NLM: Compendium of the 1955 Holy Week Revisions of Pius XII: Part 6.1 - Blessing of the New Fire, Procession, Exultet, Prophecies and Chrism Mass in Rome [Update].


Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the Chrismal Mass of Maundy Thursday in St.Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on April 9, 2009. (Getty)

Pope Benedict XVI holds up the Gospel during a Chrism Mass inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, April 9, 2009. The Chrism Mass marks the start of the Vatican Easter celebrations. Benedict XVI celebrated a Holy Thursday Mass that included the traditional blessing of holy oils -- some of which the church will send to the earthquake zone as a sign of closeness to the stricken population. (AP)

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the Chrismal Mass of Maundy Thursday in St.Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on April 9, 2009. (Getty)

Pope Benedict XVI prepares to blow the Holy oil as he celebrates the Chrismal Mass of Maundy Thursday in St.Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on April 9, 2009. (Getty)

Pope Benedict XVI blows into the blessed oil as he celebrates the Chrismal Mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican April 9, 2009. (Reuters)

Pope Benedict XVI leaves at the end of the Chrismal Mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican April 9, 2009. (Reuters)