the Pope's blessing they
return to their places. After the _Sanctus_, the Pope goes before
the middle of the altar followed by the assistant bishops and others
of His train's and all kneel till the elevation is ended. After the
_Agnus Dei_, the first Card. priest goes up to the altar, kisses it,
and receives from the celebrant the kiss of peace: this he gives to
the Pope, from whom the two first Card. deacons receive it. The Card.
priest then returns to his place, and gives the kiss of peace to the
priest who assists the celebrant; from him the first of the other
cardinals and principal prelates receive it and communicate it to
their colleagues. The assistant priest then gives it to the master of
ceremonies, who has accompanied him, from whom the other colleges of
prelates receive it and in fine (if time permit) to the deacon, from
whom it passes to others who assist at the altar. When the pope gives
His blessing, the cross is held before Him by the last auditor of the
rota, and His vestment by the first protonary. Such are the ceremonies
generally observed at high mass in the papal chapel, except at masses
for the dead, when some of them, and in particular those of incensing
(except at the offertory and elevation) and of the kiss of peace, are
omitted.

[Sidenote: Sentiments of S. John Chrysostom.]

We shall conclude with the words of a holy and eloquent bishop of
Costantinople of the 4th century, "When thou seest the Lord immolated
and placed there, and the priest engaged in the sacrifice and praying,
and all present empurpled with precious blood, dost thou think that
thou art among men, and art standing on the earth? and not rather
that thou art instantaneously transferred to heaven, where casting
out of thy soul every fleshly thought thou lookest around on heavenly
things. O miracle! O the love of God for man! He, who sits above with
the Father, is at the same time held in the hands of all, and gives
himself to those who wish to receive and embrace him. Wishest thou
to see the excellence of this _holiness_ from another miracle? Depict
before thy eyes Elias and an innumerable multitude surrounding him,
and the victim placed on the stones; all the others in profound
silence, and the prophet alone praying; then suddenly fire rushing
from heaven on the sacrifice. These things are astonishing and replete
with wonder. Then transfer thyself thence to the things now effected,
and thou wilt find them not only wonderful, b