consecrated[101] on this day. The cardinal then places the chalice on
the altar, and the deacon covers it with the _palla_ or pall (a small
square piece of linen, which serves to prevent flies etc. from falling
into it). The Cardinal incenses the offerings and the altar, washes
his hands, and recites the _Orate Fratres_ and Our Father. All then
kneel to adore the blessed Sacrament, which he raises over the paten.
He divides it as usual, but without saying any prayer [102], into
three parts, putting one of them into the chalice. Striking his
breast, and acknowledging his own unworthiness, he receives communion,
taking the sacred host, and afterwards the consecrated particle with
the wine in the chalice [103]. He then receives the ablution, washes
his hands, and returns to the sacristy with the sacred ministers.

[Sidenote: Vespers.]

Anciently on fasting days nothing was allowed to be eaten till sunset;
and Vespers used therefore to be said before dinner: now that the one
meal allowed on such days may be eaten as early as noon, the ancient
practice of saying Vespers before dinner is still preserved. Vespers
are therefore sung immediately after the mass of the Presanctified:
they consist of the Our Father and Hail Mary said in secret, of five
psalms with their anthems, and the _Magnificat_ with its anthem. At
the verse 'Christ became obedient unto death', all kneel down to adore
Him, and the _Miserere_ and the usual prayer are recited, but without
the solemnity of Tenebrae[104].

[Sidenote: Tenebræ.]

[Sidenote: Principal relics.]