E SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

FROM THE AGNUS DEI TO THE END. 181
prayer for peace is omitted. The kiss of peace, or the
Pax as it is called, is forbidden at the Requiem Mass,
because, as some think, the kiss of peace is a sign of joy,
and as such is out of place in a Mass where the thoughts
of the Church are full of sorrow and pain for the
souls yearning for God. A better reason is that the
Pax was closely connected with the .receiving of Holy
Communion by the faithful. The Pax was, in a certain
sense, a preparation
Communion was not
for Communion. For centuries
given at Masses for the Dead.
During that long period the kiss of peace was con
sidered out of place. Permission for Holy Communion
in Masses for the Dead is of comparatively recent
introduction ; and the Church, clinging
ancient practice, omits the kiss of peace.
as usual to
IV. FROM THE AGNUS DEI TO THE
END.
From the Agnus Dei to the last Gospel the rubrics
are the same in Masses for the Dead as for the living ;
with these two exceptions instead of Ite Missa est,
Requiescant in pace is prescribed, and the priest s
blessing is not given. Ite Missa est is not said because,
the intention
says Benedict XIV. on the Mass (Bk. ii.),
in Masses for the Dead is to obtain their everlasting
rest, or because it was not usual at this point to dismiss
the congregation. Many remained to pray beside the
in the Church s Office for the Dead.
body or to join
Formerly it was customary for the priest to give his
in Masses for the Dead. This custom has now
blessing