Ube Consecration

of an Hltav

)

Translated from the Roman Pontifical

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IS01







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ACVWG e,2.

AN ORDER

For the Consecration

OF AN ALTAR

Translatedfor the use of the laity from

THE ROMAN PONTIFICAL

Hew H?orft

Cbe Cathedral library association

1805 .



Imprimatur;

t MICHAEL AUGUSTINE,

Archbishop of New York.



y

THE ORDER OF THE CONSECRATION
OF AN ALTAR WHEN THE
CHURCH IS NOT TO BE

DEDICATED.

Though the consecration of altars may be lawfully

performed on any day
,
it is nevertheless more fitting

that it take place on Sunday
,
or the solemn festivals

of the Sain's.
1

In the evening before the day of con-

secration, the Bishop prepares the Relics to be enclosed

in the altar to be consecrated
,
putting them into a

fitting and clean case , together with three grains of in-

cense ; he puts in also a small strip of parchment

bearing the following inscription :

A. D. MDCCC. . . on the — day of the
month of N., I., N.

y
Bishop of

,
have conse-

crated this altar in honor of Saint N., and inclosed

therein, the Relics of the holy Martyrs, N. and N.,

1 The Dedication of churches and Consecration of altars could at

first be lawfully performed only on Sundays and festivals, as still

recommended in the Rubric, but the answer of Innocent III. to the

Bishop of Tournai allows these functions on common (in the text,

'* private ”) days. See Decretals, Book iii. Title 40, De Consecration

e

Eccltsice, chap. 2.



4 Consecration of an Altar .

and have granted to all the Faithful of Christ, on

this day, one year of true Indulgence, and on the

anniversary of this Consecration, to them that

shall visit it, forty days, in the usual form of the

Church.

This case he seals up carefully
,
depositing it in a

suitable and cleanly place
,
with two candlesticks bear -

ing lighted tapers beside it .

A vigil

1

is to be held before these Relics
,
and

Matms and Lauds are to be sung in honor of the saints

whose Relics are to be inclosed.

Whatever is required for the consecration of an

altar is prepared in the Church
,
viz., the Holy Chrism

,

in a stock
,
and a cruet ; the Holy Oil of Catechumens,

also in a stock
,
with a cruet ; one lb. of incense , half

of which shall be in grains ; the thurible , boat and

spoon
,
a pan of burning charcoal ; a vessel full of

water ; a vessel of ashes ; a vessel of salt ; a vessel

of wine ; a sprinkler made of hyssop ; coarse towels,

to wipe the altar table when needed ; a cere-cloth
3

of

the size of the altar , to be consecrated ; five small

crosses made of thin wax taper for each altar to be con-

1 St. Ambrose, in his letter to his sister Marcellina, (Epist. 22),

mentions a like vigil kept before the newly discovered Relics ot

SS. Felix and Nabor. Most of the prayers and rites of this function

are to be found in St. Gregory’s Sacrarnmtary\ in the Pontifical of

Egbert of York, which latter carries us back eleven centuries.

* A waxen cloth.



5
Consecration of an Altar.

seeratcd ; a few small ivooden scrapers to scrape off

the altar-table the residuum of the burnt tapers and

incense ; a vessel to receive these scrapings; lime and

sand or tile-dust
,
to make mortar for cementing the

sepulchre of the Relics , and to fix the altar-table on

its base ; a mason to do this work ; two lighted torches

to be borne before the Bishop zvherever he may go ;

vessels with water to wash the Bishop's hands, and

crumbs of bread ayid tozvels wherewith to cleanse and

dry them, cotton to wipe ojf the cross traced on the

base of the altar ; clean new altar-cloths , and vases

and ornaments for the Divine Service
,
and the use of

the altar
,
to be blessed after the consecration

,

In the morning ihe Bishop in his usual dress comes

to the Church and seated at the right or on the fald-

stool to the left of the altar to be consecrated, he be-

gins and says in a low tone of voice with the

clergy the seven PenitentialPsalms with the Antiphon;

Ne Reminiscaris, etc,, omitting the Litanies , Mean-

while, he vests in amice, alb
,
cincture, stole, and cope

of white color, putting on his plain mitre, and taking

his crosier in his left hand. Thus vested, having ended

theieven Psalms, the Bishop and his attendants go be-

fore the altar to be consecrated, where laying aside his

crosier he intones and the choir continues the following

A ntiphon :

Be with us, Thou One Almighty God, Father,

and Son, and Holy Ghost.
1 See appendix. I.



6 Consecration of an Altar .

Standing as before
,

says :

Prevent us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, in all

our doings by Thy gracious favor, and further

them by thy continual help, that every prayer and

work of ours may ever begin from Thee, and,

being so begun, may be happily ended. Through

Jesus Christ Our Lord.

R

.

Amen.

The Bishop then, putting on his mitre
,
kneels at the

faldstool which is there set for him , and the Cantors

,

or leaders of the choir , begin the Litanies (of the

Saints
),

at a proper place in which are twice named

the Saint to whose honor and name the altar is

dedicated
,
and those saints whose relics are inclosed

in it . After the petition ut omnibus fidelibus de-

functis, etc. That thou wouldst vouchsafe, to

grant eternal rest, etc., has been sung, the Bishop

rises . Holding the crosier in the left hand, he raises

his right hand, and makes thrice in succession the sign

of the Cross over the altar to be consecrated, saying

first

:

That it may please Thee to bless iff this altar

now to be consecrated to Thine honor and under

the name of S. N.

R. We beseech, etc.

Then

:

That it may please Thee to bless ^f and hallow

iff this altar, etc.

1 See appendix. II.



Consecration of an Altar . 7

R. We beseech, etc.

Lastly:

That it may please Thee to bless iff f hallow iff

and iff consecrate this altar, etc.

R. We beseech, etc.

After this , laying aside the crosier , he again kneels ,
at the faldstool

,
the Litanies are finished ; where-

upon he rises
,
and

,
?&//// mitre

,
towards the altar

to be consecrated
,
and standing at a convenient dis-

tance from it
,
he takes off the mitref and kneeling

sings :

Come unto my help, O God . 1

He then rises
,
and the choir answers :

0 Lord, make haste to help me.

The Bishop
,
standing unmitred as before

,
then

says :

Glory be to the Father, etc.

The Choir

:

As it was in the beginning, etc. Amen, without

Alleluia.

The same is repeated a second and a third time
,
in

the same place and manner
,

///^ w/V* w raised to

a higher pitch each time. The Bishop next standing

mitred
,
in the same place

,
blesses the water

,
with

the salt
y
ashes

^
and wine. He begins forthwith the

exorcism of the salt

:

1 Psalm lxix. 2. “Here,” says Durandus, “ the main part of the

function begins.”



8 Consecration of an Altar.

I exorcise thee, creature of salt, in the Name of

Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who tells His Apostles ;
“Ye are the salt of the earth ,” 1 and by the Apos-

tle, says : “ Let our speech be always with grace,

seasoned with salt,”
8
that thou mayest be hal-

lowed i|» for the consecration of this altar, to

drive away all temptations of the devil
;

and

that to all that partake of thee thou mayest

bring defence, soundness and protection of soul

and body, and perfect safety. Through the same

Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who will conae to

judge the living and the dead, and the world by

fire.

R. Amen.

Having put off his mitre, he says :

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

0 Lord God, Father Almighty, Who has been
pleased to grant from heaven to salt the gift of

seasoning all things whatsoever Thou hast created

for the food of man, bless this salt, the work of

Thy hands, that it may put the enemy to flight,

and send into it a wholesome virtue, that to all who

partake of it it may profit unto health of both soul

and body. Through Christ Our Lord.

R. Amen.
1

St. Matt. v. 13. * Colos. iv. 6.



Consecration of an Altar. g

Then having put on his mitre, he proceeds at once

to the exorcism of the water :

I exorcise, thee, water, thou creature of God,

in the name of God the Father, and of God i|i

the Son, and of God the Holy »J« Ghost, that thou

mayest drive the devil far from the borders of

the just, lest he lurk beneath the shadow of this

altar. And do Thou, O Lord Jesus Christ,

pour lorth Thy Holy Spirit upon this church

and altar of Thine, that it may avail those

that worship Thee unto health of soul and body,

that Thy Name may be glorified among the na-

tions, and the hearts of unbelievers may turn to

Thee, and have no other God but Thee, the only

true Lord, Who will come to judge the living and

the dead, and the world by fire.

R. Amen.

Taking off the mitre, he says :

V. Lord hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come to Thee.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

O Lord God, Father Almighty, from Whom all

things derive their beginning, Who by Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, hast decreed that

this element of water should serve unto the salva-

tion of mankind, we humbly beseech Thee to



io Consecration of an Altar

.

hearken to our prayers, and to hallow ift this

water by Thy merciful look, so that the inroads

ol every unclean spirit may by it be driven back,

and v/herever it be sprinkled in Thy Name, the

gift of thy blessing may be vouchsafed, and by

Thy favor all evils depart. Through the same

Jesus Christ Our Lord, etc.

7hen standing bareheaded, he says over the ashes :

V. Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come to Thee.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Almighty, everlasting God, spare them that

repent, be favorable to them that beseech Thee,

and be pleased to send down from heaven Thy

hoiy angel to bless (ft and hallow these ashes,

that they may be a wholesome remedy to all who

humbly call upon Thy holy Name, and who, con-

scious of their offences, accuse themselves, and,

before Thy Divine mercy, mourn over their sins,

or, who humbly and earnestly entreat Thy loving

kindness
;
and grant, through the invocation of

Thy most holy Name, that whosoever shall

sprinkle themselves herewith to redeem their sins,

may receive health and protection for soul and

body. Through Christ Our Lord.

R. Amen.



Consecration of an Altar . u

He then takes salt and mixes it with the ashe

±

in the form of a cross, saying :

May this salt and ashes be mingled together :

in the Name of the Father iff, and of the Son

and of the Holy Ghost.

R. Amen.

Then taking a handful of the mixed salt and

ashes
,
and dropping it thrice into the water

,
in the

form of a cross, he says each time :

May this salt, ashes, and water be mingled to-

gether : in the Name of the Father and of the

Son »{i, and of the Holy Ghost.

Then standing unmitred
,
he (blessing the wine) says :

V. Lord, hear my prayer.

R . And let my cry come to Thee.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And v/ith thy spirit.

Let us pray.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who at Cana of Galilee
,

1

didst change water into wine, and Who art the

True Vine,
2

show forth unto us Thy manifold

mercy, and be pleased to bless ^ and to hallow
this wine Thou hast created, that wherever it

shall be poured out or sprinkled, the place may

be filled and hallowed with the plenty of Thy

St. John ii. i-ii. 3 St. John xv. i.



1 2 Consecration of an A Itar.

heavenly blessing. Who with the Father and the

Holy Ghost livest and reignest forever more.

F. Amen.

He then pours the wine into the water in the

form of a cross , saying

:

May this wine, salt, ashes, and water be mingled

together : in the Name of the Father ifi, and of the

Son iji, and of the Holy ^ Ghost.
R. Amen.

F’ Lord hear my prayer.

R . And let my cry come to Thee.

F. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Almighty, everlasting God, Maker and Pre-

server of mankind, Who givest grace to our souls,

and bestowest everlasting salvation, send forth

Thy £Ioly Spirit upon this wine mixed with

water, salt, and ashes : that endued with a pro-

tecting virtue from above, it may serve for the

consecration of this Thy altar. Through Our

Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, etc.

R. Amen.

The Bishop now proceeds with his mitre on to the

altar
,
zvhere he intones

,
and the Choir continues the

following Antiphon;



13Consecration of an Altar.

A ntiphon

I will go unto the altar of God
;
unto God Who

gives joy to my youth.

Psalm xlii.

Judge me, O God, and defend my cause, [and

deliver me] from an ungodly nation : * from the

unjust and deceitful man do Thou deliver me.

Repeat the Antiphon

.

For Thou, O God, art my strength
;

* why

hast Thou cast me off? and why must I walk

about mourning while the enemy oppresses me ?

Repeat the Antiphon.

0 send out Thy light and Thy truth
;

* they

shall lead me, and bring me to Thy holy moun-

tain, and to Thy tabernacles.

Repeat the Antiphon.

Then will I go unto the altar of God, * to the

God Who gives joy to my youth.

Repeat the Antiphon.

1 will praise Thee on the harp, O God, my

God! * Why art thou sad, O my soul? and

why dost thou disquiet me?

Repeat the Antiphon.

Hope in God : for I shall yet praise Him, the

salvation ol my countenance, and my God.



14 Consecration of an Altar .

Glory be to the Father, &c., is omitted
,
but the

Antiphon is once more repeated. yi/ the first recital of

the Antiphon

,

//** Bishop
,
retaining Ins mitre

,
stands

before the altar, and, dipping the thumb of his right

hand into the zvater he has just blessed, he traces

a cross therewith on the middle of the altar-table,

saying:

May this altar be hallowed in honor of Al-

mighty God, of the glorious Virgin Mary, and of

all the Saints, and to the name and in memory of

St. N. In the name of the Father if* , and of the

Son »}<, and of the Holy ^ Ghost. Peace be to
thee.

Then dipping the same thumb anew into the blessed

water,, he traces four crosses at the four angles of the

altar-table, repeating each time the foregoing words.

The following scheme zvill show in what order this is

to be done .

^ i 4 ^
*

*3 2 *

Having finished this, at the conclusion of the An-

tiphon and Psalm Ixii., the Bishop, standing in the

same place, takes off his mitre, and says:



i5Consecration of an Altar.

Let us pray.

The Sacred Ministers:

Let us bend our knees.

R. Arise.

Thou Victim of propitiation, offered once for

all on the altar of the Cross for our ransom, fore-

shadowed by the stone the Patriarch Jacob erected

for a memorial where sacrifice should be offered,

and the gate of heaven above be ever opened for

the declaration of Divine Truth; Thee, Lord, do

we humbly beseech to command that the polished

surface of this stone, which is to be wet with

the Blood of the heavenly sacrifice, be enriched

with the fulness of Thy gracious blessing, Thou

Who didst of old, write the Law on tablets oi

stone. Through Christ our Lord.

R . Amen.

After this prayer the Bishop goes round the altar-

table seven times
,
sprinkling it and its base with the

water he has blessed
,
using a bunch of hyssop as a sprin-

kler. Standing before the middle of the altar he in-

tones, and the choir continues the Antiphon.

Sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall

be clean
;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than

snow.

Psalm /.

Have mercy on me, O God,* according to Thy

great mercy.



1

6

Consecration of an Altar .

And according to the greatness of Thy tender

mercies, * blot out my sins.

Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, * and

cleanse me from my sin.

The Bishop
,
meanwhile

,
having resumed the mitre

}

goes round the altar
,
sprinkles it

,
and returns to the

middle thereof as before. These three verses ended
,
the

Bishop still standing in the same place mitred
,
internes

the Antiphon
,
as above

,
a second time

:

Asperges me

—sprinkle me, and the Choir continues it as before.
For I acknowledge mine iniquity,* and my sin

is ever before me.

Against Thee only have I sinned, and done evil

before Thee, * so that thou mightest be justified

when Thou speakest, and prevail when Thou

judgest.

For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, * and

in sin did my mother conceive me.

Here the Antiphon is again intoned and sung
,
and

the same ceremony observed as before

.

For behold, Thou lovest Truth, * the uncertain

and hidden things of Thy wisdom, Thou hast dis-

covered unto me.

Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean

;

* wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness, #

and the bones Thou hast crushed shall rejoice.



1

7

Consecration of an Altar.

The A ntiphon and the same ceremony as before.

Turn away Thy face from my sins, * and blot out

all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, * and renew

a right spirit within me.

Cast me not out of Thy presence, * and take

not Thy holy Spirit from me.

A ntiphon and the same ceremony as before.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, *

and uphold me with a generous spirit.

I will teach the wicked Thy ways,* and sinners

shall be converted unto Thee.

Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou

God of my salvation,* and my tongue shall extol

Thy justice.

Antiphon and the same ceremony as before.

Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, * and my mouth

shall declare Thy praise.

For hadst Thou desired sacrifice, I would in,

deed, have given it
;

* in whole burnt-offerings

Thou delightest not.

The sacrifice of God is an afflicted spirit : * a

broken and afflicted heart, O God, Thou wilt not

despise.

Antiphon and the same ceremony as before.

Deal favorably, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure

with Sion:* and may the walls of Jerusalem be

built.



1

8

Consecration of an Altar.

Then shalt Thou accept the sacrifice of justice,

offerings, and whole-burnt offerings : * then shall

they lay calves upon Thine altar.

The Glory be to the Father, etc., is omitted.

The same ceremony as before for the seventh time .

Then the Bishop standing
,
without his mitre

,
before the

middle of the altar, says :

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.

R . And let my cry come unto Thee.

V. The Lord be with you.

R . And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

O God, who art the Creator of all things visible

and invisible, and consecrator of all blessings,

vouchsafe to assist at the dedication of these tables

of the Lord
;
and pour forth the power and conse-

cration of Thy blessing upon them anointed

and hallowed with sacred oil and chrism by us

who are unworthy
;
so that all those who shall ap-

proach them in order to pray to Thee, may feel

the help of Thy propitiation. Through Christ

Our Lord.

Amen.

The Bishop now puts on his mitre
,
and goes before

the altar
,
where

,
with the blessed water already men-

tioned, he mixes mortar or cement He then takes off

the mitre
y
and standing in the same place pronounces

this blessing

:



Consecration of an Altar. 19

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

O God Most High, Who guardest the highest,

low, and lowest things, Who art around every

creature, containing it within Thyself, hallow iff

and bless iff these creatures of lime and sand that

Thou hast made. Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

This mortar thus blessed is kept
,
hut lohat remains

of the blessed water is poured around the foot of the

altar. The Bishop goes in procession
,
roith the Cross

and the clergy
,
to the place where the relics were left

the preceding night
,
hut before entering the place of the

Relics, standing outside and uncovering
,
he says :

Let us pray.

The Sacred Ministers

:

Let us bend our knees.

R. Arise.

We beseech Thee, O Lord, to take away from
us all our iniquities, that, with purified souls, we

may be fit to enter into the Holy of Holies.

Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

The Bishop
,

still uncovered
,
enters the place

; and

standing near
,
and with his face towards the relics

,

says

:



20 Consecration of an Altar .

Let us pray.

Grant we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may

worthily handle these members of Thy Saints,
1

which have been specially devoted to Thy ser-

vice
;
whose patronage we desire to have unceas-

ingly. Through Christ Our Lord.

R. Amen.

The Bishop still uncovered reverently takes the

vessel in which the Relics are enclosed ; then having

received the mitre
,
he comes solemnly and processional-

ly to the altar or altars to he consecrated
,
he intoning

and the choir continuing the Antiphon:

Ye shall go out rejoicing, and be led forth in

gladness : for the mountains and hills shall leap

for joy, awaiting your coming, Alleluia.

Second Antiphon :

Arise, ye Saints of God, from your abodes, hal-

low these places, bless the people, and keep us sin-

ners in peace.

Third Antiphon :

Forward, ye Saints of God, enter the City of the

Lord
;
for a new church has been built for you,

where the people shall worship the Divine Ma-

jesty.

1
St. Basil, on Psalm cxv. observes that “ he who touches the

bones of a martyr, becomes, to a certain exient. a partiker in his

holiness, on account of the virtue abiding in those s cred remains.”



Consecration of an Altar . 21

Fourth Antiphon :

For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven, who,

despising an earthly life, have attained the re-

wards of the heavenly Kingdom, and have washed

their garments in the Blood of the Lamb.
1

When the procession comes near the altar in which

the relics are to be deposited
,
these are placed rever-

ently on a table suitably prepared by the altar
,
and

lighted tapers are placed on either side . The Bishop ,

still mitred, intones
,
and the Choir continues this

A iitiphon :

The saints shall rejoice in glory, and shall sing

aloud on their beds.

Psalm cxlix .

Sing to the Lord a new song, * His praise in

the assembly of the Saints.

Let Israel rejoice in Him that made him, * and

the children of Sion exult in their King.

Let them praise His Name in the dance, * let

them sing to him with the timbrel and the harp.

For the Lord is well pleased with His people, *

and will glorify the meek with salvation.

The saints shall rejoice in glory, * they shall

sing aloud upon their beds.

The high praises shall be in their mouth, * and

two-edged swords in their hands.

1 Comm, of Many Martyrs, First Vespers, Magnificat



22 Consecration of an Altar .

To execute vengeance upon the nations, * and

punishments upon the people.

To bind their kings in chains, * and their nobles

with fetters of iron.

To execute upon them the judgment written *

this honor is for all His saints.

The Glory be to the Father, etc., is omitted after

this and the next Psalm .

Psalm cL

Praise ye the Lord in His holy places, * praise

Him in the firmament of His power.

Praise Him for His mighty acts, * praise Him

according to the abundance of His greatness.

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet, #

praise Him with the psaltery and harp.

Praise Him with the timbrel and dance, * praise

Him with stringed instruments and organ.

Praise Him on loud cymbals, praise Him on

cymbals of rejoicing. * Let everything that

hath breath praise the Lord.

No Gloria Patri, etc.

The Antiphon is repeated here, after which the

Bishop uncovers, and turning toivards the altar, says

:

Let us pray.

O God, Who in all places of Thy dominion art

present, hallowing them in grace and mercy, hear

us, we beseech Thee, and grant that the conse-



Consecration of an Altar . 23

cration of this place may remain inviolate, and

that the entire body of Thy suppliant faithful may

deserve to receive the favors of Thy bounty.

Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

Then
,
having put on his mitre

,
the Bishop dips the

thumb of his right hand into the Chrism, and anoints

the cavity or sepulchre of the altary ivliere the Relics

are to be inclosed\ at the four corners, making at each

the sign of the Cross, and saying

:

May this sepulchre be 4* consecrated and hal-

lowed 4*. In the Name of the Father 4*> and of

the Son 4*, and of the Holy 4* Ghost. Peace be

to this house.

Then
,
taking off his mitre, he reverently places the

case containing the Relics and other things inclosed

therein
,
intoning the following Antiphon

,
which the

Choir continues :

Ye have found a resting place under God's

altar, )^e Saints of God, intercede for us with the

Lord Jesus Christ.

V. The Saints shall rejoice in glory.

R. And shall sing aloud upon their beds.

Glory be to the Father, etc., is omitted
,
but the

Antiphon is repeated. Meanwhile the Bishop
,
standing

bareheaded puts incense into the thurible
,
ami incenses

the case inclosing the Relics
,
after which

,
resuming his

mitre
,
he makes a Cross with the Holy Chrism on the



24 Consecration of an Altar .

middle of the netlier side of the stone with which the

sepulchre is to be closed
,
saying

:

May this stone be consecrated and hallowed

iji by this anointing and God’s blessing. In the

Name of the Father i|i, and of the Son ifi, and of

the Holy ifi Ghost. Peace be to thee.

He next jits the stone or slab into the cavity
,
closing

it, and intoning thefollowing Antiphon, to be continued

by the Choir

:

Under the altar of God, I heard the voices of

them that were slain, saying: Why dost Thou

not avenge our blood ? And they received answer

from God : Rest yet for a little time, until the

number of your brethren be fulfilled .
1

A nother A ntiphon .

The bodies of the Saints are buried in peace,

and their name liveth forever .
2

V. Glory be to the Father, etc. As it was in

the beginning, etc.

The Bishop , having taken off the mitre, then says:

Let us pray.

0 God, Who, out of the gathering together of

all Thy Saints, dost build up lor Thy Majesty an

everlasting abode, give to this Thy structure

heavenly growth, and grant that we may ever be

1 Apoc. vi. 9-1 1. 9 Ecclus. xliv. 14.



25Consecration of an Altar .

helped by the merits of them whose Relics we

here venerate with pious affection. Through

Christ our Lord.

B. Amen.

Resuming the mitre
,
the Bishop begins to secure the

slab or stone covering the sepulchre ivitli some blessed

mortar, and the masons in attendance complete the

work. He then traces a Cross on it ivitli his thumb

dipped in the Holy Chrism, saying ;

Be this altar sealed if* and hallowed lift. In the

Name of the Father ift, and of the Son ift t and of

the Holy ift Ghost. Peace be to thee.

Then his mitre is taken off\ and he intones , and the

Choir continues the following

:

There stood an angel at the altar of the temple,

having a golden censer in his hand, and there was

given to him much incense, and the smoke of the

incense went up before God. Alleluia . 1

Meanwhile
,
having resumed the mitre

,
he incenses the

altar on every side
,
right

, left , front , and on the top ,

until the above Antiphon be ended ; then standing un-

mitred before the altar
,
he says

:

Let us pray.

May our prayer, we beseech Thee, O Lord, go

up like incense before Thee, and may the Chris-

tian people obtain plenteous blessings, that who-

1 Apoc. viii. 3, 4.



26 Consecration of an Altar.

soever shall devoutly lay on this altar gifts to be

consecrated, or receive them when consecrated,

may obtain all that is needed for the present life,

together with pardon of his sins, and the grace of

everlasting redemption. Through Christ our

Lord.

R. Amen.

Resuming his mitre
,
he sits dozen

,
while tiuo Priests

,

or Clerks in Holy Orders
,
ivipe the altar-table ivith a

clean towel. He next moves the thurible over it in

the form of a Cross , in the middle , and at the four

corners. The Bishop then puts fresh incense into the

thurible
,
blessing it in the usual form

:

Be thou blessed of Him in whose honor thou

art to burn. In the Name of the Father ifi
,
and of

the Son i%
y
and of the Holy Ghost.

B. Amen.

And hands it to a Priest in surplice
,
who, till the

end of the consecration , continues going round the altar

incensing it on all sides
,
save when the Bishop uses the

thurible
,
in which case he hands it to the Bishop

,
who

returns it to him
,
that he may continue as before. The

Bishop then standing mitred
,
intones

,
and the Choir

takes up this Responsory :

Let my prayer be directed before Thee, O Lord,

as incense. V. The lifting up of my hands as the

evening sacrifice .
1

1 Psalm cxl. 2.



Consecration of an Altar . 2 7

Meanwhile the Bishop goes thrice round the altar,

turning to the right
,
and continually incensing it .

He next intones
,
and the Choir takes up this A ntiphon

which is repeated after every verse .

Jacob set up the stone for a memorial, and

poured oil on the top of it .
1 He vowed a vow to

the God of Jacob.

Psalm Ixxxiii.

How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of

hosts ! * My soul longs and languishes for the

courts of the Lord.

My heart and my flesh * have rejoiced in the

living God.

For the sparrow has found herself a house, *

and the swallow a nest for herself where she may

lay her young.

Thine altars, O Lord of hosts,* my King, and

my God.

Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house, O

Lord,* they will ever praise Thee.

Blessed is the man whose strength is from Thee,*

in his heart hath he settled to go up [to Thy

temple], through the vale of tears, to the place

which He [God] hath appointed.

For the lawgiver shall bestow a blessing. They

shall go from strength to strength,* the God of

gods shall be seen in Sion.

1 Genesis xxviii. 18, 20.



28 Consecration of an Altar .

Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer,* hearken,

0 God of Jacob.

Do Thou, 'O God our protector, behold,* and

look upon the face of Thine anointed.

For better is one day in Thy courts* than a

thousand.

I had rather be a menial in the house of my

God,* than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

For God loveth mercy and faithfulness,* grace

and glory will the Lord give.

No good things will He withhold from them

that walk in innocence.* Lord of hosts, blessed

is the man that trusts in Thee.

Glory be to the Father, etc., is not said. During

this chant , the Bishop standing mitred, dips his thumb

into the Holy Oil of Catechumens , and with it traces

five Crosses on the altar-table , as is shown in the

scheme below
,
saying at each Cross:

* 2 5 &

* 4 3

May this stone be ^ hallowed and iji conse-
crated. In the Name of the Father i|i, and of the

Son ifi, and of the Holy iji Ghost, in honor of God,

of the glorious Virgin Mary, and of all the Saints,

to the name and memory of St. N, Peace be to

thee.



Consecratio?i of an Altar . 29

Then taking the thurible from the Priest who in-

censes the altar
,

he puts in, and blesses incense as

before
,
and standing mitred, intones

,
and the Choir

takes up the Besponsory:

Let my prayer be directed before Thee, O Lord,

as incense. V. The lifting up of my hands as the

evening sacrifice.

After intoning this Besponsory , the Bishop, turning

to the right
,
goes round the altar once, incensing it;

then handing back the thurible to the Priest, he takes

off his mitre at the end of the Besponsory, and says:

Let us pray.

The Sacred Ministers:

Let us bend our knees.

R. Arise.

May the unspeakable tenderness of Thy mercy

be present to us, O Lord, and do Thou pour forth

on this stone Thine effectual blessing and the

virtue of Thine unction, that whosoever shall pay

his vow to Thee may, through Thy bounty, re-

ceive a reward. Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

After this , the Bishop intones, and the Choir takes

up the Antiphon which is repeated after every verse of

the Psalm:

Jacob, rising in the morning, set up the stone

for a memorial, pouring oil on the top of it
;
he



30 Consecration of an Altar .

vowed a vow to the Lord : surely this place is

holy, and I knew it not.

Psalm xci.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, * and to

sing to Thy Name, O Most High:

To show forth Thy mercy in the morning, * and

Thy faithfulness in the night

;

On an instrument of ten strings, the psaltery, *

with loud music on the harp.

For Thou, O Lord, hast made me glad through

Thy doing,* and I will glory in the works of Thy

hands.

O Lord, how great are Thy works ! * Thy

thoughts are exceeding deep.

An unwise man knows not, * nor does a fool

understand this.

When the wicked sprout up like grass,* and all

the workers of iniquity flourish
;

[It is] that they may be undone for ever.* But

Thou, O Lord, art Most High for evermore.

For behold, Thine enemies, O Lord, behold.

Thine enemies shall perish, * and all the workers

of iniquity shall be scattered.

But my horn shall be exalted like that of a uni-

corn,* and mine old age [is refreshed] by an over-

flowing mercy.

Mine eye has looked down on mine enemies,*



Consecration ofan Altar. 31

and mine ears have heard [of the overthrow] of

the wicked that rise up against me.

The just man shall flourish like the palm-tree : *

he shall grow like a cedar in Libanus.

Planted in the house of the Lord,* they shall

flourish in the courts of the house of our God.

They will still bear fruit in old age;* hale and

flourishing shall they be
;
to declare

That the Lord our God is upright,* and there

is no injustice in Him.

Glory be to the Father, etc., is omitted. The

Bishop meanwhile resumes his mitre
,
and makes other

five Crosses with his thumb dipped in the Holy Oil op

Catechumens
,
in the same places and order as above

,

saying at each Cross:

May this stone be tfi hallowed, etc.

The Bishop then puts in, and blesses incense, as

before, and then intones the Responsory:

Let my prayer be directed before Thee, O Lord,
as incense. V. The lifting up of my hands as the
evening sacrifice.

During the Responsory the Bishop begins from the

right hand and goes round the altar, incensing it.

When he has finished, he takes off his mitre, and says:

Let us pray.

The Sacred Ministers:

Let us bend our knees.

R. Arise.



32 Consecration of an Altar .

Be Thou with us, O Lord, at the dedication of

this Thy table; and now that it is anointed by us,

though unworthy, with holy oil, do Thou pour

forth upon it the efficacy and consecration of Thy

blessing and of Thy hallow i|i ing. Thou Who

livest and reignest God for evermore.

R. Amen.

Another Prayer .

Almighty, everlasting God, do Thou hallow

with the virtue of Thy blessing iji this altar, which

we, though unworthy, consecrate to Thee, and in

memory of Thy holy servant N’., and show forth
Thy bountiful aid to all who shall here call upon

Thee, and put their trust in Thee, so that the gifts

laid upon this altar may ever find acceptance, and

the sacraments their efficacy, and prayer its

answer. Through Christ our Lord.

R . Amen.

The Bishop then intones the- folloiuing Antiphon
,

which is taken up by the Choir and repeated after every

verse of the Psalm .

O God, Thy God has anointed Thee with the

oil of gladness above Thy fellows.

Psalm xliv.

My heart hath uttered a good word; # I speak

of my works to the King.



33Consecration of an Altar .

My tongue is the pen * of a rapid writer. 1

Thou art fairer than the children of men
;
grace

is poured forth on Thy lips:* therefore hath God

blessed Thee for ever.

Gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh,* Thou most

mighty,

Thy glory and Thy comeliness;* bend [thy

bow], ride prosperously, and reign

Because of truth, and of meekness and justice ;*

and Thy right hand shall teach Thee wondrous

things.

Thine arrows are sharp (people shall fall under

Thee),* into the heart of the King’s enemies [shall

they enter].

Thy throne, O God, is for ever* a sceptre of

uprightness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom.

Thou hast loved justice, and hated wickedness,*

therefore, O God, Thy God, has anointed Thee

with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows.

Of myrrh and aloes and cassia are all Thy gar-

1 A plausible rendering is: “My heart is brimful—joyful the
matter— I utter words—a king is my theme—my tongue is a pen, a
rapid writer.” The nuptials of a king of David’s race (Solomon or

Joram ?) may have given occasion for this beautiful Psalm, but the

contents, the very title (“ A didactic, or instructive poem ”), the un-

animous consent even of the later Jewish commentators would prove

its Messianic import (“A greater than Solomon is here”), even had

we not the express witness of the “ Spirit that spake by the prophets ”

(see Hebrews i. 8, 9). “ The joyful matter ” is the nuptials of Christ

with His Church.



34 Consecration of an Altar.

merits [fragrant]; from out of palaces of ivory *

whence kings' daughters [who are] among Thine

honored women have made Thee glad.

The queen stood at Thy right hand in vesture

of gold, * in embroidered apparel.

Hearken, O daughter, and look, and incline

thine ear, * and forget thy people, and thy father's

house.

And the King shall delight in thy beauty : * for

He is the Lord [thy God
],

1

and they shall worship

Him.

And the daughters ot Tyre shall come with

gifts;* all the richest of people shall entreat Thy

favor.

All glorious is the King’s daughter within
,

3 * in

cloth of gold, in embroidered apparel.

Virgins shall be brought unto the King in her

train ;* her companions shall be brought to Thee.

They shall be brought with gladness and rejoic-

ing :* they shall enter the King’s palace.

Instead of thy fathers, sons shall be born unto

thee ;* thou shalt make them princes in all the earth.

They shall make Thy Name memorable * in all

generations.

Therefore shall the people praise Thee for ever,*

for ever and ever.

1 “ Thy God ” has crept into the Vulgate text by inadvertence:

‘‘for He is thy Lord” is the proper rendering.

2 “Within,” i.*. t in the inner apartment.



Consecration of an Altar . 35

Omit the Glory be to the Father, etc. When the

Antiphon is begun
,
the Bishop puts on his mitre

,
and

traces with his thumb dipped in the Holy Chrism
, five

Crosses on the middle of the altar-table , and at itsfour

corners
,
as shown in the scheme above

,
saying at each

Cross :

May this stone be hallowed etc.

He then takes the thurible from the Priest who is

incensing the altar
,
puts in

,
and blesses incense

,
and

intones the Responsory

:

Let my prayer be directed before Thee, O
Lord, as incense. V

\

The lifting up of my hands

as the evening sacrifice.

Meanwhile
,
the Bishop goes round the altar

,
turning

this time to the lefty and incenses it as before. He then

takes off his mitre, and says

:

Let us pray.

The Sacred Ministers

:

Let us bend our knees.

R. Arise.

May Thy Holy Spirit, we beseech Thee, O

Lord our God, descend upon this altar to hallow

thereon our gifts and those of Thy people, and

graciously to cleanse the hearts of the receivers.

Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

The Bishop then intones
f
and the Choir takes up the

Antiphon as before

:



3^ Consecration of an Altar .

The Lord hath hallowed His tabernacle: for

this is the house of God, wherein they shall call

upon His Name, of which it is written: And My

Name shall be there, saith the Lord. 1

Psalm xlv.

Our God is our refuge and strength, * a con-

stant help in afflictions that have fallen upon us.

Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be

moved, * and though the mountains be carried

into the heart of the sea.

Its waters may roar and foam, # and the moun-

tains quake at its swelling.

A river there is, the streams whereof make glad

the city of God, * which the Most High has hal-

lowed for His tabernacle.

God is in her midst
;
she shall not be moved : *

God will help her at the morning dawn.

Nations raged, kingdoms tottered : * He utlered

His voice, the earth quaked.

The Lord of Hosts is with us, # our protector

is the God of Jacob.

Come, and behold the works of the Lord, what

wondrous devastations He hath made in the

earth. * He makes wars to cease unto the end of

the earth.

1 TIT. Kings viii 29 Ant. at Magnificat, First Vesp. Dedicat of

a Church.



Consecration of an Altar . 37

He breaks the bow, and cuts the spears in

pieces, * and burns the shields in the fire.

Be still, and know that I am God : * I will be

exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the

earth.

The Lord of Hosts is with us: * our protector

is the God of Jacob.

Omit Glory be to the Father, etc. While this

Antiphon and Psalm are singing
,

the Bishop puts

on his mitre
,
and pours and spreads the Holy Oil of

Catechumens and the Holy Chrism together on the

altar, rubbing the Holy Oils over it with his right hand.

When he has ended
,
he intones , and the Choir takes up

the Antiphon as before

:

Behold,
1

the smell of my son is as the smell of

a plentiful field which the Lord has blessed : may

my God make thee to increase as the sands of the

sea,* and give thee the blessing of the dew of

Heaven.

Psalm Ixxxvi.

His foundations are in the holy mountains. *

The Lord loves the gates of Sion more than all

the dwellings of Jacob.

Glorious things are told of thee, * O city of

God.

1 Genesis xxvii. 27, 28.
2 Genesis xxviii. 3.



38 Consecration of an Altar .

I will make mention of Rahab
8

and Babylon *

as of those who know Me.

Behold the Philistines, and Tyre, and the people

of Ethiopia, * these were each born here.

And of Sion shall it be said: this and that one

was born in her, * and He, the Most High, has

established her.

The Lord shall number in registering nations

and princes * all who were born in her.

All they that dwell in thee * are rejoicing.

Glory be to the Father, etc., is not said.

After this Psalm , the Bishop, standing with mitre,

says

:

Let us pray, dearest brethren, that our Lord

would bless and consecrate ij* this stone whereon

the oil of Holy Unction hath been poured, to re-

ceive the prayers and offerings of His people
;

that what we have anointed may be anointed in

His Name
;
that He may receive the prayers and

vows of the people, and that we laying upon this

altar, prepared thereunto by Holy Unction, the

Sacrifice of Propitiation, may become fit propiti-

ators with God. Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Who with Him, and the Holy Ghost lives and

reigns God unto the ages of ages.

R. Amen.

The Bishop then intones, and the Choir takes up this

3
i. e., Egypt—“the proud one,” “ the fierce one.”



Consecration of an Altar . 39

Antiphon.

Moses built an altar to the Lord God, laying

thereon whole burnt-offerings
;
and, slaying victims,

he offered an evening sacrifice of a sweet savor

to the Lord God before the children of Israel.

Then
,
standing with his mitre on

,
he says :

Dearest brethren, let us humbly entreat the

mercy of God the Father Almighty, that, yielding

to the voice of our supplication, He would hal-

low this altar, which is to be bedewed with the

Blood of Thy Mystic Sacrifice, with His effectual

blessing ifi, and would be pleased ever to bless ^
and hallow the offerings laid hereon by the

earnest devotion of His servants
;
and that being

appeased by the spiritual incense, He may ever

readily hearken to the prayers of His household.

Through Christ Our Lord.

R. Amen.

Ee then blesses the incense to be burned on the

altar
,
standing ivitliout his mitre

,
and saying :

V. Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Lord God Almighty, in Whose presence the



40 Consecration of an Altar .

angelic hosts stand trembling, who, as we read in

Thy holy Word, serve Thee as spirits and a flam-

ing fire,
1

be pleased to look down upon, to bless

and hallow ^ this incense Thy creature, that
wherever its perfume is smelt, all sickness and ail-

ments, and every wile of the enemy may be made

to flee, and be driven away from the creatures

Thou hast redeemed with the Precious Blood of

Thy Son
;
and that the sting of the infernal ser-

pent may ever be powerless to harm them.

Through the same Christ Our Lord.

B. Amen.

He then sprinkles the altar with holy water, and

,

putting on his mitre, forms, ivith his own hand, of this

incense five Crosses, each consisting of five grains, on

the five places of the altar-table where he previously

made the five Crosses icith water, oil, and Chrism.

Over each Cross of incense he places one Cross of the

same size made of thin wax taper ; he lights the tops

of each Cross, and ivitli them the incense is burnedand

consumed. When all these Crosses are lighted, the

Bishop
,
laying aside his mitre, kneels before the altar ,

and intones the following, to be continued by the Choir

:

Alleluia. Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts

of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy

love.

Psalm ciii. 4.



Consecration of an Altar . 41

Should the consecration take place between Septua-

gesima Sunday and thefeast of Our Lords Resurrec-

tion, the Alleluia is omitted
,
and the Versicle alone is

said. The Bishop then stands without mitre facing the

altar and the Choir sings the two following Antiphons :

The smoke of the incense went up before the

Lord from the hand of the Angel. 1

Another Antiphon

:

The Angel stood at the altar, having a golden

censer in his hand
;
and there was given to him

much incense and the smoke of the incense went

up before God. a

The Bishop then
,
still standing without his mitre

before the altar , says :

Let us pray

The Sacred Ministers

:

Let us bend our knees.

R. Arise.

Holy Lord, Father Almighty, everlasting God,

gracious and merciful, hearken to the prayers of

our lowliness, and look down upon the whole

burnt offering of this Thine altar, that being

made acceptable, not by visible fire, but by the

outpouring of the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, it may

go up before Thee as a sweet-smelling savor, that
1 Apoc. viiL 4. 8 Apoc. viii. 3, 4.



42 Consecration of an Altar

.

to all who duly partake thereof it may become a

healing Eucharist, and avail them unto life ever-

lasting. Through Christ Our Lord.

JR. Amen.

After these prayers , the tapers and incense being

consumed
,
the ashes are scraped off with the wooden

spatulce by one of the attendant clerks, and the scrapings

are collected and cast into the piscina . Meanwhile the

Bishop
,
without mitre

,
standing before the altar-steps,

facing the altar, says :

Let us pray.

The Sacred Ministers.

Let us bend our knees.

R. Arise.

Almighty God, in whose honor, and that of the

Most Blessed Virgin Mary, and of all the Safnts,

and to the name and memory of St. N., we, Thy

unworthy servants, do consecrate this altar
;

grac-

iously and mercifully give ear to our humble

prayers, and grant that all offerings made upon

this altar may be agreeable, acceptable, favorably

received, and penetrated with the dew of Thy

Holy Spirit: that at all times, Thou mayest be

moved to relieve the anxieties of Thy people who

shall call upon Thee in this place, to heal their

diseases, to hear their prayers, to accept their

vows, to strengthen their good purposes, to grant



Consecration of an Altar . 43

whatsoever they ask. Through our Lord Jesus

Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee

in the unity of the same Holy Ghost, God.

Standing as heretofore
,
with his hands extended

before his breast
,
he says this

Preface .

V. For ever and ever.

i?. Amen.

V. The Lord be with you.

Rr And with thy spirit.

V. Lift up your hearts.

R. We have them towards the Lord.

V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

R. It is meet and just.

Holy God, all-powerful Father, eternal and

merciful God, it is truly worthy and just, and

profitable unto salvation, that we should at all

times, and in all places give thanks to Thee,

whose existence we cannot measure, who art just

what Thou wishest to be, the holy and wonderful

God, whose majesty exceeds the limits of creation.

We bless Thee, and we humbly beseech Thee to
regard these altars as Thou did that which Abel,

the forerunner in suffering of the mystery of sal-

vation, being slain by his brother, imbued and con-

secrated with his pure blood. Look on these altars,



44 Consecration of an Altar .

O Lord, as Thou didst on that which Abraham,

our father, who merited to see Thee, built and

invoking Thy name, dedicated to Thee; on which

same altar the priest Melchisedech showed forth

the pattern of the sacrifice of triumph. Look, O

Lord, on these altars as Thou didst upon that on

which Abraham, whose faith we inherit, with un-

questioning trust and unresisting obedience, placed

his son Isaac. On which same altar, by the offer-

ing of the son and the slaying of the lamb, the

depth of the saving mystery of our Lord’s passion

was revealed. Look, O Lord, on these altars as

Thou didst look on the well of exceeding great

purity which Isaac found, and dedicated to Thy

Majesty under a bounteous name. Look. O Lord

on these altars as Thou didst look on that stone

which supported Jacob’s head, in the sleep in

which he saw, by revelation, angels ascending and

descending by a mysterious ladder. Look, O

Lord, on these altars as Thou didst look on that

which Moses, on receiving the commandments

strengthened on a foundation of twelve stones

thus foreshadowing the number of the Apostles.

Look, O Lord, on these altars as Thou didst on

that which Moses cleansed by a rite of purifica-

tion, lasting over seven days, and by divine in-

struction called the Holy of Holies. As Thou

hast spoken to Moses, saying : If anyone touch



Consecration of an Altar . 45

this altar let him be considered sanctified. So, let

the worship of these altars be a worship of inno-

cence, let pride be immolated, let anger be sup-

pressed, let luxury and lust in whatever shape be

stricken down, let chastity be our substitute for the

sacrifice of turtle-doves and innocence of life for

that of the young pigeons.

What follows is read in an undertone
,
yet so as to he

heard of the bystanders.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who

lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the

same Holy Spirit, etc.

R. Amen.

The Preface finished , the Bishop taking the mitre ,

dipping the thumb of his right hand in the chrism

anoints the front of the altar in the form of a cross }

beginning the Antiphon which the choir continues .

Uphold, O God, in strength what Thou hast

wrought in us, for Thy temple at Jerusalem. Al-

leluia.

Psalm Ixvii.

Let God arise, and His enemies be scattered, *

and let them that hate Him flee before Him.

As smoke is driven off, so let them be driven

away: * as wax melts before the fire, so let the

wicked perish at the presence of God.



46 Consecration of an Altar .

But let the just rejoice, and exult before God, *

and let them be exceeding joyful.

Sing unto God, sjng praises to His Name
;

*

prepare a way for Him that rides upon the

heavens. The LORD is His name
;

1

Rejoice before Him
;

* His enemies shall be

terrified at His presence. A Father of the father-

less, and an advocate of widows.

Is God in His holy place.* God who makes .

those of one mind to dwell in a house.

Who brings out them that are bound into pros-

perity
;

* but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

O God, when Thou wentest forth before Thy

people,* when Thou didst march through the

wilderness:

The earth quaked, the heavens also dropped at

the presence of God
;
[yon] Sinai,* at the presence

of the God of Israel.

A plentiful rain didst Thou pour down, O God,

upon Thine inheritance: * when it was weary,

Thou didst truly strengthen it.

Thy flock dwelt therein; * Thou didst provide

of Thy goodness for the poor, O God.

The Lord gave the word to the messengers of

good tidings,* a numerous host.

Kings of hosts [are made vassals] of the dearly-

In the Hebrew, li Jah,” an abridged form of “ Jehovah.*'



Consecration of an Altar . 47

beloved [people]
;

* 1 and the beauty of the house

shall divide the spoils.

When ye have lain among the folds, (ye shall

be) very dove-wings covered with silver,* and

her pinions with glistening gold.

When the Almighty scattered kings in it,* it

was white as snow on Selmon.* Thou mountain

of God, Mount Bashan.

Thou many-peaked mountain, thou range of

Bashan
;

* why look ye jealously, ye many^peaked

mountains?

1 So Allioli, in his attempt to make some sense out of this difficult

passage, in his German (Catholic) version of the Divine Scriptures.

The Hebiew. as pointed by the Masoretic (*. e. traditional) vowel

points, can be translated: “ The kings of hosts shall flee, shall flee.”

St. Jerome, in Ids \e>son of the Psalms from the “ Hebrew Verity,”

renders it: “ The kings of armies shall league together.” The Alex*

andrian Gieek version, from which the Vulgate Psalter is translated,

renders its original literally: “ The king of forces (powers) of the

beloved of the belovc-d,” which approaches somewhat the version of

the Samaritan Svmmachus (about the close of the second century of our

era), who gives: “ Kings of soldiers were loved, and were beloved,”

The Syriac gives it: “ Kings of armies shall gather together, and

the beauty of thy house shall divide the spoils.” The Arabic: “ The

king f rorces
(
virtutum

)

is the beloved, and in the splendor of the

house cf the beloved one he shall divide the spoil.” The Chaldean

Targum. or interpretation of Jonathan ben Uzziel: “ Kings with

their armies have gone forth from their places of judgment, and the

wise have been removed from their knowledge, and the congregation

of Israel shall divide the prey from heaven.” Save the last, these

translations are all meant to be literal.



48 Consecration of an Altar .

That mountain God hath been pleased to dwell

in
;

* surely the Lord will dwell there forever.

The chariots of God are two myriads, thousands

of joyous angels
;

* the Lord is among them, Sinai

itself is in the sanctuary.

Thou didst go up on high, Thou didst take cap-

tive a captive-band;* Thou didst receive gifts

among men.

Yea, even among unbelievers,* that the Lord

God might have a dwelling.

Blessed be the Lord, day by day,* He makes

our course prosperous, the God of our salvation.

Our God is a God of salvation,* and of the

Lord, the Lord are the escapes from death.

But God will crush the heads of His enemies,*

the hairy skull of them that walk in their tres-

passes.

The Lord hath said: From Bashan I will

bring back, * I will bring back from the depths of

the sea.

That thy foot may be dipped in blood, * that

the tongue of thy dogs [may drink] of the same

[flowing] from thy enemies.

They have seen Thy processions, O God ! *

The processions of my God, my King, Who is in

the sanctuary.

First came singers, accompanied by players on

instruments, * in the midst of damsels playing on

timbrels,



Consecration of an A Itar. 49

In the assemblies bless ye God, the Lord, * [ye

that are] of the fountain-head of Israel.

There is Benjamin the youngest * in a trance.

The Princes of Juda their commanders, * the

princes of Zabulon, the princes of Nepthali.

Command, O God, Thy strength : * strengthen,

O God, that which Thou hast wrought in us.

For Thy Temple at Jerusalem * shall kings

bring Thee presents.

Rebuke the beasts of the reeds, the troop of

bulls among the calves of the nations : * trampling

upon those that take pleasure in silver.

Scatter the nations that delight in war. Princes

will come out of Egypt; * Ethiopia will eagerly

stretch forth her hands to God.

Kingdoms of the earth, sing unto God
;

* sing

praises to the Lord
;

Sing praises to God, Who rides upon the heav-

en of heavens * from the day-spring

;

Behold, He shall send forth His voice, a voice

of might. Give glory to God : over Israel * is

His majesty, and His strength is in the clouds.

God is wonderful in His holy places : the God

of Israel is He that gives strength and power to

His people. * Blessed be God.

Glory be to the Father, &c.

As it was in the beginning, <$c.

The Psalm finished, the Bishop, laying aside the

mitre, says ;



50 Consecration of an Altar.

Let us pray.

We humbly beseech Thy Majesty, O Lord, that

it may please Thee effectually to bless iji, and hal-

low this altar anointed with the outpouring of

Holy Oil to receive the gifts of Thy people
;
that

having been anointed by us, though unworthy,

with Holy Chrism, under the invocation of Thy

Name, in honor of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary,

and of all the Saints, and in memory of Thy holy

servant N., it may be well-pleasing to Thee, and

may remain a perpetual altar; so that whatever is

henceforth offered or consecrated thereon may be

to Thee a meet whole burnt-offering, and that the

gifts of all who here offer Thee sacrifice may be

graciously accepted by Thee, merciful Lord
;
may

the bonds of all our sins be thereby loosed, our

stains blotted out, pardon obtained, and graces ac-

quired, so that together with Thy Saints and

Elect, we may be found worthy to enjoy life ever-

lasting. Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

Resuming the mitre
,
with his thumb dipped into the

Chrism
,
the Bishop traces a Cross on the juncture of the

altar-table and the base on lohich it rests
,
at the four

corners
,
as if tojoin them together , saying at each Cross

:

In the name of the Father i|i, and of the Son if*,

and of the Holy ^ Ghost.
Then taking off his mitre he says :



Consecration of an Altar . D i

Let us pray.

We humbly beseech Thee, Almighty everlast-

ing God, through Thine Only Begotten Son, our

Lord Jesus Christ, to halij* low with Thy heavenly

blessing this altar devoted to holy purposes
;
and

as Thou didst accept with wondrous condescen-

sion the offering of Thy High Priest Melchisedech,

so Thou wouldst be pleased to accept the gifts

(aid on this new altar, that Thy people who come

together into this holy dwelling of Thy Church,

being ransomed and sanctified by these offerings,

may obtain life everlasting. Through Christ our

Lord.

R. Amen.

Subdeacons note carefully wipe the altar-table with

coarse travels
,
and the Bishop goes to his seat near the

altar
,
where sitting doivn with his mitre on

,
he deans his

hands with crumbs of bread and washes and dries them .

The Subdeacons or Acolytes then present to him the

new altar-cloths
,
the vases and ornaments for God's

service
,
destinedfur the consecrated altar. The Bishop

takes off his mitre , and rising , blesses them , saying :

THE BLESSING OF THE ALTAR-CLOTHS
VASES AND ORNAMENTS FOR THE

CONSECRATED ALTAR.

V. Our help is in the Name of the Lord.

R . Who made heaven and earth.



52 Consecration of an Altar .

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with Thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Almighty and merciful God, who from the be-

ginning hast made all things useful and necessary

to man, and wiliest that temples made by men’s

hands be dedicated to Thy Holy Name, and be

called the places of Thine abode, and Who didst

command by Thy servant Moses pontifical, priestly,

and Levitical vestments, with all the other furni-

ture of divers sorts, to be made for the service and

adornment of Thy tabernacle and altar; gracious-

ly hear our prayers, be pleased to cleanse, bless

hallow if*, and consecrate by our lowly ministry

all these ornaments of divers kinds for the use of

of this Thy altar, that they may be meet for the

Divine Service and Sacred Mysteries, and may be

fittingly used with due service at the consecration

of the Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ

our Lord, who with Thee, in the unity of the

Holy Ghost, lives and reigns God, &c.

He then sprinkles them with holy ivater. The Acoly-

tes then cover the altar-table with cere-cloth made to its ex-

act dimensions
; they vest the altar with the blessed cloths

and ornaments
,
putting on it a Cross and ot\erfurniture.

The Bishop, standing in the same place
f
intones the first

Antiphony wlxich
y
with the following ones, the Respon

-



Consecration of an Altar. 53

sories with their Verses , and the Psalm , is continued by

the Choir.

Ye Levites, compass the altar of the Lord God,

array it in white vesture, do ye also sing a new

hymn, saying: Alleluia. V. God is wonderful in

His holy places, and holy in all His works. V.

Glory be to the Father, &c. As it was, &c.

Another Antiphon.

Compass Sion about, and walk round her, and

tell the towers thereof. V. Great is the Lord, and

highly to be praised, in the city of our God, in His

holy mountain .
1

Then this Iiesponsory.

The Lord has clothed thee with a garment ot

gladness, and has set a crown on thy head, * and

attired thee in holy apparel. V. Thou shalt shine

with a glorious light, and all the ends of the earth

shall worship before thee.
# And attired. . . ap-

parel. V. Nations from afar shall come to thee

;

and shall bring gifts, and adore the Lord and

shall deem thy land holy, for they shall call upon

the great Name in thee.* And attired . . . apparel.

V. Blessed shall they be that shall build thee up.

But thou shalt rejoice in thy children, because

they shall all be blessed, and be gathered together

to the Lord. * And attired. . . . apparel.

Psalm xlvii. 13 and 2.



54 Consecration of an Altar .

Omit Glory be to the Father, etc., but sing the

folloiuing Antiphon :

Under the shadow of Thy wings hide us, O

Lord, and may we rejoice in Thy praise .
2

Psalm. Ixii.

O God, thou art my God,* early do I watch tor

Thee,*

My soul thirsts for Thee
;

* for Thee my flesh,

O how often !

In a dry pathless land, where no water is.*

Thus have I appeared before Thee in the sanc-

tuary, to behold Thy power and Thy glory.

For better is Thy loving kindness than life.* my

lips shall praise Thee.

Thus will I bless Thee during my lifetime
;

*

and in Thy Name will I lilt up my hands.

As with marrow and fat shall my soul be satis-

fied ;* and with joyful lips shall my mouth praise

Thee.

Whenever I remember Thee on my bed, I medi-

tate on Thee in the morning. * For Thou hast

been my help

;

Therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I

sing for joy. My soul cleaves unto following

Thee : * me Thy right hand upholdeth.

But they that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall

go into the lower parts of the earth. * They shall

8 Psalm cv. 47.



Consecration of an Altar. 55

be delivered up to the power of the sword : they

shall be a portion for jackals.

But the king shall rejoice in God : everyone

that swears by Him shall glory
;

* for the mouth

of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

Glory be to the Father, etc.

As it was, etc.

Tl\e Psalm being ended
,
the Bisliop

,

putting off the

mitre
,
goes up to the altar

,
and having bowed to the

Cross on the altar
,
he intones

,
and the Choir continues :

All the earth shall worship Thee, O God, and

shall sing unto Thee: they shall sing unto Thy

Name,
1

While this Antiphon is singing
,

the Bishop moves

the thurible over the altar in the form of a Cross .

When it is ended,he intones it again
,
and the Choir con-

tinues it
y
he incensing meamchile as before , then a third

time . After which
,
standing before the altar

,
he says :

Let us pray. .

O Lord our God, may Thy Holy Spirit come

down on this altar, to hallow the gifts which we

and Thy people shall lay thereon, and graciously

to cleanse the hearts of all receivers. Through

Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.
Let us pray.

Almighty everlasting God, do Thou hallowif*

this altar, dedicated to Thy Name, with the bless-
1 Psalm lxv. 4.



Consecration of an Altar

.

56

ing of Thy heavenly power, and to all who trust

in Thee show forth Thy bountiful aid, so that they

may here obtain the graces of the Sacrament and

the fulfilment of their desires. Through our

Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, who lives and reigns

with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God,

for ever and ever.

R. Amen.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with Thy spirit.

V. Bless we the Lord.

R. Thanks to God.

The Bishop then returns to ilie sacristy
,
or to a side

chapel
,
where he takes off his cope ; should he , as is

fitting
,
ivisli to celebrate Mass , he puts on his sandals ,

saying the Psalm
,

Quam dilecta—How lovely, etc.,
with the others

;
then after washing his hands

,
lie vests.

The altar meanwhile is duly prepared
,
and the lights

are lighted. The Bishop then proa eds to Gelebrate. If

however
,
he be too tired to officiate, he appoints some

Priest to celebrate High Mass in his stead.

At the end
,
the Bishop gives the solemn blessing

,
saying

:

May the Name of the Lord be blessed, etc.

He further publishes the Indulgences
1

mentioned

above
,
and then returns to the saei'isty

,
where , having

unvested, he departs in peace.

1 Formerly Bishops were wont to grant a Plenary Indulgence at

the consecration of a church Or altar. Canon 62 of the 4th Council of

Lateran restricts them to a grant of one year. That this restriction

was not observed is shown bv a grant of fourteen years indulgence by

Roger, Bishop of London, at the consecration of St. Paul’s, A. P. 1240