E SACRIFICE OF THE MASS

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.
men sometimes occupy one side of the church and
women another. This separation of the sexes was
strictly enjoined when the kiss of peace was given after
the Agnus Dei. In ancient times the pax or kiss of
peace was common to every High Mass (except Solemn
Requiem), and at least every male member of the con
gregation received it. Now the pax is given only at
High Mass to those who are in the sanctuary. But the
separation of the sexes sometimes continues, although
the special motive of the separation has disappeared.
Finally, let me give one more instance of a rite which
is no longer allowed in the Mass of a priest or Bishop,
and is found in the solemn Mass of the Pope. Up to
the twelfth century Holy Communion was administered
to the faithful under both kinds. By the Council of
Constance, in 1414, the celebrant only is allowed to
receive under both kinds. When the laity communi
cated under both species, other chalices besides that
used by the priest were employed ;
the deacon usually
administered the Chalice, and the people drank the
Precious Blood through a tube. At this day during
the Mass said by the Pope
over the tomb of the
Apostles at Christmas, Easter, and SS. Peter and Paul,
the deacon and subdeacon are privileged to partake
of the Precious Blood. A solitary instance of a usage
still surviving which was almost universal in the
Church for at least eleven hundred years.
The reader will find the Rubrics explained in their
proper place where the meaning
is not self-evident.