COLLECTAR. — Sometimes called an orationale, it derives from the sacramentary (v.) inasmuch as formerly only this book contained the prayers recited by the bishop or priest on behalf of the community. The ever-expanding organization of the liturgy led to the separate collection of prayers, facilitating their growth for use primarily in the officiating ministry. At first it consisted of parchment sheets that were rolled up, hence the name "rotolo" (roll). The most ancient specimen is the Ravenna roll. Sometimes antiphons, psalm indications, hymns, and responsories were added to the prayers so as to be of principal use to the one presiding over the office.
Today’s liturgy uses this book for the Eucharistic blessing.
BIBL.: A. Ceriani, *Il rotolo opistografo del principe Pio di Savoia*, Milano 1883; Ph. Oppenheim, *Institutiones systematico-historicae in sacram liturgiam*, IV, Torino 1940, p. 77 ff. Enrico Cattaneo