These relics occupied different positions. In the church of S. Benedict, consecrated by Pope Alexander II, there were relics in the chapel-apse of S. John, in the bases of the piers, in the four angles of the bell tower, in the cross on the western gable, in the cross of the tower (_Chron. Cass_, iii, 30). Ashes were sprinkled on the floor, and the bishop with his pastoral staff wrote on them the alphabet, sometimes in Latin alone, sometimes in Greek also. The whole ceremony concluded with the endowment of the church: or, as it was termed, presenting its dowry. By way of setting before our readers as clearly as possible the ancient form of dedication, we have chosen, among ten forms preserved by Martene, that of S. Dunstan. _Here beginneth the order of the dedication of a church. The bishops and other ministers of the church advance singing the antiphon_, 'Zaccheus, make haste and come down,' etc. Prevent us, O Lord, in all our, etc. {200} _Then twelve candles are to be lighted, and placed round the church, with the antiphon_, three from the east, three from the west, three from the north, three from the south. God, which by the preaching of Thine apostles, didst open to Thy Church the Kingdom of Heaven, and didst call them the Lights of the world, grant, we beseech Thee, that being assisted by their prayers, by whose teaching we are guided, and splendour illuminated, we may make these our actions pleasing to Thy Divine Majesty. _Here followeth the Litany: the priests going thrice round the church, and beginning from that door at which they be after to enter, namely, the south door._ O Christ, hear us, etc. Prevent us, O Lord, with Thy tender mercy, and by the intercession of Thy saints, receive our prayers graciously. Let our prayers, O Lord, come up before Thee, and expel all wickedness from Thy Church. God, which rulest heaven and earth, graciously give us the aid of Thy defence. _Then one of the deacons entering the church, and shutting the door standeth before it, the others remaining without: and the bishop striking it with his staff, saith:_ Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. _The deacon within answereth_, and saith: Who is the King of Glory? _The Bishop._ Lift up, etc. _The Deacon._ Who is, etc. _The Bishop._ Lift up, etc. _The Deacon._ Who is, etc. _Chorus._ The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory. {201} _The bishop again striking the door it is opened: and he entereth: the chorus singing after him_, Lift up your heads, etc., _to the end of the Psalm_. _The Bishop_. The Lord be with you. _Response_. And with thy spirit. _The Bishop_. Let us pray: We beseech Thee, O Lord, of Thy mercy, to enter Thy house, and to make for Thyself an habitation in the hearts of the faithful. Through, etc. _Then the bishop entereth the choir, saying:_