Manuterge (Manuterium, Estersorium)

MANUTERGE (Manuterium, Estersorium). - It is the towel used in the liturgical ablutions. According to Cyril of Alexandria (Mystagogical Catechesis, V, 2) the deacon hands to the bishop and to the concelebrating priests the water for washing their hands; according to the Apostolic Constitutions (VIII, 11, 12), however, this office is performed by the subdeacon. In the Statuta antiqua of Arles (of 500) the archdeacon hands to the subdeacon, as signs of his office, "urceolum cum aqua... ac manutergium", a ceremony which is still found in the ordination of the subdeacon. In Rome, from the 8th century onward, the water and the m. are presented to the celebrant by the acolytes.

At present the m. is of three forms: 1) a large one in the sacristy, or in a nearby room, for the washing of hands before the priest vests for the celebration of Mass. This use goes back to the 8th century, and m. are prescribed in various Synods (e.g., that of Liège [1287]) and instructions (St. Charles Borromeo). The rubrics indicate its use only before Mass; after Mass it is recommended. 2) A small one to be used at the Lavabo in the Offertory. It is forbidden (decree of the S. Congr. Rit. n. 2118) to carry it over the chalice in going to and returning from the altar. It is also used after Communion distributed outside of Mass. The aforementioned Synod of Liège holds this m. in great consideration. 3) Of larger form, it is used in Mass and in the other pontifical functions. It also serves for the offering of the breads after the consecration of the bishop.

In the degradation of a subdeacon the m. is also taken from him.

Pietro Sifrin