mankind--exposition of the cross; ancient crucifixes and
crosses--_adoration_ of the cross; its antiquity--Palestrina's
_improperii_, Trisagion--chant of the hymn _Pange lingua
gloriosi lauream etc_,--Procession of the B. Sacrament--_Mass_
of the Presanctified, Vespers--Tenebræ--Veneration of the
principal relics at S Peter's--Grounds of belief in the
genuineness of relics--1. Relic of the cross--2. of the
lance--3. _Volto Santo_--Reflections--Recapitulation.

"_The principal object of the church in the office of this
day is, that Jesus Christ crucified may be placed before
our eyes, that touched with contrition at the sight, our
souls may be so disposed, as to obtain the fruit of
redemption_" Bened. XIV, De Festis D.N.J.C. lib. 1. c. 7.

[Sidenote: Ancient ceremonies.]

On good Friday the Pope used formerly to go with the Cardinals and the
other members of the court to the Oratory of S. Lorenzo called _Sancta
Sanctorum_ in the Lateran palace, where they venerated and kissed the
relics of SS. Peter and Paul, as well as two crosses preserved there.
One of these was then carried by a Cardinal Priest, and and the Host
consecrated on the preceding day was borne by another Cardinal of
the same order; the Pope, the Cardinals and all the others were
bare-footed, and walked in procession reciting psalms to S. John
Lateran's and thence to S. Croce, where the station was held and the
ceremonies of the day were performed.[82]

[Sidenote: Service in the Sixtine chapel.]