Ordo Hebdomadae Sanctae


Every sacristan or MC should be familiar with the book called the OHS, Ordo Hebdomadae Sanctae, or in English "Order of Holy Week". This short missal contains all the ceremonies for Holy Week exclusively from Palm Sunday through the Easter Vigil. It's small size is convenient for use on the movable podium or to be held by the MC during the ceremonies. The format is similar to the altar missal and the language is strictly Latin, including the notes. Rubrics appear in red print.

The 1956 OHS, (containing the rites widely accepted among SSPX, resistance, and other traditional Catholic groups), is rarely in publication in the USA. I have four new copies of the OHS printed by Editions IRIS for sale here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OHS-Ordo-Hebdomadae-Sanctae-Holy-Week-Altar-Missal-/252753736564?


The first ten pages contain the references and citations, the "imprimatur"  and dates of the rites. Several changes resulting from the Holy Week reforms of Pius XII during 1951-1956 are explained in detail. The Holy Week reforms of  Pius XII are widely accepted, however, debates continue to the present day. It has been speculated that these reforms paved the way for the Vatican II reforms to the Mass which followed in the years shortly after. Let's examine some of the major changes.

A more detailed list of changes published by Roratae Coeli. Thread here:
http://www.cathinfo.com/catholic.php/Changes-to-Holy-Week-1951-1956


 Palm Sunday

1956 - use of the color red for the procession with Palms and violet for the Mass. This change reverted back to more ancient customs.
1956 - elimination of the cross striking the doors to the church three times as a knock requesting entry. [Although cited as a change from the reforms, this action remains in the rubrics of the 1956 OHS new publication.]

 
 Holy Thursday

1956 - ceremony of the mandatum (washing of the feet) moved from the end of Mass to the middle of the Mass
1956 - giving communion only with (the Blessed Sacrament) hosts which had been consecrated on this day. Those hosts would then be transferred to the altar of repose where they would be used for the Good Friday communion (another item of the reform)

 
 Good Friday

1956 - added the "Our Father" recited in silence by the people
1956 - added prayer for the Unity of the Church to the 9 prayers of supplication
1954 - added a genuflection for the Prayer for the Conversion of the Jєωs. [prior to this time, the "Flectamus Genua....Levate" was performed for each of the 9 prayers EXCEPT for the prayer for the Jєωs. The reason was that the Jєωs mocked Our Lord during the passion by a fake genuflection. ]
1956 - receiving of communion on Good Friday. Prior to the reforms, Holy Communion was NEVER distributed from Holy Thursday until the first Mass of Easter, just as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is prohibited during this interval. Many traditional Catholics continue to refrain from Holy Communion on Good Friday, for just reasons.]

 
 Easter Vigil


1951 - Finally, the biggest change came when Pius XII introduced the Easter Vigil - a ceremony beginning at midnight. The traditional rite from the 1948 missals maintained that there was no Mass allowed until the sun rose on Easter morning. This is the time when Our Lord rose from the tomb and when the holy women came to the tomb. "on the third day He rose again." Thus, Friday being the first day, Saturday the second day, and the third day exactly at the break of dawn on Sunday. In 1948, the Easter "Vigil" (midnight) was a time only for the Catechumens to make their necessary preparation for their Easter Baptism.

 
 (The Lenten Fast)

Prior to 1951, the Lenten fast ended at noon time on Holy Saturday. A meal was had, and then the faithful fasted for communion which they would receive at about 5am Easter morning. After the reforms, the fast was observed until Easter after communion.


I'd be interested to hear comments - if any of your parishes perform the pre-1956 rites, and what the consensus is about the changes. Please spread the word about the OHS books available on ebay. There was an accidental duplicate order and I am making these available to US parishes at a discount and without the international shipping charges.  

 
+AMDG+
Domine Nos Dirige

Prior to 1951, the Lenten fast ended at noon time on Holy Saturday. A meal was had, and then the faithful fasted for communion which they would receive at about 5am Easter morning. After the reforms, the fast was observed until Easter after communion.


I'd be interested to hear comments - if any of your parishes perform the pre-1956 rites, and what the consensus is about the changes. Please spread the word about the OHS books available on ebay. There was an accidental duplicate order and I am making these available to US parishes at a discount and without the international shipping charges.  

I had heard that the time that the fast ended was at 2:00pm on Holy Saturday.