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ORDINARY OF THE MASS

The Incensing at High Mass.

The oblation, the altar, the clergy and the faithful are incensed.

The priest blesses the incense :
THROUGH the intercession of blessed Michael the Archangel, standing at the right of the altar of
incense, and of all His elect, may the Lord vouchsafe to bless this incense, and to receive it
for a sweet savor.
Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

He incenses the bread and wine.

MAY this incense which Thou hast blessed, O Lord, rise up before Thee, and may Thy mercy
come down upon us.

He incenses the crucifix and the altar.

LET my prayer, O Lord, be directed as incense in Thy sight; the lifting up of my hands as
evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and a door round about my lips : lest my
heart incline to
evil words, to make excuses in sins.

He returns the thurible to the deacon, saying :
MAY the Lord kindle within us the fire of His love, and the flame of the everlasting
charity.  Amen.

Psalm 25 : Lavabo.
(I will wash)
Standing at the right side of the altar, the priest purifies his fingers.

This rite symbolizes especially the purity, with which the holy mysteries must be approached.

I WILL wash my hands among the innocent : and will compass Thy altar, O Lord : that I may hear the
voice of Thy praise, and tell of all Thy wondrous works.