SANCTIFICATION OF THE SENSES. – An ancient Eucharistic rite consisting in bringing the Eucharistic species to the forehead and the eyes.
In the epitaph of Pectorius (early 3rd century), mention is made of the bread of the Eucharist being placed on the palm of the hand of the communicant, as well as of the excellent wine and the custom of bringing the lips to the consecrated Chalice, held by the deacon. St. Cyril of Jerusalem (Catecheses, 23; Myst. 5) says: « And when you still have your lips wet with the Blood of Christ, touch your mouth with your hands, and passing them over your eyes, your forehead, and the other senses, sanctify them » (PG 33, 1126). To receive the Host on the concave palm of the right hand, the left palm is crossed underneath like a throne. The rite of the sanctification of the senses is also known to John of Damascus, to Cyril of Alexandria, and to Theodore Balsamon. The sanctification of the senses was practiced for healing purposes by Gorgonia, sister of Gregory Nazianzen. This usage has its origins in Jewish religious folklore, where it is performed with the wine of the cup of blessing at the close of the Sabbath, with the aim of obtaining physical health and also economic well-being; Babylonian Talmud, Berakhoth 44 and Shabbath 113 b, cited by various modern authors including: Shemtob Gaguine, Keter Shem Tov, Cairo 1934, pp. 482 ff. Eugenio
Santiago de Compostela, archdiocese of – Silver reliquary urn of St. James the Apostle (16th century), with the lamps offered by the condottiere Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba (16th century) – Santiago, Cathedral.
Zolli.
1863 SANCTIFICATION OF THE FEAST – HOLY TRINITY OF CAVA DE’ TIRRENI 1864