[Footnote 661: That is, on the 27th of December, the day of his 'deposition': the other feast, kept in memory of his deliverance from the boiling oil, before the Latin gate, and therefore called _S. Joannes ante Portam Latinam_, is the 5th of May.] [Footnote 662: The 22nd of February.] [Footnote 663: Which are S. Stephen, the Holy Innocents, S. Thomas of Canterbury.] [Footnote 664: Isaiah xix, 3.] [Footnote 665: S. Luke i; 35.] [Footnote 666: Jeremiah i, 3.] [Footnote 667: S. Luke i, 15.] [Footnote 668: Isaiah Ix, 3.] [Footnote 669: A very harsh construction: but surely preferable to that by which the Blessed Virgin herself is spoken of as the promised light.] {191} On Maundy Thursday, to set forth the anointing, which is consecrated to the purification of the soul. For the gospel on that day principally setteth forth purity; 'He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit': and again, 'If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.' [Footnote 670] It is also used with the office of the Mass from Easter Eve until the octave of the Ascension inclusive: except on the rogation days and intervening festivals of martyrs. On Easter Day, on account of the angel who brought the tidings of the Resurrection, who appeared in white garments: concerning whom Matthew testifieth, saying, 'His countenance was as lightning, and his garment white as snow': [Footnote 671] and also because children, when baptised, are clothed in white. So also on the Ascension, because of the bright cloud in which Christ ascended. 'For two men stood by them in white garments, which also said. Ye men of Galilee,' [Footnote 672] etc. [Footnote 670: S. John xiii, 10.] [Footnote 671: S. Matthew xxviii, 3.] [Footnote 672: Acts i, 11.] 3. And this is to be noted, that albeit in the consecration of bishops, the vestments be of the colour suitable for the day, at the dedication of a church they be ever white, on what day soever the ceremony be celebrated: since in the consecration of a bishop the Mass of the day is sung, but in the dedication of a church, the Mass of dedication is sung. For the Church is called by the title of a virgin: according to that saying of the Apostle, 'For I have betrothed you to one man, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.' [Footnote 673] Concerning which saith the bridegroom in the Canticles: 'Thou art altogether fair, my love, and there is no spot in thee.' [Footnote 674] But this vestment ought to be white, to signify that her garments must at all times be pure, that is, her life must be spotless. Also in the octaves of those of the aforesaid feasts which have octaves, the white colour is used. [Footnote 673: 2 Corinthians ii, 11.] [Footnote 674: Canticles i, 15.] {192}