Inquired about by "T.W." (No. 20. p. 318.), is a liturgical practice,
which long was, and still is, observed in Holy Week. On Maundy
Thursday, several particles of the Blessed Eucharist, consecrated
at the Mass sung that day, were reserved--a larger one for the
celebrating priest on the morrow, Good Friday; the smaller ones for
the viaticum of the dying, should need be, and carried in solemn
procession all round the church, from the high altar to a temporary
erection, fitted up like a tomb, with lights, and the figure of an
angel watching by, on the north side of the chancel. Therein the
Eucharist was kept till Easter Sunday morning, according to the
Salisbury Ritual; and there were people kneeling and praying at this
so-called sepulchre all the time, both night and day. To take care of
the church, left open throughout this period, and to look after the
lights, it was necessary for the sacristan to have other men to help
him; and what was given to them for this service is put down in the
church-wardens' books as money for "watching the sepulchre." By the
Roman Ritual, this ceremony lasts only from Maundy Thursday till
Good Friday. This rite will be duly followed in my own little church
here at Buckland, where some of my flock, two and two, in stated
succession, all through the night, as well as day, will be watching
from just after Mass on Maundy Thursday till next morning's service.
In some of the large Catholic churches in London and the provinces,
this ceremony is observed with great splendour.