Sanctification of the Senses

SANCTIFICATION OF THE SENSES. - An ancient Eucharistic rite, consisting in bringing the Eucharistic species close to the forehead and the eyes.

In the epitaph of Pectorius (early 3rd century) there is a reference to the bread of the Eucharist placed on the palm of the hand of the faithful who communicates, and likewise to the excellent wine and to 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 moistened by the Blood of Christ, touch your mouth with your hands, and, passing them over your eyes, your forehead and your other senses, sanctify them" (PG 33, 1126). To receive the Host on the hollow palm of the right hand, the palm of the left hand is crossed beneath it in the manner of a throne. The rite of the s. of the s. is also known to John Damascene, to Cyril of Alexandria, to Theodore Balsamon. The s. of the s. was practiced for curative purposes by Gorgonia, sister of Gregory of Nazianzus. This custom draws its origins from Jewish religious folklore, where it is practiced with the wine of the cup of blessing at the close of the Sabbath, for the purpose of obtaining physical health and also economic well-being; Babylonian Talmud, Bérákhóth 44 b and Sabbáth 113 b, in various recent authors among whom: Shemtob Gaguie, Keter Shém Töb, Cairunan 1934, p. 482 ff.

Eugenio Zolli