a symbolical and figurative rite) to the
dignity of the holiest of sacraments. One of the charges brought before
Caiphas, on occasion of the treason of Judas, was, that Jesus had
introduced a novelty into the Paschal ceremonies, but Nicodemus proved
from Scripture that it was an ancient practice.

Jesus was seated between Peter and John, the doors were closed, and
everything was done in the most mysterious and imposing manner. When
the chalice was taken out of its covering, Jesus prayed, and spoke to
his Apostles with the utmost solemnity. I saw him giving them an
explanation of the Supper, and of the entire ceremony, and I was
forcibly reminded of a priest teaching others to say Mass.

He then drew a species of shelf with grooves from the boars on which
the jars stood, and taking a piece of white linen with which the
chalice was covered, spread it over the board and shelf. I then saw him
lift a round plate, which he placed on this same shelf, off the top of
the chalice. He next took the azymous loaves from beneath the linen
with which they were covered and placed them before him on the board;
then he took out of the chalice a smaller vase, and ranged the six
little glasses on each side of it. Then he blessed the bread and also
the oil, to the best of my belief after which he lifted up the paten
with the loaves upon it, in his two hands, raised his eyes, prayed,
offered, and replaced the paten on the table, covering it up again. He
then took the chalice, had some wine poured into it by Peter, and some
water, which he first blessed, by John, adding to it a little more
water, which he poured into a small spoon, and after this he blessed
the chalice, raised it up with a prayer, made the oblation, and
replaced it on the table.

John and Peter poured some water on his hands, which he held over
the plate on which the azymous loaves had been placed; then he took a
little of the water which had been poured on his hands, in the spoon
that he had taken out of the lower part of the chalice, and poured it
on theirs. After this, the vase was passed round the table, and all the
Apostles washed their hands in it. I do not remember whether this was
the precise order in which these ceremonies were performed; all I know
is, that they reminded me in a striking manner of the holy sacrifice of
the Mass.

Meanwhile, our Divine Lord became more and more tender and loving in
his demeanour; he told his Apostles that he was about to give th