Liturgy
Liturgia · 504 articles · Principal contributors · All subjects-
Ebner, Adalbert
EBNER, ADALBERT. - Liturgist, b. in Strasbourg on 16 Dec. 1861, d. on 25 Feb. 1898 in Eichstätt, where he was vicar of the cathedral and… -
Ecce Iam Noctis Tenuatur Umbra
"ECCE IAM NOCTIS TENUATUR UMBRA." - A hymn of Lauds for the Sundays after Pentecost, of unknown authorship, it is found in manuscripts of… -
Egregie Doctor, Paul, Instruct Me (EGREGIE DOCTOR PAULE MORES INSTRUE)
"EGREGIE DOCTOR PAULE MORES INSTRUE." - Hymn of Vespers for the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul (25 January), composed of the fourth… -
Eisenhofer, Ludwig
EISENHOFER, LUDWIG. - Liturgist, b. in Munich on 1 April 1871, d. at Eichstätt on 29 March 1941. Ordained priest on 29 June 1895, in 1898… -
Ektenia (ECTENIA)
EKTENIA. - In Greek Ἑκτενῆς (with εὐχή understood), in Slavonic ektemià. It is one of the litanies recited by the deacon in the liturgy and… -
Electric Light (LUCE ELETTRICA)
ELECTRIC LIGHT. - LITURGICAL USE. - By precise dispositions of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, electric light is forbidden in the… -
Elevation (ELEVAZIONE)
ELEVATION. - A rite of the Mass, by which the celebrant raises the sacramental Species to expose them to the adoration of the faithful. In… -
Ember Days (Ieiunium Quattuor Temporum) (QUATTRO TEMPORA (ICIUNIUM QUATTUOR TEMPORUM))
EMBER DAYS (Ieiunium Quattuor Temporum). - The three days of fasting and penance (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) at the beginning of each… -
En Clara Vox Redarquit
"EN CLARA VOX REDARGUIT". - Hymn of Lauds in Advent, by an unknown author; it appears in manuscripts of the 10th century. At the dawn of… -
En Ut Superba Criminum
«EN UT SUPERBA CRIMINUM». - It is the hymn of Vespers for the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; its author is unknown. It was inserted… -
Epigonation (Ἐπιγωνάτιον, Ἐπιγόνᾰτον) (EPIGONATION (ἘΠΙΓΩΝΆΤΙΟΝ, ἘΠΙΓΌΝΑΤΟ))
EPIGONATION (Ἐπιγωνάτιον, Ἐπιγόνᾰτον). - It is a liturgical ornament of the Byzantine rite worn suspended from a ribbon at the height of… -
Epimànica (Ἐπιμάνικα, Ἐπιμανία) (EPIMÀNICA (ἘΠΙΜΆΝΙΚΑ, ἘΠΙΜΑΝΊΙΚΑ))
EPIMÀNICA (Ἐπιμάνικα, Ἐπιμανία). - They are simple cuffs that serve to fasten at the wrists the ends of the sleeves of the sticharion… -
Epistle (EPISTOLA)
EPISTLE. - It is that passage from the Letters of the Apostles or from some other book of Sacred Scripture that the priest reads at Mass… -
Epistolary (EPISTOLARIO)
EPISTOLARY. - By "epistolary" (epistolare, epistolarium [-ius] and also epistolium) is meant the book containing the lessons and epistles… -
Epitrachelion (Ἐπιτραχήλιον, also called Περιτραχήλιον) (EPITRACHELIO (ἘΠΙΤΡΑΧΉΛΩΝ, DETTO ANCHE ΠΕΡΙΤΡΑΧΉΛΩΝ))
EPITRACHELION (Ἐπιτραχήλιον, also called Περιτραχήλιον). - It is the priestly stole which, like that of the deacon, is formed by a long… -
Euchologion (Εὐχολόγιον) (EUCOLOGIO (ΕΥ̓ΧΟΛΌΓΩΝ))
EUCHOLOGION (Εὐχολόγιον). - As the name suggests, it is a collection of ecclesiastical prayers. This liturgical book contains the prayers… -
Exequies (ESEQUIE,)
ESEQUIE (Funeral Rites) - The very ancient tradition of aiding the souls of the dead with special prayers has been uninterruptedly upheld… -
Ex More Docti Mystico
«EX MORE DOCTI MYSTICO». - Hymn of Matins in Lent, probably composed by St. Gregory the Great. Lent is the time of fasting, already… -
Exposition of the Most Holy Sacrament (ESPOSIZIONE DEL S.MO SACRAMENTO)
EXPOSITION OF THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT. - Rite by which the consecrated Host is exposed for the adoration of the faithful, either uncovered… -
Exultet
«EXULTET». - It is the Easter praeconium, the solemn Lucernarium proper to the night of Easter; in substance it is the solemn offering of… -
Exultet Orbis Gaudiis
« EXULTET ORBIS GAUDIIS ». - Hymn of Vespers on the feasts of the Apostles, by an unknown author. Heaven and earth are called to celebrate… -
Falda
FALDA. - A white silk garment tending toward cream, with a long train that the pope girds at his waist and that drags along the ground.… -
Faldstool (FALDISTORIO)
FALDSTOOL. - From the German Faltstuhl (folding chair). It is a chair with armrests but without a back, which is placed at the steps of the… -
Fanone
FANONE. - In its present form it is an ornament proper to the Supreme Pontiff alone, which he assumes when he celebrates solemnly, after… -
Feast of Corpus Christi (CORPUS DOMINI, FESTA DEL)
CORPUS DOMINI - Procession of Corpus Christi in Paris in the 15th century. Drawing from a miniature of the Missal of the Jouvenel des… -
Felonius (FELONIO)
FELONIUS. - It is the Roman paenula (Gr. φελόνιον, by corruption of φεινάλιον or φενάλιον), but from the ancient and ample form that… -
Ferotin, Marius
FEROTIN, MARIUS. - Benedictine monk, paleographer and historian of the liturgy, b. at Chateauneuf-sur-Rhone on 18 Nov. 1855. Having entered… -
Ferrea Miris Modis repente Liber (MIRIS MODIS REPENTE LIBER, FERREA)
« MIRIS MODIS REPENTE LIBER, FERREA ». - Hymn of Vespers on the feast of St. Peter in Chains. It consists of a single strophe taken from… -
Ferula
FERULA. - In the Middle Ages it was the bishop's pastoral staff, of which there is record in the 3rd century (PL 132, 970; 136, 907). It… -
Festivis Resonent Carmina Vocibus
"FESTIVIS RESONENT CARMINIBUS." - This is the hymn of Vespers for the feast of the Most Precious Blood, probably composed by Msgr. L.… -
Flabella (FLABELLI)
FLABELLA. - From flabellum = fan: under this name are commonly understood today the two large fans of white ostrich or peacock feathers,… -
Formal (FORMALE)
FORMAL. - Also called rational or pectoral, it is a plate of metal, of gold or silver, gemmed, the size of a hand, which is worn on the… -
Fortem Virili Pectore
"FORTEM VIRILI PECTORE." - This is the hymn of Vespers and Lauds in the Office of holy non-virgins, written by Cardinal Silvio Antoniani… -
Fraction of the Host (FRAZIONE DELL'OSTIA)
FRACTION OF THE HOST. - The rite of breaking the eucharistic Bread in the early Church was a purely ministerial function, an action born of… -
Gallican Liturgy (GALLICANA, LITURGIA)
GALLICAN, LITURGY. - It is the complex of official rites and prayers that was in use, especially before Charlemagne, in the Latin West,… -
Gavanti, Bartolomeo
GAVANTI, BARTOLOMEO. - Liturgist, of the Congregation of the Barnabites, b. at Monza in 1569, d. at Milan on 14 Aug. 1638. Summoned to… -
Genuflection (GENUFLESSIONE)
GENUFLECTION. - It is the act of bending the right knee as a gesture of veneration and, by extension, the posture adopted in prayer,… -
Giorgi, Domenico
GIORGI, DOMENICO. - Prelate, historian and liturgist, b. at Costa di Rovigo on 4 June 1690, d. at Rovigo on 21 July 1747. A priest (1773),… -
Giorgi Wardà (GIORGIO WARDÀ)
GIORGI WARDÀ. - Nestorian hymnographer of the 13th century, a native of Arbela, author of numerous (at least 150) religious hymns, included… -
Giver of Eternal Salvation (SALUTIS AETERNAE DATOR)
« SALUTIS AETERNAE DATOR ». - Hymn of Lauds in the Office of the feast of All Saints, by an unknown author; it appears in manuscripts of… -
Gleba
GLEBA: V. SERVI DELLA GLEBA. « GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO » (Hymnus angelicus). - A very ancient liturgical hymn found in various recensions: a… -
Gloria Patri
« GLORIA PATRI ». - A formula of praise and glorification of all three Divine Persons, it is a simple development of the Trinitarian… -
Glorious Poland (GENTIS POLONAE GLORIA)
« GENTIS POLONAE GLORIA ». - Hymn of Vespers of St. John of Kenty, composed by an unknown author for the introduction into the Breviary of… -
Gloves (GUANTI)
GLOVES. - The introduction of gloves (chirothecae) into the liturgy is due to the desire to make episcopal attire ever more distinct and… -
Goar, Jacques
GOAR, JACQUES. - Orientalist of the Order of Preachers, b. in Paris in 1601, d. September 23, 1653. Ordained a priest, he devoted himself… -
God Be Blessed (DIO SIA BENEDETTO)
«DIO SIA BENEDETTO». - Formula of praise to God, to Jesus Christ, to the Virgin and to St. Joseph, customarily recited or sung after the… -
Gonfalon (GONFALONE)
GONFALON. - It derives from the ancient German Gundfano, which is equivalent to Kriegsfalme, that is, war banner. In current usage it has… -
Gradual (GRADUALE)
GRADUAL. - I. THE BOOK. - The present Liber gradualis, an extract of which, later combined with parts of the Antiphonary, constitutes the… -
Gregorian Water (GREGORIANA, ACQUA)
GREGORIAN WATER. - It is prepared with salt, ashes and wine and is used in the consecration of a church for exorcistic purposes. St.… -
Haec Est Dies Qua Candidae
"HAEC EST DIES QUA CANDIDAE". - It is the hymn of Lauds in the Office of St. Teresa of Jesus: the author is not known; but the hymn appears… -
Hail, Flowers of Martyrs (SALVETE FLORES MARTYRUM)
«SALVETE FLORES MARTYRUM». - Hymn of Vespers and Lauds on the feast of the Innocents. It consists of two stanzas taken from the Hymnus… -
Hail, Holy Queen (SALVE REGINA)
HAIL, HOLY QUEEN. - The best known and most popular of the four Marian Antiphons, which are recited in honor of the Most Blessed Virgin at… -
Hail Mary (AVE MARIA)
«AVE MARIA». - A prayer to the Virgin, also called, since the Middle Ages, the angelic salutation. It is composed today of two distinct… -
Hail, Wounds of Christ (SALVETE CHRISTI VULNERA)
«SALVETE CHRISTI VULNERA». - Hymn of Lauds for the feast of the Most Precious Blood (v.), by an unknown author of the 18th century (cf. U.… -
Hittorp, Melchior
HITTORP, MELCHIOR. - Liturgist, canon of St. Maria ad Gradus and from 1583 dean of the collegiate church of St. Cunibert, b. in Cologne ca.… -
Holy Family (SACRA FAMIGLIA)
HOLY FAMILY. - I. LITURGY. - The liturgical cult of the Holy Family is recent. Its first manifestations are found only in the 17th century,… -
Holy Oil (OLIO SACRO)
SACRED OIL. - The term, also in canon law (can. 1271), is applied to vegetable, animal or adulterated products resembling oil; but in the… -
Holy Water Stoup (ACQUASANTIERA)
HOLY WATER STOUP. - It is the vessel intended to hold holy water. When it is placed near the entrance doors of churches, it generally has… -
Holy Week (Major Hebdomada, Hebdomada Sancta, Hebdomada Authentica) (SETTIMANA SANTA (MAJOR HEBDOMADA, HEBDOMADA SANCTA, HEBDOMADA AUTHENTICA))
HOLY WEEK (Major Hebdomada, Hebdomada Sancta, Hebdomada Authentica). - It is the week preceding Easter, also called "greater" or… -
Hominis Superne Conditor
"HOMINIS SUPERNE CONDITOR". - Hymn of Vespers for Friday, belonging to the Irish-Anglo-Saxon group. The poet draws his inspiration from the… -
House, Blessing Of The (CASA, BENEDIZIONE DELLA)
HOUSE, Blessing Of The. - The need to have one's dwelling under the protection of the deity has led all peoples to institute special… -
Iam Christus Astra Ascenderat
"IAM CHRISTUS ASTRA ASCENDERAT." - It is the hymn of Matins on the feast of Pentecost, of Ambrosian origin. The descent of the Holy Spirit… -
Iam Lucis Orto Sidere
"IAM LUCIS ORTO SIDERE." - Hymn sung at the beginning of the hour of Prime, composed by an unknown author of the school of St. Ambrose, and… -
Iam Morte Victor Obruta
"IAM MORTE VICTOR OBRUTA." - Hymn of Lauds for the feast of the Holy Rosary, composed by the Dominican Th. A. Ricchini (cf. A. Walz,… -
Iam Sol Recedit Igneus
« IAM SOL RECEDIT IGNEUS ». - Hymn at Vespers on Saturday, by an unknown author, belonging to the "Irish-Anglo-Saxon" group. With the… -
Iam Toto Subito Vesper Eat Polo
« IAM TOTO SUBITO VESPER EAT POLO ». - Hymn of Vespers for the feast of the Sorrowful Virgin, in Asclepiadean strophes, composed in the… -
Iconostasis (ICONÒSTASI)
ICONOSTASIS. - From the Greek εἰκοναστάσων. In itself, it is any fixture on which an icon is hung or fastened (G. Codinus, De officiis… -
Ideumelōn (Idēumelōn) (IDIOMELO (ἸΔΕΎΜΕΛΩΝ))
IDEUMELŌN (Idēumelōn). - It is a troparion or poetic strophe composed with a fixed number of syllables and with its own rhythm and melody,… -
Immensa Caeli Conditor (IMMENSE CAELI CONDITOR)
« IMMENSE CAELI CONDITOR ». - Hymn of Vespers on Monday, belonging to the Irish-Anglo-Saxon group. The inspiration from the second day of… -
Impropers (IMPROPERI)
IMPROPERS. - This is the name given to a series of reproaches that the Lord addresses to the Jewish people for the ingratitude shown toward… -
Incense (INCENSO)
INCENSE. - A resinous substance which, when burned, gives off a pleasant aromatic odor and smoke. I. SACRED SCRIPTURE. - In the Bible… -
In Monte Olivis Consito
« IN MONTE OLIVIS CONSITO ». - Hymn of Matins for the feast of the Holy Rosary, composed by Fr. T. A. Ricchini, a Dominican, and already… -
Innodic Canon (CANONE INNODICO)
INNODIC CANON. - It indicates the rule that must be followed in liturgical poetry. The rhythm, in such a case, presents a form or a module… -
Insufflation (INSUFFLAZIONE)
INSUFFLATION. - Like exsufflation, insufflation is an ancient ecclesiastical ceremony still used today in the solemn administration of… -
Introit (INTROITO)
INTROIT. - This is the name given in the Roman liturgy to the chant performed while the celebrant, in the solemn Mass, goes to the altar.… -
Invicte Martyr, Unicum
"INVICTE MARTYR, UNICUM". - Hymn of Lauds in the Common of a martyr, by an unknown author; it is already found in manuscripts of the 9th… -
IRMO (EIRMOS) (IRMO (ΕἸΡΜΌΣ))
IRMO (EIRMOS). - It is a rhythmic composition of a chant according to a determined meter, which serves as a model for linking (εἴρω) to it… -
Iste Confessor Domini, Colentes
«ISTE CONFESSOR DOMINI, COLENTES». - Hymn of Vespers in the Office of the Common of confessor pontiffs and non-pontiffs, whose author and… -
Italo-Byzantine Rite (ITALO-BIZANTINO, RITO)
ITALO-BYZANTINE, RITE. - It can be divided into two branches, the Italo-Greek and the Italo-Albanian. By the first designation is meant… -
Ite, Missa Est («Go, the dismissal is given») (ITE, MISSA EST («ANDATEVENE, C'È IL CONGEDO»))
ITE, Missa Est («Go, the dismissal is given»). - The dismissal in the Roman Mass, pronounced by the celebrant (in the solemn Mass by the… -
Jesus Crown More Exalted (IESU CORONA CELSIOR)
«IESU CORONA CELSIOR». - It is the hymn of Lauds in the Common of non-pontifical Confessors, composed by an unknown author of the 10th… -
Jesus, Crown of Virgins (IESU CORONA VIRGINUM)
"IESU CORONA VIRGINUM." - Hymn of Vespers and Lauds in the Common of Virgins, commonly attributed to St. Ambrose. Virginity has always… -
Jesus, Glory of Angels (IESU DECUS ANGELICUM)
"IESU DECUS ANGELICUM." - Hymn of Lauds for the feast of the Name of Jesus, taken from a composition of 49 stanzas wrongly attributed to… -
Jesus, Redeemer of All (IESU REDEMPTOR OMNIUM)
«IESU REDEMPTOR OMNIUM». - Hymn of Lauds in the Office of the Common of confessor pontiffs, in which the merits of the Saint whose feast is… -
Jesus, Redeemer Of All And Light (IESU REDEMPTOR OMNIUM-QUEM LUCIS)
«IESU REDEMPTOR OMNIUM-QUEM LUCIS». - It is the hymn of Vespers and Matins for the feast of Christmas, by an unknown author, from around… -
Jesus, Sweet Memory (IESU DULCIS MEMORIA)
«IESU DULCIS MEMORIA». - Hymn of Vespers on the feast of the Name of Jesus which, like the preceding one, is taken from the Iubilus… -
John Archicantor (GIOVANNI ARCICANTORE)
JOHN ARCHICANTOR. - Abbot of the small monastery of St. Martin, adjacent to the basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican and primicerius of the… -
Just Wrath of the Creator (IRA IUSTA CONDITORIS)
«IRA IUSTA CONDITORIS». - Hymn of Matins for the feast of the Most Precious Blood, composed and inserted into the Breviary under Pius IX.… -
Kellner, Karl Adam Heinrich
KELLNER, KARL ADAM HEINRICH. - Patrologist and liturgist, b. at Heiligenstadt am Eichfeld (Prussian Saxony) on 26 Aug. 1837, d. at Bonn on… -
Kiss (BACIO)
KISS. - In Catholic liturgy it is a frequently used gesture and takes on the character of veneration and homage, of affection and fraternal… -
Kyrie Eleison
KYRIE ELEISON. - "Lord, have mercy!" is a Greek invocation in language and origin, in sacred and profane use already in the ancient East,… -
Lamp (LAMPADA)
LAMP. - The use of the lamp for worship is of every time and place, responding to the need to illuminate sacred buildings; and since… -
Lauda Sion Salvatorem
«LAUDA SION SALVATOREM». - Sequence of the Mass of Corpus Christi, composed by St. Thomas Aquinas, probably at Orvieto in 1264, on the… -
Lauds (Morning Praise) (LODI (LAUDES MATUTINAE))
LAUDS (Morning Praise). - Solemn prayer at sunrise, already in use in the first Christian centuries (Tertullian, De oratione, 25: «ingressu… -
Laus Perennis (Ἔπαυστος Λειτουργία [or Δοξολογία]) (LAUS PERENNIS (ἜΠΑΥΣΤΟΣ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΊΑ [OPPURE ΔΟΞΟΛΟΓΊΑ]))
LAUS PERENNIS (Ἔπαυστος Λειτουργία [or Δοξολογία]). - Historians of ancient monasticism understand by l. p. perpetual psalmody, that is,… -
Laying on of Hands (IMPOSIZIONE DELLE MANI)
IMPOSITION OF HANDS. - A liturgical rite of rich symbolism and frequent use in the Church. In Greek the technical term for designating it… -
Le Brun, Pierre
LE BRUN, PIERRE. - Oratorian liturgist and theologian, b. June 11, 1661 at Brignoles (Var), d. in Paris on Jan. 6, 1729. Ordained a priest… -
Lectionary (LEZIONARIO)
LECTIONARY. - (Lectionarium, or -ius: from lectio, reading). This was the name given to the book that contained passages of Sacred… -
Lent (Quadragesima) (QUARESIMA (QUADRAGESIMA))
LENT (Quadragesima). - A sacred period of 40 days in preparation for Easter, to be sanctified by more frequent prayer, by works of charity,… -
Lesley, Alexander
LESLEY, ALEXANDER. - Jesuit, liturgist, b. in the county of Aberdeen (Scotland) on 7 Nov. 1694, d. in Rome on 27 March 1758. He taught… -
Lipsanotheca (LIPSANOTECA)
LIPSANOTHECA. - From the Greek λεβήσιον "remains, relic," with reference to the relics of the saints, and θήκη "receptacle," hence "relic… -
Litanies (LITANIE)
LITANIES. - I. GENERAL. - The term (from λιτανεία "prayer") has the general sense of prayer and even more that of supplication or prayer of… -
Liturgical Anointing (UNZIONE LITURGICA)
LITURGICAL ANOINTING. - It is that performed with holy oils, by which the persons or objects that receive it are separated from the profane… -
Liturgical Books (LIBRI LITURGICI)
LITURGICAL BOOKS. - This is the name given to the books that contain the official formulas, together with the relevant ritual prescriptions… -
Liturgical Colors (COLORI LITURGICI)
LITURGICAL COLORS. - According to the character of the day or the occasion of the sacred function, different colors are prescribed for the… -
Liturgical Language (LINGUA LITURGICA)
LITURGICAL LANGUAGE. - The idiom officially admitted in a given liturgical rite. I. NOTIONS. - The human word, with all its value as a… -
Liturgical Rotolo (ROTOLO LITURGICO)
LITURGICAL ROTOLO. - The liturgical ceremonies of Holy Saturday gave rise in southern Italy to a particular custom: the texts for the… -
Liturgical Station (STAZIONE LITURGICA)
LITURGICAL STATION. - A church in which, on certain occasions, the liturgical functions are celebrated. I. GENERAL NOTIONS. - Originally… -
Liturgy (LITURGIA)
LITURGY. - From λῆσον ἔργον = publicum opus. Among the Greeks it implied the concept of a public work, undertaken for the good and in the… -
Lucernare
LUCERNARE. - The hour of evening prayer, when lights were lit in the home. It is not to be confused with Vespers, although the times of the… -
Lucis Creator Optime
«LUCIS CREATOR OPTIME». - Hymn of Vespers in the Office of Sunday, composed by St. Ambrose. It opens the series of hymns that sing during… -
Lustra Sex Iam Peregit
"LUSTRA SEX IAM PEREGIT." - Hymn of Lauds in the Office of the Passion, which together with the Vexilla Regis and the Pange lingua… -
Lux Alma Iesu Mentium
"LUX ALMA IESU MENTIUM." - Hymn of Lauds for the feast of the Transfiguration; taken from the Jubilus rhythmicus de Nomine Iesu of the… -
Magistretti, Marco
MAGISTRETTI, MARCO. - Liturgist and historian, b. in Milan on 19 July 1862. A priest in 1884, he was prefect and master of ceremonies there… -
Magnae Deus Potentiae
« MAGNAE DEUS POTENTIAE ». - A hymn for Vespers on Thursday, belonging to the group of Irish-Anglo-Saxon origin, which makes its appearance… -
Manipolo (Manipulum, Mappula, Fano, Sudarium, Mantile, Manuale, Sestace)
MANIPOLO (Manipulum, Mappula, Fano, Sudarium, Mantile, Manuale, Sestace). - A liturgical vestment, worn on the left forearm so that its two… -
Mansionary (MANSIONARIO)
MANSIONARY. — The meanings of this term were various in the past (cf. Du Cange, s.v. in Glossarium mediae et infimae latinitatis, V, Pa- 43… -
Manuterge (Manuterium, Estersorium) (MANUTERGIO (MANUTERGIUM, ESTERSORIUM))
MANUTERGE (Manuterium, Estersorium). - It is the towel used in the liturgical ablutions. According to Cyril of Alexandria (Mystagogical… -
Marchesi, Luigi
MARCHESI, LUIGI. - Liturgist, missionary of St. Vincent, b. in Rome on 15 Nov. 1825, d. in Florence on 16 June 1872. He entered the… -
Maria Castis Oculis
« MARIA CASTIS OCULIS ». - It is the hymn at Matins for the feast of St. Mary Magdalene. It consists of a single strophe inspired by the… -
Martène, Edmond
MARTÈNE, EDMOND. - French Maurist Benedictine, writer and liturgist, b. at St-Jean-de-Losne on 22 Dec. 1654, d. at St-Germain-des-Prés on… -
Martinae Celebres Plaudite Nominis (MARTINAE CELEBRI PLAUDITE NOMINI)
"MARTINAE CELEBRI PLAUDITE NOMINI." - Hymn at Matins of the feast of St. Martina, composed by Urban VIII. St. Martina, a young Roman… -
Martyr, Venantius (MARTYR DEI VENANTIUS)
"MARTYR DEI VENANTIUS." - Hymn of Vespers for the feast of St. Venantius, by an unknown author, inserted into the Breviary by Clement X in… -
Maštoc' (MASHTOTS)
MAŠTOC'. - It is the Armenian Ritual properly so called, which contains the prayers and the practice for the administration of the… -
Matins (Matutinum, Laudes Matutinae, Officium Nocturnum) (MATTUTINO (MATUTINUM, LAUDES MATUTINAE, OFFICIUM NOCTURNUM))
MATINS (Matutinum, Laudes Matutinae, Officium Nocturnum). - I. In the most ancient sense (down to the 11th century) it is the morning… -
Matris Sub Almae Numine
"MATRIS SUB ALMAE NUMINE". - Hymn of Vespers for the feast of the Sts. Seven Founders, by an unknown author, composed in the 18th century… -
May, Month of (MAGGIO, MESE DI)
MAY, Month of. - Practice of particular devotions in honor of the B. V. Mary on every day of the month of May consecrated to her. Already… -
Meester, Placide de
MEESTER, PLACIDE de. - Benedictine monk, in the world Rudolph, born of a noble family in Antwerp on 9 February 1873, died in Rome on 28… -
Memoriale Rituum (Parvum Caeremoniale, Parvum Rituale)
MEMORIALE RITUUM (Parvum caeremoniale, Parvum rituale). - A modern book of the Roman rite, composed for the use of the lesser parishes of… -
Ménard, Nicolas-Hugues
MÉNARD, NICOLAS-HUGUES. - Historian and liturgist, b. in Paris in 1585, d. there on 20 January 1644. He professed the Rule of St. Benedict… -
Meneon
MENEON. - A liturgical book of the Greek rite, composed of 6 or 12 volumes, containing the proper chants and the biblical lessons of the… -
Merz, Philipp Paul
MERZ, PHILIPP PAUL. - Biblical homiletic-catechetical author, born at Augsburg. A Protestant, he was a Lutheran theologian and preacher at… -
Micrologus De Ecclesiasticis Observationibus
MICROLOGUS DE ECCLESIASTICIS OBSERVATIONIBUS. - It is a sober and accurate description of the liturgy of the Mass and of the liturgical… -
Missal (MESSALE)
MISSAL. - From the ecclesiastical Latin Missa, whence Missale or Liber Missalis, it is the liturgical book that contains the euchological… -
Mitra
MITRA. - A liturgical headdress, the distinctive insignia of the pope, of cardinals and bishops, to whom it belongs by right; and also of… -
Most Precious Blood of N (SANGUE PREZIOSISSIMO DI N)
MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF N. - Feast whose object is the "Most Precious Blood" that Christ shed for the salvation of the human race (v.… -
Mozarabic Rite (MOZARABICA, LITURGIA)
MOZARABIC, LITURGY. - A liturgy used officially in Spain until the second half of the 11th century, when the Roman liturgy was imposed, but… -
Mozzetta
MOZZETTA. - An outer garment worn by ecclesiastical dignitaries outside of liturgical functions; it is a small mantle that covers the… -
Muratori, Ludovico Antonio
MURATORI, LUDOVICO ANTONIO - Autograph reply to the letter of the anonymous Florentine on the edition of Villani's Cronache, published by… -
Name of Jesus, Feast of the (NOME DI GESÙ, FESTA DEL)
NAME OF JESUS, Feast of the. - Celebrated, since the reform of Pius X, on the Sunday falling between 2 and 5 January, and, when this is… -
Name of Mary, Feast of the (NOME DI MARIA, FESTA DEL)
NAME OF MARY, Feast of the. - Currently on September 12, double major. It originated in Spain from a concession for the diocese of Cuenca… -
Narthex (NARTECE)
NARTHEX. - From the Greek νάρθηξ, it denotes the inner space at the back of the basilica, delimited by railings or by doors called… -
Nativity of Mary, Saint (NATIVITÀ DI MARIA S.MA)
NATIVITY OF MARY MOST HOLY. - One of the major feasts of Our Lady, celebrated on September 8; a double of the second class, with a simple… -
Nocte Surgentes Vigilemus Omnes
« NOCTE SURGENTES VIGILEMUS OMNES ». - Hymn of Matins, used from the third Sunday after Pentecost to Sept. 27, by an unknown author. In the… -
Nocturns (Vigiliae Nocturnae, Nocturna Laus) (NOTTURNO (VIGILIAE NOCTURNAE, NOCTURNA LAUS))
NOCTURNS (Vigiliae Nocturnae, Nocturna Laus). - It was the canonical hour of the night already in use in the first Christian centuries… -
Nona
NONA. - It is that part of the Divine Office which is recited at the ninth hour (= 3 p.m.), according to the Greek-Roman division of the… -
Nox atra rerum contegit
« NOX ATRA RERUM CONTEGIT ». - Hymn of Matins on Thursday, by an unknown author. Night, the image of sin, veils with its shadow the colors… -
Nullis te genitor blanditiis trahit
"NULLIS TE GENITOR BLANDITIIS TRAHIT". - Hymn of praise for the feast of St. Hermenegild, composed by Urban VIII, when in 1636 he extended… -
Nunc Dimittis
"NUNC DIMITTIS." - Canticle uttered by the old Simeon (v.) on the occasion of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Lk. 2:29-32). The… -
Nunc Sancte Nobis Spiritus
"NUNC SANCTE NOBIS SPIRITUS." - Hymn of the canonical hour of Terce of the Divine Office, commonly attributed to St. Ambrose. According to… -
Obituary (OBITUARIO)
OBITUARY. - A register for para-liturgical use, very widespread in the Middle Ages and perpetuated down to the present day, containing the… -
Octavarium Romanum
OCTAVARIUM ROMANUM. - Liturgical book of the Roman Church, of optional use, which contains the lessons of the second and third Nocturn to… -
Octave (OTTAVA)
OCTAVE. - The extension of a liturgical feast over eight days. I. IDEA AND ORIGINS. - The prolongation of any solemn celebration, civil or… -
Octoechos
OCTOECHOS. - Liturgical book of the Byzantine rite, which contains the proper parts of the Divine Office for a series of eight consecutive… -
Offertory (OFFERTORIO)
OFFERTORY. - The name derives from the verb offerre (to offer, to bring), whose participle oblatum gave rise to the word "oblation,"… -
O Gente Felix Ospita
"O GENTE FELIX OSPITA." - Hymn of Lauds in the Office of the feast of the Holy Family, composed by Leo XIII. The humble family of Nazareth… -
O Gloriosa Virginum
« O GLORIOSA VIRGINUM ». - Hymn of Lauds in the Common Office of the feasts of Our Lady, composed by Venantius Fortunatus. Full of… -
O Lux Beata Caelitum
« O LUX BEATA CAELITUM ». - Hymn of Vespers for the feast of the Holy Family, composed by Leo XIII. The poet invokes Jesus, on whom the… -
Omnis Expertem Maculae Mariam
"OMNIS EXPERTEM MACULAE MARIAM." - Hymn of Vespers for the feast of the apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes, composed by Leo XIII. In it the… -
Omophorion (OMOFORIO)
OMOPHORION. - A liturgical vestment, distinctive of bishops of the Byzantine, Armenian, Syrian, Maronite and Coptic rites, it is a scarf… -
O Nimis Felix Meritique Celsi
« O NIMIS FELIX MERITIQUE CELSI ». - It is the third part of the hymn of the Office for the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist,… -
O Prima Virgo Prodita
"O PRIMA VIRGO PRODITA". - Hymn of Vespers for the feast of the Assumption, composed by the Jesuit Father V. Genovesi, for the new office… -
O Quot Undis Lacrymarum
« O QUOT UNDIS LACRYMARUM ». - Hymn of Matins in the Office of the feast of the Sorrows of Mary Most Holy (Sept. 15), composed in the 18th… -
Oratory (Liturgy) (ORATORIO (LITURGIA))
ORATORY (LITURGY). - It is a building or a sacred place destined, rather than for the use of all the faithful, for that of a college, a… -
Oremus (Let Us Pray) (OREMUS (PREGHIAMO))
OREMUS (LET US PRAY). - A generic invitation in the Roman rite from the celebrant to the faithful before the prayers at Mass (Collects,… -
Orthros
ORTHROS. - In the Byzantine rite this word designates the hour of the Divine Office that corresponds to Matins of the Latin Office, in-… -
Osanna
OSANNA. - A Hebrew acclamation that entered the liturgy following its use in the New Testament (Mt. 21, 9. 15; Mk. 11, 9; Jn. 12, 13). In… -
O Sola Magnarum Urbium
"O SOLA MAGNARUM URBIUM." - It is the hymn of Lauds for the feast of the Epiphany, taken from the Cathemerinon of Prudentius (canto 12,… -
O Sol Salutis, Intimis
« O SOL SALUTIS, INTIMIS ». - Hymn of Lauds for Lent, by an unknown author; it is found in manuscripts as early as the 10th century. Lent… -
Ostensorium (OSTENSORIO)
OSTENSORIUM. - It is a sacred vessel (monstrantia, tabernaculum [movable or portable], custodia) used for the solemn exposition of the Most… -
Ostiariate (OSTIARIATO)
OSTIARIATE. - The last in dignity of the minor orders, the first in conferral. It confers on the cleric the office of doorkeeper… -
Pallium (PALLIO)
PALLIUM. - It is a band of white wool, 4-6 cm. wide, marked with 6 crosses of black silk, wrapped around the shoulders, with the two ends… -
Palm Sunday (PALME, DOMENICA DELLE)
PALM SUNDAY. - The Sunday that precedes Easter has been called, since the time of Isidore of Seville (d. 636), D. delle p. (dies palmarum).… -
Pange Lingua, Glorious (PANGE LINGUA, GLORIOSI)
"PANGE LINGUA, GLORIOSI." - Hymn of Vespers for the feast of Corpus Christi, composed by (per cortesia di mon. d. P. Frutas) PAMPHILUS,… -
Pannychis
PANNYCHIS. - This word can designate several liturgical Offices in the Byzantine rite. 1) Today among the Greeks the p. is the divine… -
Paschal Candle (CERO PASQUALE)
PASCHAL CANDLE. - It is a large candle, artistically decorated, blessed on Holy Saturday, and placed on a candlestick (often an artistic… -
Paschale Mundo Gaudium
"PASCHALE MUNDO GAUDIUM." - Hymn of Lauds in the common of the Apostles during the Easter season. The three stanzas of which it is composed… -
Passionario
PASSIONARIO. - P. (from passionarius or passionale) or legendary is the collection of libelli devoted to the account of the life,… -
Pastophorion (PASTOFORIO)
PASTOPHORION. - Hellenistic taste led the builders of Christian basilicas to conceal the apse's rotunda behind a straight wall; hence the… -
Pastoral Staff (Baculus, understood as Pastoralis; Cambuta, Ferula) (PASTORALE (BACULUS, SOTTINTESO PASTORALIS; CAMBUTA, FERULA))
PASTORAL STAFF (Baculus, understood as Pastoralis; Cambuta, Ferula). - A liturgical insignia proper to the bishop and to abbots in… -
Paten (PATENA)
PATEN. - From the Greek πατάνη = plate. It is a round metal plate, used already in ancient times at Mass, as an indispensable complement to… -
Pater Noster
PATER NOSTER. - The prayer taught by Jesus to the Apostles, and for that reason called Oratio dominicalis. It is the prayer par excellence… -
Pater Superni Luminis
« PATER SUPERNI LUMINIS ». - Hymn of Vespers for the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, composed by St. Robert Bellarmine. The scene that took… -
Patron (Liturgy) (PATRONO (LITURGIA))
PATRON (LITURGY). - I. NOTION. - P., in the liturgical sense, means a saint who, by ancient tradition or by legitimate election, is… -
Peace, Instrument of (PACE, STRUMENTO DI)
PEACE, INSTRUMENT OF. - A liturgical instrument, mentioned by the Missale romanum (Ritus servandus in celebr. Missa, tit. X, n. 3, n. 8);… -
Pentecost (PENTECOSTE)
PENTECOST. - I. SACRED SCRIPTURE. - A Jewish feast, 7 weeks or 50 days (whence the Greek name "fiftieth" [day]) after Passover, which… -
Pentecostarion
PENTECOSTARION. - Liturgical book of the Byzantine rite, which contains the proper parts of the Divine Office for the Easter season, that… -
Piviale
PIVIALE - P. of St. Albuin of Bressanone parishes, 23 diocesan priests and 27 religious; 3 institutes of education for boys and 3 for girls… -
Placare Christe Servulis
"PLACARE CHRISTE SERVULIS". - Hymn of Vespers for the feast of All Saints, by an unknown author; it is found in manuscripts from as early… -
Planet (Planeta, Casula, Amphibolus) (PIANETA (PLANETA, CASULA, AMPHIBOLUS))
PLANET (Planeta, Casula, Amphibolus). - A sacred outer vestment, proper to priests in the celebration of Mass. In current use, for two or… -
Pontifical (PONTIFICALE)
PONTIFICAL. - It is the liturgical book that contains the description (rubrics) and the formulas of the functions normally reserved to the… -
Postcommunio
POSTCOMMUNION. - In the Latin rite (Roman, Ambrosian, Gallican and Mozarabic) it is the prayer said by the priest after Communion and after… -
Praeclara Custos Virginum
«PRAECLARA CUSTOS VIRGINUM». - Hymn of Matins for the feast of the Immaculate Conception, composed in the 17th century and introduced into… -
Prayer (Liturgy) (ORAZIONE (LITURGIA))
PRAYER (LITURGY). - Here the term o. is taken in the precise meaning it assumes in the liturgy: the prayer recited by the officiant (bishop… -
Preface (PREFAZIO)
PREFACE. - It is the solemn prayer of praise and thanksgiving sung or recited, after the Offertory has ended, at the beginning of the… -
Presentation of Mary, Saint, Feast of the (PRESENTAZIONE DI MARIA S.MA, FESTA DELLA)
PRESENTATION OF MARY, Saint, Feast of the. - The feast of the P. is one of the minor Marian feasts of the universal Church and is… -
Prima
FIRST. - Canonical hour recited at the beginning of the day. It consists of two distinct parts, Prime properly so called (the office of the… -
Primo Die Quo Trinitas
«PRIMO DIE QUO TRINITAS». - Hymn of Matins of the ordinary Office of Sunday; by an unknown author; it is found in manuscripts of the 9th… -
Procession (PROCESSIONE)
PROCESSION. - From pro "forward" and cedere "to walk," it is in general the ceremonial, public, measured-pace advance of a group that… -
Prostration (Προσκύνησις) (PROSTRAZIONE (ΠΡΟΣΚΎΝΗΣΙΣ))
PROSTRATION (Προσκύνησις). - It is the act of throwing oneself to the ground, touching it with one's forehead, a sign of the deepest…