractical for C standing to read a book held by a kneeling server (which should also be noted is a
pontifical privilege).
55 Being in the center of the formation, C will always turn by his right; cf. General Principles, p 19.
56 NB: This hierarchical order is followed every time a group of ministers goes from the foot to the sedilia.
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credence where they deposit their items. While there, Ac1 picks up the
book for the Lessons (if this is to be used).

FIRST LESSON / FIRST RESPONSORY / ORATION /

Ac4 Ac3 Ac2

SECOND LESSON / SECOND RESPONSORY
During the Lessons, Responsories and Oration
-during the Lessons, C (if not reading) and the acolytes sit.
-during the Responsories, all sit.57 MC
-at the end of the first Responsory, MC signals all to stand, indicates

C
the text to C, then:
1. All bow towards the altar for “Oremus,” C H A N C E L
2. Genuflect facing across the sanctuary for “Flectamus genua”58
3. Until C says “Levate,” all stand, L Ac1
4. And during the conclusion, all bow towards the altar for the
POSITIONS DURING
Holy Name. THE LESSONS WITH A LECTOR(S)

If a lector will read the Lessons59

-leaving the credence, Ac2 immediately goes to the chancel and places the lectern60 in the center, then returns
to his stool.
-meanwhile near the credence,61 Ac1 presents the book to the lector without any bows. Once C is seated, both
go to the foot and bow moderately only to the altar.62 They proceed to the lectern where Ac1 stands on the right.
The lector does not announce the title when chanting the Lesson.63
-after the Lesson, “Deo gratias” is not said.
-the lector64 closes and picks up the book, then both the lector and Ac1 return to the foot, bow to the altar and
return to the Epistle side where the OHS is given back to Ac1 before the lector exists the sanctuary.65
-Ac1 goes to his stool with the book for the first Responsory until its conclusion.
-at the end of the first Responsory, MC signals all to rise.
-Ac1 goes to stand in front of C (holding the book against his chest), then MC opens the book and indicates the
Oration to C.
-when the Oration is done, MC closes the book, as it will not be used by C again.
-Ac1 then goes to the lector for the second Lesson66 and repeats the same actions as for the first. Afterwards,
Ac1 returns the book to the credence and goes to his stool.
-meanwhile, during the second Responsory, Ac2 removes the lectern from the chancel.67

57 It is presumed here that the MC will remain standing, but he may also sit when he has no duties to exercise.
58 Per OHS rubric n 8 ("per aliquod temporis spatium in silentio orant") and 8a ("et brevi interposita precatione..."); all rubricians stipulate that
the “Flectamus genua” should be done by kneeling for a few moments in prayer before “Levate” is chanted (as opposed to an immediate
response), hence this genuflection is not the typical up-down act of reverence, but consists of a slight pause on the right knee.
59 The lectors do not form part of the processional, so they should either be previously situated in an Epistle side chancel stall, or come
into the sanctuary after the first prayer. If possible, they should enter inconspicuously, for example, through a side sacristy doorway.
60 If necessary, one prepared for the Passion reading can be used temporarily for the Lessons; otherwise, it is practical to prepare the
lectern on the Epistle side.
61 If the lector is in the chancel, Ac1 will present the book there in front of the stalls without any bows, then take him to the center of
the sanctuary (between the lectern and foot), reverence the altar, then C and MC go to the lectern; these actions in reverse are done
after each Lesson.
62 As noted previously, all bows to ministers are omitted during the Solemn Afternoon Liturgy; this is implied specifically for this action
by all three cited rubricians.
63 The first, Haec dicit Dominus, is rendered in tono prophetiae; cf. Fortescue, p 297.
64 If the same lector will read the second Lesson, he may remain with Ac1 at the lectern during the subsequent Responsory and prayer;
O’Connell, p 95.
65 Or goes back to his seat in the chancel.
66 This Lesson, In diebus illis, is rendered in tono lectionis; cf. Fortescue, p 297
67 Or if necessary, replaces it on the Gospel side facing north for use during the Passion reading.
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If C chants the Lessons68
-Ac2 places a lectern in front of the sedilia leaving sufficient room for C to genuflect.
-then Ac1 brings the OHS from the credence and gives it to MC who opens the book and indicates the first
Lesson to C.
-during the Responsories and Lessons the servers sit.69
-at the end of the first Lesson, C sits for the Responsory.
-at the end of the first Responsory, MC signals all to rise and indicates the proper oration to C.
-C then chants the second Lesson.
-during the second Responsory, Ac2 removes the lectern from the sanctuary as it is no longer needed.70

PASSION SECUNDUM JOANNEM71

If C chants (or reads) the Passion alone

Ac4 Ac3
-towards the end of the second Responsory, MC signals all
to stand.72
-Ac1 and Ac2 go to the sedilia and make a processional Ac2 C MC Ac1
formation with MC following, then C. All go to the foot,
73 74

Ac1
where all line up recta linea:

MC
Ac2

C
Ac2 C MC Ac1
All bow on MC’s signal and wait while C standing and bowed

Ac2

CMC
profoundly recites only “Dominus sit in corde meo...” in a clear
voice.75 C H A N C E L
-when C has finished, all bow on MC’s signal, turn inwards, Ac1
and with Ac1 and Ac2 leading shoulder to shoulder, go to the
positions during the passion action
unveiled lectern on the Gospel side of the chancel.
-upon arriving at the lectern,Ac1 and Ac2 go to their respective
sides of the lectern76 and face across the sanctuary.
-during the Passion, the sign of the cross is not made and bows are made towards the Passion book as required.
All kneel (including the acolytes77) upon MC’s signal at the words “...tradidit spiritum….”
-at the end of the Passion nothing is said, and all return to the sedilia as they came, lining up recta linea and bowing
on MC’s signal.

If a deacon will chant the Passion78

-having vested in the sacristy, the deacon (carrying his Passion book79) will enter the sanctuary unaccompanied80
going directly to the foot where he bows to the altar.
a. If C does not chant a part during the Passion, the deacon goes to the sedilia and while standing,
68 OHS rubric n 9a directs C to chant the Lessons from a lectern at the sedilia. Nevertheless, both O'Connell (p 97) and Schmitz (pp
140-141) outline an option within the Small Churches form where if C chants the Lessons, he may do so from the center of the foot
after the oration (thus never going to the sedilia). In this case, Ac1 would bring a lectern to the center for this purpose, and C would
sit at the sedilia during the responsories, but would return to the lectern for the orations and other lesson, etc.
69 The MC may stand as usual.
70 Unless needed for the Passion reading, then it is placed on the Gospel side facing north.
71 SSPX: “…the solemn ending of the Passion from before John XXIII…” is retained (from "Post haec autem rogavit Pilatum..." as denoted in
1953 Desclee edition of the Cantius Passionis, p 20* for the Chronista, n 10; 1).
72 The first word of the tenth line, “Caput,” is a good cue.
73 Even for the Passion he wears the stole crossed; cf. O’Connell, p 95.
74 Fortescue (p 297) directs them to go to the chancel's center for the preparation, but in most churches, this action will occur at the foot.
75 OHS rubric n 10a: "vel cantat Celebrans, clara et distincta voce: Dominus sit in corde..."
76 The acolytes should not face C (or other chanters of the Passion) directly; cf. diagram in O’Connell, p 70.
77 Because they are not carrying processional candles.
78 Cf. the Palm Sunday High Mass notes for details and pertinent footnotes.
79 Per the rubricians for Palm Sunday, presumably wearing his biretta as he is a parati; he places this on the altar step upon arriving and
retrieves it while departing the sanctuary.
80 This is implied by all three cited rubricians.
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 bows low to him while saying nothing. C then says "Dominus
sit, etc.", then the deacon standing erect says "Amen" and
goes to sing the Passion at the lectern at the Gospel side Ac4 Ac1 Ac2

1 2
accompanied by the acolytes (but the MC remains with C).

Ac Ac
4
The same rules are followed as on Palm Sunday.

Ac
Ac1 Ac4 Ac2
b. If C chants a part during the Passion, C meets the
deacon at the foot (with the MC and Ac1 and Ac2), where
both bow low to the altar, and without saying anything, go Ac3
to the lecterns on the Gospel side (accompanied by the MC

MC
C
and acolytes as previously described). The same rules are
followed as on Palm Sunday. POSITIONS JUST BEFORE THE SOLEMN PRAYERS
WHILE LAYING THE ALTAR CLOTHS
-after the Passion, the deacon returns to the foot, bows to the altar [Ac1 with OHS and stand; Ac4 & Ac2 with altar cloth]
and returns to the sacristy.

The Solemn Prayers81

-when the Passion has been finished (i.e., as the ministers are returning to the sedilia), Ac3 retrieves the black
cope and brings it to the sedilia. Ac3 returns to his stool after he has given the cope to MC, who assists C to vest;
then both wait while the altar is prepared.
-upon returning from the Passion, Ac1 and Ac2 immediately meet Ac4 at the credence, where:
• Ac1 retrieves the OHS on the missal stand and stands in front of Ac2 and Ac4.
• Ac282 and Ac4 together pick up the altar cloth.
-then with Ac1 leading, all three acolytes go to the foot, with Ac1 going to the far left of the recta linea position,
there all bow, and while Ac1 remains at the foot, Ac2 and Ac4 ascend to the predella and unfold the altar cloth
outwards towards their respective outside edges of the mensa (Ac2 on the Epistle and Ac4 on the Gospel),83
ensuring that it is laid neatly.
-once the altar cloth has been secured, Ac1 ascends to the predella and places the OHS and stand (in its raised
reading position) in the center of the mensa.
-then Ac1 (remaining on the Gospel side as before) descends in unison with Ac2 and Ac4 to the foot, where all
bow, but just Ac2 and Ac4 return shoulder to shoulder to their stools.
-then MC leads C to the foot, signals a bow for Ac1, MC and C, who all ascend to the predella; there C kisses
the altar.
-MC opens the OHS to the appropriate page and indicates the first oration. During the orations, both the MC
and Ac1 hold the cope back and bow for “Oremus,” genuflect in unison with C for “Flectamus genua” and bow for
the Holy Name at the conclusion.
-the acolytes at the stools also in unison with C bow towards the altar for “Oremus,” genuflect facing across the
sanctuary, and bow towards the altar during the conclusion for the Holy Name.
-at the conclusion of the last oration, MC closes the OHS and Ac1 picks up the OHS and stand. Then MC signals
a bow for Ac1, MC and C, all three turn inwards and MC and C proceed per breviorem84 to the sedilia while Ac1
goes per breviorem to the credence to return the OHS and stand.

Solemn Veneration of the Cross

A. Recess to the Sacristy
-at the sedilia, MC removes the cope from C and gives it to Ac3, who returns it to the sacristy (or some other
convenient place).
81 SSPX: “The prayer Pro Conversione Judaeorum is said according to the text of Pius XII with the Flectamus genua and Oremus et perfides
pro judais…Deus qui etiam judaica perfidiam a tua misericordia.” NB: The altered text was published by Pope John XXIII in July 1959,
so is present only in the 1962 edition of the OHS (and in the 1962 editions of the Missale Romanum). SSPX: “The Flectamus genua’s are
performed with a simple genuflection.”
82 At the credence, as at Mass, Ac2 should be on the left side so when he turns with Ac4, he will automatically be on the right side.
83 As is done when removing the vesperale cloth.
84 O’Connell, pp 44 and 96, and Fortescue, pp 292 and 298.
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-then the acolytes make a box formation according to their pairs in
front of the sedilia, with MC in front of C.
-when ready, all process to the foot and take their recta linea positions,

C Ac4
Ac1

M Ac2
C
†
then MC signals a bow, all turn inward, and recess to the sacristy in

3
the same formation as for the procession.

Ac
a
B. Procession with the Cross
-upon arriving in the sacristy:
• Ac1 and Ac2 light the unbleached candles and taking them Ac4 Ac3
into hand, flank C holding the veiled cross as they would the
Cb at High Mass. MC
• Ac3 holds nothing (he will be retrieving the OHS from the
†
credence). Ac2 C Ac1
• Ac4 takes the pin/finger towel tray. PROCESSION WITH CROSS FORMATION AND
• C takes the veiled cross. POSITIONS UPON ARRIVAL AT EPISTLE CORNER
IN PLANO AND FIRST VENERATION
-when all are ready, the procession with the cross is made in this [Ac1 and Ac2 with unbleached candles,
order: Ac3 and Ac4 first, the MC in front of C flanked by Ac1 and Ac3 (a. retrieves OHS at credence) and Ac4 with pin tray]

Ac2 with lighted candles.

-upon entering the sanctuary, none of the ministers make a reverence
(because all are accompanying an image of Christ), and they immediately form in plano on the Epistle corner of
the sanctuary:
• Ac3 and Ac4 both go to the Epistle side, where Ac3 immediately retrieves the OHS from the credence;
both position themselves so as to allow Ac1, Ac2 and C to turn into position.
• MC steps off to the right.
• Ac1 and Ac2 and C line up with the predella and then all three turn abreast simultaneously as a group to
face the nave;85 then Ac1 and Ac2 turn to face the cross.86
-when all are in formation, Ac3 steps forward, the MC opens the OHS for the Antiphona ad detegendam S. Crucem,
then Ac3 goes aside of C (near enough so he can read the book while not standing in front of him).
-meanwhile, both MC and Ac4 (remaining near so he can receive the pins and finally the veil) face the cross.

C. Unveiling of the Cross

-the order of unveiling the cross is:
1. In plano, C uncovers the top of the cross.
3 Ac2
M Ac4
Ac1
C
†
2. At the Epistle corner of the predella, C uncovers the right arm
while raising the cross and his pitch a little higher. C
Ac

3. In medio altare, C removes the veil completely and again raises EPISTLE CORNER OF PREDELLA POSITIONS
the cross and pitch higher. AND SECOND VENERATION

-when proceeding to the next area, the entire formation of ministers turn
and move as a group.
3 Ac2
M Ac4
Ac1

-as C unveils each portion of the cross, MC steps forward and receives
C
†
the pin, placing each on the tray held by Ac4, then returns to his position
C
Ac

slightly away from the formation (i.e., so he does not block its view from
the faithful). IN MEDIO ALTARE POSITIONS
AND THIRD VENERATION
-during the unveiling of the cross, when C says, “Ecce lignum crucis...” and
the choir has finished responding, “Venite adoremus,”87 MC signals loudly

85 This is a circular turn, not the usual inward turn, which allows Ac1 and Ac2 to remain on the correct sides of the Cross while not
switching sides.
86 Per all three cited rubricians.
87 Fortescue, p 292: “All then sing Venite adoremus. When this is finished, all except the celebrant and the acolytes holding candles, kneel in
worship.” See above the section, Announcements for the Faithful.
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 for all to kneel (though
C, Ac1 and Ac2 remain
Ac4 Ac3
C Ac4†Ac3
Ac1

Ac2
†
ft
standing88) and venerate
ft

MC the cross for an appropriate

gf
amount of time89 and then
signals all to rise. C
Ac1 & Ac2 put candlesticks on predella
-when C removes the veil
and kneel if front of candles. completely, MC receives
Ac3 & Ac4 deposit items at credence.
the veil from C, placing it
gf
on the tray.
-upon rising after the third
veneration, MC closes the
Ac4 Ac3
Ac1

Ac2

† ft

c h a n c e l OHS.
gf
-immediately after the
C

Ac3 Ac4 third veneration, Ac1 and

MC

gf
Ac2 go to their respective
Ac3 & Ac4 return to foot, genuflect,
ascend to predella and take Cross from C.
sides of the second altar
c creeping to the cross with
C goes to sedilia (with MC) to remove his shoes. triple GENUFLECTION equally spaceD step, turn towards the
cross to face each other
TRANSFER OF cross MOVEMENTS
[ candlesticks] [ finger towel] ft and in unison place their
candles down on the outside edges of the predella (keeping these
inline with each other) and kneel facing the cross.
-meanwhile Ac3 and Ac4 (who gives the finger towel to the MC) go immediately per breviorem and deposit their
items on the credence, proceed per longiorem to the foot, genuflect to the Cross, and ascend to their respective
sides of the Cross (Ac3 on the right or Gospel side, and Ac4 on the left, or Epistle side) taking it from C; each
hold it under the traverse arm and rest the foot on the predella.
-MC gives the finger towel to Ac4 (because he is closest), and then without any reverence,90 MC conducts C per
breviorem to the sedilia where he removes his shoes.

D. Veneration of the Cross

NB: From this point genuflections are made by all to the Cross as they would to the reserved SSMM.
-C removes his shoes at the sedilia91 then without making any prior reverence, C “...goes some distance away from
the altar”92 making three genuflections at equal intervals.
-when C arrives at the cross, he kneels (on the second altar step if necessary), kisses the feet of the Crucified,
“...and without any further genuflection, returns [per breviorem] to the sedilia” where he sits, put his shoes back on
and dons his biretta. During the remainder of the veneration, he sits covered at the sedilia and listens to the
Improperia.93

88 Nor do they bow, following the general principle of carrying or accompanying an image of Christ; cf. General Principles, pp 55-56, Fortescue,
pp 292 and 298 (he also includes the server holding the book, in this case Ac1), O’Connell, pp 45 and 97 (he adds on p 45, ff 1, that if the
bookbearer kneels, he should close the book first).
89 Fortescue on p 298 says that this veneration should last “for a little while”; the recitation of the first part of the Ave should be sufficient.
90 Cf. Fortescue and O’Connell; neither C nor MC genuflect to the cross before going to the sedilia as their first genuflection is made
while “creeping to the cross.”
91 O'Connell notes on p 45, ff 5: "In the old rite, the rubrics directed only C. to remove his shoes. In practice it will, probably, be convenient for
only S.M. [sacred ministers] to do so. (Cf. S.R.C. 276910(5))." These notes include the inferior ministers in removing their shoes, but repeating
O'Connell's admonition, this should only be done if practical.
92 Fortescue, p [Link] usually implies the extremities of the chancel in larger churches and if necessary due to a lack of space in front
of the foot, somewhere outside of the Communion rail for smaller churches, perhaps even so far as the end of the nave.
93 Per all three cited rubricians. This applies to any other clergy as well, once they have returned to their places.
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-if there are any clergy,94 they imitate C’s actions95 in venerating
the cross approaching in single file.96
-Ac1 and Ac2 rise and without crossing the center of the altar
each follow the MC to the perimeter of the sanctuary, where they
imitate C's actions in venerating the cross in single file.97 Ac2 Ac4†Ac3 Ac1
-the MC returns to his normal position by C, while Ac1 and Ac2 MC
replace Ac3 and Ac4 (who gives the finger towel to Ac2) holding

C
the cross.
-Ac3 and Ac4 descend in plano via the sides of the altar steps,
go directly to the perimeter of the sanctuary and venerate the
cross like C in single file.

Ac2
Ac1
-if necessary for resting the foot of the Cross,98 MC closes the Ac4†Ac3
ft

Communion gate, genuflecting to the Cross (aside from the foot's

communion rail communion rail

center so not to impede the ongoing veneration) before leaving gf

and upon returning. 99 laity return to their

-Ac3 and Ac4 ascend to the predella and receive the cross back LY / places w o further
reverence

from Ac1 and Ac2; Ac2 also gives the finger towel back to Ac4. positions during veneration
of the Cross by the laity
-Ac1 and Ac2 then return to the second altar step, and facing [ Ac4 holding finger towel] ft

each other across the predella retrieve in unison their candles;

then they re-ascend to the predella and facing the nave, flank
Ac3 and Ac4.
-when the acolytes are ready, recta linea (as a group in a line) they take the Cross to the Communion rail; there:
• Ac3 and Ac4 set the foot of the Cross atop the Communion rail.
• Ac1 and Ac2 turn to face the Cross, 100 place their candles on the floor in unison and remain standing
facing the Cross. 101
-the faithful now approach the Cross to venerate it;102 during the veneration:
• each time one kisses the feet of the Crucified, Ac3 wipes them with the finger towel, which for sanitary
reasons, he should frequently change the area of the towel used.103
• if the crowd is great, two servers may each hold small crosses either in front of side chapels or at each
end of the Communion rail; the servers will also have a small towel to wipe the feet after each person

94 SSPX: “All the clergy remove their shoes for the adoration of the Cross on Good Friday but no barefeet!” Neither cited rubrician mentions
the schola venerating the cross, probably because they are presently occupied chanting the Improperia. If the schola members venerate
the cross (presuming they are in cassock and surplice), they do so after the servers, approaching in single file as the clergy [Link] schola
members should leave their shoes on.
95 Per Fortescue, p 293.
96 Per Fortescue on p 293, "unus post alium".
97 If the servers remove their shoes for this action, they should do this on their respective sides of the altar in plano, replacing them
there as [Link] they will do this without sitting (though they could sit on the first altar step), if they cannot remove their shoes standing,
they should face across the sanctuary (i.e., not turn their backs to the faithful and bend over which would not look respectable) and go
to their knees to unlace their shoes. It goes without saying that these actions should be done in a solemn manner, and not hastily.
98 Fortescue (p 293) mentions the use of a platform for setting the Cross' foot on; this is to facilitate the veneration of the cross by
the faithful standing (as seen on Fortescue, p 294 and O'Connell, p 46).
99 The Communion gate is considered to be outside the view of the altar, hence the genuflections; cf. General Principles, pp 53-54.
100 Fortescue, p 294.
101 Fortescue, p 294.
102 It is assumed that the men will approach the cross first, followed by the women and starting at the back of the nave so that the
laity may also creep to the cross but with only a single genuflection (pp 294 and 299). However, Fortescue also mentions on p 294, 1 and
2, that “this may not be possible where the sexes are not separated in the church.” The SSPX General Directions also note this: “The order
for the adoration of the cross by the faithful: Primum viri, deinde mulieres (rubr. of the day n. 18) is not usually respected [observed].” In this
case, the laity may simply come up mixed but by order of pew (front to back as for Communion), one at a time, with each one making
a single genuflection before approaching the cross to kiss it while standing. In imitation of the clergy, “[T]hey do not genuflect again but
return at once to their places in the church,” Fortescue, p 294.
103 For a large crowd of faithful (over two hundred), it is recommended to have two towels.
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 kisses the corpus.104
• if a base is needed for the Cross, the sacristan places this behind Ac2 Ac4†Ac3 Ac1
the tabernacle. ft

• the sacristan unveils all of the crosses in the church; if necessary a

b
layman in cassock may assist.105
Base
a Base

-when the last person has venerated the cross, Ac1 and Ac2 pick up their
candles, stand and flank Ac3 and Ac4 carrying the [Link] acolytes turn Ac2 Ac4†Ac3 Ac1
ft
Ac2Ac1
Ac4†Ac3
ft

inwards and return to the altar recta linea as before.

-at the altar, Ac3 and Ac4 put the cross in its place106 while Ac1 and Ac2 b
a
place their candles on either side of the cross, either on the mensa or
gradine.107 Then the acolytes turn inwards, in unison descend in plano with
Ac1 and Ac2, genuflect, turn inwards, and go in pairs to the credence with
Ac1 and Ac2 leading.

RITE OF COMMUNION communion rail

A. Preparation of the Altar putting cross and candles on altar

-meanwhile, the acolytes arrive at the credence, where: after veneration by laity
a: placing on altar from front side.
• Ac1 retrieves the violet stole and chasuble from the cope stand. b: placing on altar from back side.
• Ac2 retrieves the OHS and stand. (NB: in either case, candles are placed on altar)

• Ac3 retrieves the tray of ablution items.

• Ac4 (returning the finger towel to the pin tray) retrieves the
+
violet burse with corporal.
-Ac1 immediately takes the vestments to the sedilia, presenting them +
Ac2 MC C Ac3
to MC who assists C to vest. Ac1 receives the black vestments from
MC and returns them to the cope stand.
-then Ac2,Ac3 and Ac4 turn inwards and Ac4 steps forward immediately Ac4 Ac2 C+ MC Ac1 Ac3
to the sedilia and presents the burse with corporal to C (without bowing)
before and after.

Ac2 Ac1
Ac4 Ac3
-meanwhile the other acolytes, including Ac1 (now empty-handed) line

MC
+

C
up in a box formation in front of the sedilia, leaving room for Ac4 on
Ac3’s left side. PREPARING THE ALTAR FOR COMMUNION RITE
-when the group is ready, it proceeds to the foot, with MC and C [C with burse, Ac2 with OHS,
Ac3 with ablution items tray]
following in single file to form recta linea as usual: Ac4 Ac2 C MC Ac1
Ac3
-there all genuflect on MC’s signal, and while C ascends to the predella, MC crosses behind him to the Gospel
side; simultaneously,Ac2 ascends directly108 to the Gospel side with the book and stand,Ac3 directly to the Epistle
side with the ablution items, while Ac2 and Ac4109 remain at the foot.
-while C unfolds the corporal,110 Ac2 puts the OHS and stand in the Canon position (leaving the book closed)
and Ac3 puts the tray of ablution items near the corporal on the Epistle side.
-while these preparations are taking place, the sacristan lights the four candles at the altar of repose in preparation
104 Cf. Schmitz, p 114; in this case, he actually has the main Cross remain at the predella with the four acolytes and their candles. He
also describes the use of two servers for holding each of the smaller crosses as described for the main one, but without any candles.
105 Fortescue, p 294, ff 3.
106 If Ac3 and Ac4 are required to go behind the altar to place the cross, they should via the Epistle side with Ac1 and Ac2 following
directly behind them, then splitting off to their respective sides of the altar to place their candles from the backside. If the altar cross
permanently hangs from a civory, canopy or the reredos (which has just been unveiled by the sacristan), the cross used for the veneration
may be put aside in the sacristy instead of being erected at the altar.
107 Wherever the altar candles are normally situated. It is befitting that the unbleached candles for the cross should be set some distance
away on either side of the cross to allow room for the bleached candles used to accompany the SSMM, so these may be directly flank It.
108 I.e., per breviorem, but without the typical diagonal path.
109 Cf. ff 32 above about retrieving the clapper.
110 Fortescue, p 299. Only a tonsured cleric may unfold a corporal in actu functionis; cf. O'Connell in The Celebration of Mass, pp 565 & 567.
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for the transfer of the SSMM. + Veil

-without making a reverence,111 all at the altar turn inwards and descend in +

ombrellino
3 Ac2 C Ac1
plano back to their original recta linea positions. 1

gf

gf
*
5
B. Recess to the altar of repose
Ac4 Ac2 C MC Ac1 Ac3 4
-when C descends to foot, MC signals a genuflection, then all process out in 2
1

same order of the procession to retrieve the SSMM at the altar of repose.

C. Procession with the SSMM to the altar Ac2 Ac1

NB: special genuflecting rules of coram Sanctissimo are now
Ac4 Ac3
followed
-upon reaching the altar of repose, all line up recta linea at the foot, make a MC
double knee genuflection on MC’s signal, and kneel for a short moment of C
prayer. ARRIVING AT THE ALTAR OF REPOSE—
PREPARATIONS BEFORE SSMM PROCESSION
-afterwards, MC signals all to stand, and Ac3 immediately retrieves the humeral 1: Ac3 retrieves humeral veil and puts on C.
2: Ac1 & Ac2 go to opposite sides to retrieve candles.
veil and puts it on C, who then ascends to the predella, opens the repository, 3: Ac1 & Ac2 genuflect in plano before ascending to predella
to flank C.
removes the SSMM (in the veiled ciborium), and covers It with the humeral 4: Ac3 retrieves ombrellino and waits for C to descend.
Ac4 retrieves clapper.
veil. Meanwhile,Ac3 retrieves the ombrellino standing aside until C descends 5: Ac1 & Ac2 with candles flank C.
to the foot.
-while C ascends to the predella, Ac1 and Ac2 go per longiorem to retrieve
the lighted bleached candlesticks; if from the altar,112 the ones furthest from the +

repository. Then before ascending to the predella, they both genuflect to the *
SSMM and ascend to the predella to flank C.
-then upon MC’s signal, just MC, Ac3 and Ac4 make a double knee genuflection,
stand, and make this formation for the SSMM procession: Ac4 leading, solemnly
striking the clapper,113 MC behind, C carrying the SSMM with Ac1 and Ac2 flanking Ac4
with candles, and finally Ac3 behind C carrying the ombrellino over the SSMM.
-upon reaching the foot of the high altar, MC and Ac4 immediately go to their recta MC
linea positions (without genuflecting114) and kneel immediately in plano.
Ac2 C* Ac1
-once the SSMM has reached the foot, Ac3 puts the ombrellino in a convenient
Ac3
place on the Epistle side and goes to the second altar step (near the center but
positions during procession
staying on the Epistle side), where he retrieves the humeral veil, placing this on with ssmm to the main altar
the sedilia; then he goes to his recta linea position. [Ac4 with clapper]
-Ac1 and Ac2 accompany C with the SSMM to the predella and place their
candlesticks on either side of the altar closest to the [Link] both descend
(without turning their backs completely to the SSMM) to their respective sides in plano, turn towards the altar
(to face each other), genuflect and go to their recta linea positions.
-once the ciborium is on the altar, MC signals all to stand, then he genuflects in plano and directly ascends to his
Canon position on the predella where he assists at the missal as usual.

D. Pater noster, Libera nos, Perceptio Corporis

-MC opens the OHS and indicates the first prayer of the Communion rite, the Praeceptis115 (the introduction to
the Pater noster) which C recites aloud as usual.

111 A bow is not prescribed by the rubrics or rubricians, hence it should be omitted by C.
112 If the acolytes are required to ascend to the predella (and not an altar step) to retrieve their candles, they must genuflect in plano
first. After this, they do not genuflect again before flanking C with the SSMM (as they are already on the predella).
113 A good method for striking the clapper is to have the percussions imitate the ringing of the bell, that is, a triple set of taps (either
single or double) should be struck evenly apart, while spacing each triple set apart by about five seconds (this has the dramatic effect of
heightening the somber atmosphere at this moment).
114 Because they have been accompanying the SSMM during the entire procession.
115 If necessary, MC should indicate to the faithful to stand just before C begins the introduction.
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-C recites the Pater noster with the congregation who also conclude with +

“Amen.”116
*
-C also recites aloud the Libera me which again at its conclusion all answer MC C
“Amen.”117
-after “Amen,” Ac1 retrieves the Communion plate from the credence, and ₣
Ac4 Ac2 MC1 Ac1 Ac3
joined by Ac2 both proceed shoulder to shoulder to the foot, where behind the
positions from
recta linea formation there, genuflect, then proceed to the rail to turn over the pater noster until
Communion cloth as usual, genuflecting again upon their return. c's domine non suM dignus
-after C silently prays the Perceptio, MC descends in plano as at High Mass,
genuflects, then joins the other servers in his normal Communion position at
the foot (the far left side of the recta linea formation).

E. C’s Domine non sum dignus and Communion

-MC signals the acolytes to kneel and all bow for C’s Communion as usual.

F. Second Confiteor, distribution of Communion

-MC and acolytes recite the Confiteor118 and the remainder of the Communion rite is as usual with distribution
first to the clergy (if any), then servers (and vested sacristan), then (vested) schola and finally the laity.
-MC holds the plate during the distribution of Communion.
-during the distribution of Communion, the acolytes kneel in their recta linea position on the first altar step, leaving
a gap in the center to enable C to pass through upon his return.
-during the distribution of Communion to the faithful, Ac1 puts the veil on the tabernacle. If a ciborium with
consecrated Hosts is on the altar,Ac1 must genuflect in plano before and after ascending to the predella; otherwise,
no genuflection is made because the tabernacle is empty).

G. Placing of ciborium in the tabernacle

-after Communion, C temporarily reserves the veiled ciborium in the tabernacle.
-when the tabernacle is closed, MC signals all to stand.
NB: reverences are now made to the reserved Blessed Sacrament as usual.

H. Ablution of C’s fingers

-C cleanses his hands in the ablution cup, folds the corporal and places it back in the burse.119
-meanwhile, Ac3 and Ac4 go per longiorem to their respective sides of the altar, ascend to the predella, where Ac3
carefully removes the tray with ablution items (including the purificator) and plate, Ac4 the burse with corporal, then
both descend per breviorem to the foot where they genuflect, turn inwards and return their items to the [Link]
both return to the foot, genuflect and return to their recta linea positions.
-Ac1 and Ac2 turn over the Communion cloth, genuflecting before leaving the foot and upon returning as usual,
and then return to their recta linea positions.

I. Concluding three orations

-MC moves the missal to the center of the mensa and assists at C’s left for the three orations, after which MC
closes the missal (with the opening facing left).
-if the biretta was worn, after the last oration Ac1 retrieves it from the sedilia.
-meanwhile the MC descends with C to the foot, where MC takes the biretta from Ac1.
116 OHS rubric n. 26.
117 OHS rubric n. 27.
118 In describing the Small Churches form Fortescue (p 300) and O’Connell (p 100), both state that the faithful who will communicate
should also recite the Confiteor,* each “Amen” and the Domine non sum dignus in unison with the servers or C. *[Not during the solemn
form though, as the deacon recites this on everyone’s behalf.]
119 The corporal must be folded and returned to the burse, even though it will be used again momentarily after the service; cf. Fortescue
and O’Connell.
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-when all are in their recta linea positions, MC signals a genuflection, presents the biretta to C, and then all recess
to the sacristy in their processional formation.

Return of SSMM to altar of repose

-shortly after the recessional, the SSMM should be returned to the altar of repose in the same manner as it was
brought to the high altar, with bleached candles120 (using a set different from those on the high altar or the altar
of repose), clapper and ombrellino.

Removal of extra items from THE altar and sanctuary

NB: the remainder of Good Friday is treated as if in actu functionis.
-all (including prelates) are required to genuflect to the unveiled cross.121
-all items for the service are removed without ceremony, except the cross and candlesticks.
-when completed, Compline may begin.

120 Torches can be used for this purpose.

121 Cf. General Principles, pp 49, 52 and 62 (following the rule given by L. O’Connell, p 39, and SRC 30495). On this day, the condition in actu
functionis exists from the Veneration of the Cross until the Easter Vigil service, thus the unveiled cross is accorded the same distinction as
given to a relic of the True Cross. Previously in the pre-1955 rite, when the Easter Vigil service was held in the morning, the Divine Office
of None on Holy Saturday was fixed as the termination for this period of in actu functionis. Because of the new time structure for the Vigil
service (now held in the late evening), this genuflection rule has been extended inclusive to the blessing of the Paschal Fire (i.e., the start of
the Vigil services). This is implied by Fortescue and O'Connell (who say nothing to the contrary) as well as an SSPX decision mentioned
twice: 1) [in a grammatically-incorrect sentence, hence simply paraphrased here] A reiteration regarding SRC 30495 (which simply states
that even prelates must make a genuflection to the cross from its veneration to None of Holy Saturday.); and 2) "d) Rules for Reverences: the
Blessed Sacrament having been withdrawn..., the reverences to be made towards the main altar are thus modified: —Before the Unveiled Cross (from
the Adoration of the Cross to the Paschal Vigil) In surplice: genuflection;Without surplice: genuflection."
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