RICHARD OF PREMONSTRAT (Anglicus, from WEDDINGHAUSEN). - Premonstratensian writer, most likely of English origin, who wrote in the second half of the 12th century, perhaps identical with that Richard of Weddinghausen (or Arnsberg) in Germany who died there around 1190.
R. is the author of an interpretation of the Mass (De caune Missae: PL 177, 455-470) that was then very widespread, which explains the Canon in terms of the signs of the Cross made by the celebrant before and after the Consecration, following the principle: virtus Missae Crux est. In contrast to allegorical interpretations of the Mass, R.’s work represents progress because it considers actions and terms in themselves. His literary authorship of the De computo Ecclesiae is uncertain, as is that of a life of St Ursula (Acta SS. Octobris, IX, Paris-Rome 1869, pp. 92 ff., 173 ff.).