The Ceremonies of Holy Week

For the use of small parishes, where it is impossible to carry out the full rites and ceremonies of Holy Week, Benedict XIII had a small Ritual compiled, the Memoriale Rituum, which enables such parishes to have very simple services on the days of Holy Week. In churches, therefore, where there is only one priest, he is obliged to follow this small Ritual of Benedict XIII, if he wishes to hold services on the three last days of Holy Week. The following pages contain the directions laid down in this small Ritual by Benedict XIII. Under the head of Maundy Thursday are also given the conditions under which it is allowed to say a Low Mass on that day.