Presbyterial Consecration, in the Roman Catholic Church, comprises the ceremonies and relig- ious acts by which a deacon is invested with the pres- byterial power — the power over the true and the sym- bolic body of Christ. The exterior apparatus of the ceremony consists in the oil of the catechumens, a chal- ice with wine and water, a paten with a host, some crumbs of bread, a vessel for the washing of the hands, some linen towels. The ceremony performed is as fol- lows : The bishop, after consecrating the deacons, reads the Tractus (and the Sequence) to the last verse, exclu- sively. Then he advances with the infula to the mid- dle of the altar, where he sits down on the faldistorium (chair). At this moment the archdeacon calls all to be ordained priests with the words, "Accedant qui ordi- nandi sunt ad ordinem presbyteratus." The notary reads their names ; they proceed, each with taper in hand, to form a half- circle (in modum coronet) in front of the bishop, to whom they are introduced by the archdeacon with the words, "Reverend father, the holy Catholic
PRESBYTERIAL CONSECRATION 514 PRESBYTERIAL CONSECRATION
Church requires that you consecrate the deacons here present for the burdensome office ofpriesthood." Where- upon the bishop asks, "Doesl thou know that they are deserving of it ?" The archdeacon answers, "So lar as human weakness allows me a knowledge of it, I know and declare that they arc worthy to take upon tbem the burden of that office." The bishop says, "God be thanked !" and turns to the clergy and people with these words: "Beloved brethren! as the pilot of a ship and those who travel on it share together both security and danger, they must in matters concerning their common interest share the same convictions. Nut without -nod reason, the fathers have directed that the people also should lie consulted on the choice of those win. art to he admitted to the service of the altar: lor sometimes a lew can give information about the way of life and hab- its ot those « ho present themselves for consecration not
known to the masses, etc. If, therefore, any ! have
objections of importance, let him step out before God, and tor (,,,d's sake speak fearlessly; yel lei him not for- get thai he is only a man I that he may err)." After a short, expectant pause, the people assenting by their silence, the bishop turns to the candidates and addresses them thus: " Consecrandi, lilii dilectissimi, in presby- teratus officium, illud digne suscipere, ac susceptum lautabiliter exequi studeatis," etc. In the course of this allociitimi, mention is made of the high purpose of the New-Testament priesthood, and after a comparison with the priesthood of the old Covenant, follow these words: "llae eerie mira validate ecclesia sancta circumdatur, ornaturet regitur: cum alii in ea pontifices, alii mino- ris ordinis sacerdotes, diaconi et subdiaconi, diversorum ordinum viri conseerantur, et ex multis et alternae dig- nitatis membris iiiniiii corpus efficitur." If no deacons or sub 'I' aeons have been consecrated, the Litany of All- Saints is recited. while the ordinands are on their knees. Hereupon they step, in pairs, into the presence of the bishop, who. standing erect (with the infula), lays both liis hands on the head of each of them, without speak- ing or singing. The same is done by all the priests present, dressed in the stola, and of whom tin re must he at least three. Then the priests and the bishop hold their right hands extended over the ordinands. and the bishop, standing with the infula, thus addresses the clergy: "Beloved brethren! let us implore Cod Al- mighty that lie may pour over these, his servants, whom he has chosen for the office of priest! I. heav- enly -ifts in abundance, so that, with his help, they maybe able to perform the duties which they have been deemed worthy of assuming. Amen." The bishop lays
down the infula. turns towards the altar, and says.
•• < ►remus." The ministri add. " Flectamus genua." The responsorium is •• Levate !" Then he turns to the ordi- nands, saying, "Exaudi nos, quaesumus, Domine Deus
DOSter." After the conclusion -in unilate ejusdem spirin'is sancti Deus"— he extends his hands, Baying, " Per omnia saecula," etc. Now follow long prayers, al- ter which the bishop sits down with the mil re. seizes that part of the stola which bangs backwards from the left shoulder of the ordinand, lays it over Ids right
shoulder, and put8 both parts crosswise over each other on the chest, saying, -'fake the yoke of the Lord upon thee: for his yoke is easy and his burden is light."
Hen upon the bishop dresses each of them in the missal garment, which hangs loose in front, hut is rolled or pinned up behind, savin-, "Take the priestly garment, which means love ; for God is mighty to increase love in thee and make thy work perfect." Response, " Thanks
to (hid." Now the bishop rises, lays down the infula.
and prays, while all kneel, "Deus sanctificationum om- nium auctor," etc. Alter this the bishop kneels, facing
the altar, ami begins the hymn. "Veni Creator ,spi- rilu-." etc., which the choir sin-s. As soon as the lirst verse is sun- llu' bishop ri8e8, sit- down on the chair, with the infula on his head, pulls off his gloves, puts on his rin-. takes a while linen towel on his knees, and anoints the hands oi each of the ordinands