in
addition to the rites before mentioned, the font of the baptistery is
blessed by the Card. Vicar, baptism is solemnly administered there to
adults, the newly-baptised are confirmed in the church, ordination is
conferred during mass upon candidates, for the priesthood. We shall
treat briefly of these various ceremonies.

[Sidenote: Blessing of the fonti: baptistery.]

After the twelve prophecies have been recited, the Card. Vicar, (as
the representative of the Bishop of Rome) wearing a purple cope and
a mitre, goes in procession from the tribune of the basilica to the
baptistery[129]. He is preceded by acolythes bearing the paschal
candle[130], and the cross and usual lights, as well as by the
candidates for baptism and orders, and the chapter of the basilica.
In the mean time the beautiful tract, As the stag thirsts for the
fountains of water, etc. is sung[131]. His Em. then chants the prayers
appointed for the benediction of the font; he divides the water with
his hand in the form of a cross, exorcises it, touches it, signs it
three times with the sign of our redemption, and pours some of it
towards the four parts of the world, in allusion to the command of
Christ: "_Go teach all nations, baptising them_" (Matt. XXVIII). He
then dips the paschal candle three times into the water, singing, and
each time raising his voice to a higher pitch than before: "May the
power of the Holy Ghost descend upon the fulness of this font"; as
when He descended, says Gavant, "in the form of a dove at the baptism
of Christ represented by this candle plunged into the water". Then
breathing three times on the water nearly in the form of a cross "that
he may unite the Trinity with the cross" (as the same author observes)
he continues the chant, and raises the candle from the water,
alluding in the prayer to "the effect of baptism, which confers grace,
_raising_ the soul from sin to glory". (Gavant). The blessed water
is then sprinkled upon the people, and some of it is reserved to be
sprinkled in houses, etc. In order to sanctify the water still
more, the Cardinal now pours into it, in the form of a cross, oil of
catechumens and chrism; and mixes them with the water of the font,
in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This last ceremony
is intended to signify, according to mystical interpreters, such as
Amalarius, Honorius, Durandus, etc. "the union of Christ by baptism
with the members of the church" (Gavant). The prayers of t