Since the time of Gregory XIII, the papal service is held on this feast at S. Maria sopra Minerva, where the Pope arrives at 10 a.m. in a golden carriage, drawn by six richly attired horses, led by hand by his servants, powdered and in wigs, dressed in red damask gowns with arms of His Holiness. The Pope wears a white cassock, with a lace rochet, a red velvet mozzetta lined with ermine, and a red silk stole, embroidered with gold.
At the front of the carriage sit two cardinals. The chamberlain crucifer, with the papal cross in his hand, in a purple cassock and cloak, sitting on a white mule in a black cap, precedes the carriage. Behind it follow the carriages of: the majordomo, the master of the Camera, the chamberlains, and the two cardinals assisting the Holy Father.
The Pope disembarks at the monastery gate, where he is received by the cardinal protector of the Dominicans and the general of that order. Brought to the sacristy, he puts on a falda, a lace rochet, an alb, a cincture, a …More