Liturgy
Liturgia · 167 articles · Principal contributors · All subjectsVarious Topics (Argomenti vari)
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Abacus (ABACO)
ABACUS. - 1. IN THE LITURGY. - From the Greek ἄβαξ = tablet, it is the small table which, according to the Caeremoniale Episcoporum, must… -
Ablution (Latin ab-luo, Greek ἀπο-λοίω 'wash away') (ABLUZIONE (LAT. AB-LUO, GR. ἈΠΟ-ΛΟΊΩ « PORTO VIA LAVANDO »))
ABLUTION (Latin ab-luo, Greek ἀπο-λοίω 'wash away'). - A. is a rite directed at putting an individual or a group in a state of ritual… -
Acclamation (Latin ad-clamatio, Greek ἀπιφώνησις) (ACCLAMAZIONE (LAT. AD-CLAMATIO, GR. ἈΠΙΦΏΝΗΣΙΣ))
ACCLAMATION (Lat. ad-clamatio, Gk. ἀπιφώνησις). - It is the clamor that rises from a moved multitude (shouting and singing are proper to a… -
Ad Libitum
AD LIBITUM. - It is an expression that has various uses in the liturgy. With regard to the "Rubrics" it refers to the free use of certain… -
Ad Multos Annos
AD MULTOS ANNOS. - A greeting and wish for long life that a consecrated bishop addresses to his consecrator at the end of the consecration… -
Agenda
AGENDA. - A Latin word meaning "that which must be done." Originally it was used in liturgy to indicate the Canon of the Mass and also the… -
Agnus Dei
AGNUS DEI. - Liturgical formula introduced into the Mass by Pope Sergius I, following an ancient Greek usage, with direct allusion to the… -
Agnus Dei, Blessing of the (AGNUS DEI, BENEDIZIONE DEGLI)
AGNUS DEI, Blessing of the. - The Agnus Dei currently in use are medallions of white wax, oval in shape, of varying size, blessed by the… -
Akathist (ACATISTO)
AKATHIST. - A hymn of the Greek liturgy that celebrates the mystery of the Incarnation. The first meaning, from ἀκάθιστος (ἀκαθίζομαι),… -
Alleluia
ALLELUIA. - A Hebrew religious acclamation ("Praise the Lord"), which passed into the Christian liturgy. 1. IN THE BIBLE. - The expression… -
Almuzia
ALMUZIA. - A form of hood joined to a short mantle, whose rear part was longer than the front, which in the Middle Ages constituted the… -
Amen
AMEN. - Biblical and liturgical acclamation. 1. BIBLICAL USE. - Derived from the root 'āman' "to be firm, to sustain," the word Amen (Heb.… -
Amitto
AMITTO. - A sacred garment of cloth (approx. 0.70 x 0.80 m.), to be placed around the neck and over the shoulders, provided with ribbons to… -
Anadocus (Ὁ Ἀνάδοχος = «Guarantor») (ANÀDOCO (Ὁ ἈΝΆΔΟΧΟΣ = «GARANTE»))
ANADOCUS (Ὁ Ἀνάδοχος = «Guarantor»). - In the Byzantine liturgy it is the equivalent of godparent. His presence is required at Baptism,… -
Anamnesis (Ὀνόμησις) (ANAMNÈSI (ὈΝΌΜΝΗΣΙΣ))
ANAMNESIS (Ὀνόμησις). - Remembrance, commemoration, it is that part of the Canon of the Mass which immediately follows the Consecration and… -
Anaphora (Ἀναφορά: Presentation, Offering) (ANÀFORA (ἈΝΑΦΟΡΆ: PRESENTAZIONE, OFFERTA))
ANAPHORA (Ἀναφορά: Presentation, Offering). - It originally designated the bread to be offered in the Mass, and later became a generic name… -
Antimension
ANTIMENSION. - It is the portable altar of the Greeks. The Latin Church in time adopted only portable altars of stone, while the Greek… -
Apodeipnon (Ἀπόδειπνον) (APODIPNON (ἈΠΌΔΕΙΠΝΟΝ))
APODEIPNON (Ἀπόδειπνον). - In the churches of the Byzantine rite it is a divine office intended to implore blessing during sleep, which… -
Apolitikion (Ἀπολυτίκιον)
APOLITIKION (Ἀπολυτίκιον). - It is a troparion, that is, a brief hymnographic stanza, which in the Greek liturgy is mostly sung at the end… -
Apologia in the Mass (APOLOGIA NELLA MESSA)
APOLOGIA IN THE MASS. - Under this name, in the ancient liturgy, certain prayers were designated that the priest recited to implore… -
Apolysis (Ἀπόλοισις) (APOLISI (ἈΠΌΛΟΙΣ))
APOLYSIS (Ἀπόλοισις). - In the Byzantine rite it indicates the dismissal of the faithful at the end of the sacred liturgy and of the other… -
Apomirism (τὸ Ἀπομίρισμα) (APOMIRISMO (ΤῸ ἈΠΟΜΎΡΙΣΜΑ))
APOMIRISM (τὸ Ἀπομίρισμα). - It was the act of anointing the body or some diseased part with ointment that came from the relics or the tomb… -
Arcano, Discipline of the (ARCANO, DISCIPLINA DELL')
ARCANO, Discipline of the. - With the expression disciplina arcani, used for the first time by the Protestant theologian Jean Daillé… -
Aspergillum (ASPERSORIO)
ASPERGILLUM. - È uno strumento di argento, oro od altro metallo, che serve a spruzzare di acqua benedetta le persone e gli oggetti. Oltre… -
Aspersion (ASPERSIONE)
ASPERSION. - It is the act of sprinkling holy water on persons or things, usually using a metal instrument or branches of certain plants… -
Asterisk (ASTERISCO)
ASTERISK. - Così è denominata una piccola stelletta usata nei libri liturgici per segnare, con pausa, la metà di ogni versetto nei salmi,… -
Bacile
BASIN. - I. IN THE LITURGY. - A large dish, mostly of metal, used for the various ablutions customary in the liturgy. Especially in the… -
Ball (PALLA)
BALL. - In the current liturgical sense it is a small square of linen, about 20-25 cm, used to cover the chalice, especially from the… -
Baptismal Font (FONTE BATTESIMALE)
BAPTISMAL FONT. - In Christian antiquity, when the Sacrament of Baptism was administered by immersion, the baptismal font, generally… -
Blessing of Virgins (VERGINI, BENEDIZIONE DELLE)
BLESSING OF VIRGINS. - An ancient and solemn ceremony of the Latin-Roman rite, for blessing and consecrating religious women who live in… -
Bourse (BORSA)
BOURSE. - To keep the corporal with decency and reverence, when it was reduced to its present dimensions, the burse was introduced. In… -
Breaking of Bread (Ἐλᾶσις τοῦ δρῦσου) (FRACTIO PANIS (ἘΛΑ͂ΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ͂ ΔΡΥ͂ΣΟΥ))
BREAKING OF BREAD (Ἐλᾶσις τοῦ δρῦσου). - It is the act of breaking bread to indicate a meal in (de Hieronymi Fracastori... carmina,… -
Calzari
CALZARI (FOOTWEAR). - Under the name c. it is commonly understood to mean everything that covers the foot and the leg, whether shoe or… -
Camauro
CAMAURO. - It is a kind of cap that covers the whole head and also the ears, which was used outside of sacred functions. In its current… -
Campanello
CAMPANELLO. - When in the 12th century the elevation of the sacred Species was introduced into the Mass, c. or handbells, already known… -
Candelabrum (CANDELIERE)
CANDELABRUM. - I. LITURGY. - The liturgical candlestick derives its origin from the usual furniture of Roman houses, and for this reason… -
Candleholder (Bugia, Cerarium) (PALMATORIA (BUGIA, CERARIUM))
CANDLEHOLDER (Bugia, Cerarium). - A low candlestick, carried in the palm of the hand (whence the name), or a small dish of metal or other… -
Candles (CANDELE)
CANDLES. - They are the most common and obligatory means of liturgical illumination in religious functions. According to current… -
Canon Of The Mass (CANONE DELLA MESSA)
CANON OF THE MASS. - The word c., having entered the ecclesiastical lexicon, from the 6th century onward is used to indicate the most… -
Canticle (CANTICO)
CANTICLE. - I. GENERAL NOTIONS. - A canticle (in Greek 686) is generally said to be a poetic composition, intended for singing, for praise… -
Cantoria
CANTORIA. - It is generally the place in a church that is set aside for the singers, but in particular in present usage it is a gallery,… -
Cappa
CAPPA. - Originally it was a wide sleeveless cloak, often provided with a hood, and it covered the whole person; it was used from antiquity… -
Capuchin Hood (CAPPUCCIO)
CAPUCHIN HOOD. - It is the upper part of the garment with which the ancients covered their heads and which was called cucullus. It is used… -
Cassock (CÀMICE)
CASSOCK. - A white linen garment (called for this reason alba in liturgical language), reaching down to the feet, worn by ecclesiastics in… -
Catafalque (CATAFALCO)
CATAFALQUE. - For funeral services a special structure is erected in churches, surrounded by candles, called tumulus; castrum doloris;… -
Cathedra (CATTEDRA)
CATHEDRA. - From the Greek καθέδρα: a seat with a backrest or a back of greater or lesser height, often provided with a cushion. The c.… -
Cathedral (CATTEDRALE)
CATHEDRAL. - It is the principal church of the diocese, where the cathedra or throne of the bishop is located. Also called "Duomo" or house… -
Ceremonial Master (CEROFERARIO)
CEREMONIAL MASTER. - He who in solemn functions carries the lighted candle on the candlestick. In ancient times, as a sign of special… -
Ceremony (CERIMONIA)
CEREMONY. - In the liturgical sense, a c. is a gesture, an action, a movement, or a complex of these, instituted by the competent… -
Chalice (CALICE)
CHALICE. - It is that one, among the sacred vessels, in which the eucharistic wine is consecrated during the Mass. I. ARCHAEOLOGY. - Just… -
Chant (CANTO)
CHANT. - I. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS. - Chant in the Church originally had the purpose of making public prayer more solemn: it is therefore… -
Chapter (CAPITOLO)
CHAPTER. - From the Latin capitulum, a diminutive of caput, the term came to mean: 1) the various divisions of a book; 2) the passage of… -
Chorus (CORO)
CHORUS. - With the term χερός the Greeks originally designated the group of dancers who sang the dithyramb around the altar of Dionysus;… -
Chrism (CRISMA)
CHRISM. - From as early as the 5th century the Greeks were accustomed to mix aromatic substances with the holy oil, and the Latins, a… -
Church (CHIESA)
CHURCH. - "It is the community of all the faithful, united by the profession of the same faith, by participation in the same Sacraments,… -
Cingulum (CINGOLO)
CINGULUM. - From the profane use of a belt to keep the tunic fixed around the hips, the sacred vestment arose in the form of a cord, with… -
Colivi
COLIVI. - In the Byzantine rite this word designates a kind of sweet, made mainly of cooked wheat or rice, with the addition of raisins,… -
Colletta
COLLETTA. - It denotes: 1) the place of assembly which in the ancient Roman Orders is regularly indicated on the individual days of Lent… -
Colymbion (Κολύμβιον)
COLYMBION (Κολύμβιον). - It is a basin or vessel in which holy water was blessed and kept (holy water stoup), first in the atrium, then at… -
Commemoration (COMMEMORAZIONE)
COMMEMORATION. - Quando di uno o più santi o di una feria, vigilia od ottava non si può recitare l'ufficio e la Messa per l'occorrenza di… -
Communion of Saints (COMMUNE SANCTORUM)
COMMUNION OF SAINTS. - It is the third of the great parts into which the Roman Missal and Breviary are divided, and it comprises a… -
Competentes
COMPETENTES. - These were those catechumens who, after the period of probation, gave their names in order to receive Baptism on Holy… -
Compline (COMPIETA)
COMPLINE. - The last hour of the Divine Office. I. NAME. - It derives from the Latin completa, completorium (also used as an adjective in… -
Concelebration (CONCELEBRAZIONE)
CONCELEBRATION. - In a broad sense it is the assistance and active participation of ministers and faithful in sacred functions; in a… -
Consecration (CONSACRAZIONE)
CONSECRATION. - It is the stable and legally valid passage of a person or thing from the profane order (ius humanum) to the sacred order… -
Consuetudines
CONSUETUDINES. - These are particular ordinances designed to regulate the uniformity of the sacred functions, made necessary, especially in… -
Corporal (CORPORALE)
CORPORAL. - It is a square of linen on which the Eucharistic Species and the sacred vessels are placed. Its name derives from the office of… -
Cotta
COTTA. - White tunic used by priests in rites not joined to the Mass, and by clerics. Christian liturgy always willed ecclesiastics to be… -
Crepitacolo
CREPITACOLO. - From the Latin crepitaculum, crepitaculum: a wooden toy that makes a noise when shaken. It is also called battola, tabella… -
Cross-Bearer (CROCIFERO)
CROSS-BEARER. - According to an ancient Christian custom the cross, as the banner of Christ, precedes all the sacred processions of the… -
Cursus
CURSUS. - The ancient orators, in delivering their speeches, were accustomed to modulate the ends of sentences in order to make their… -
Dalmatic (DALMATICA)
DALMATIC. - A liturgical vestment proper to the deacon. It was a white, ankle-length garment, reserved for the higher classes (emperors,… -
Decreta Authentica Sacrae Rituum Congregationis
DECRETA AUTHENTICA SACRAE RITUUM CONGREGATIONIS. - Under this name comes the collection of the decrees and other decisions of the Sacred… -
Doxology (DOSSOLOGIA)
DOXOLOGY. - A Greek word, from δόξα = glory and λόγος = discourse, which denotes a liturgical formula for glorifying either God (as often… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
Exequies (ESEQUIE,)
ESEQUIE (Funeral Rites) - The very ancient tradition of aiding the souls of the dead with special prayers has been uninterruptedly upheld… -
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… -
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… -
Felonius (FELONIO)
FELONIUS. - It is the Roman paenula (Gr. φελόνιον, by corruption of φεινάλιον or φενάλιον), but from the ancient and ample form that… -
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… -
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… -
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,… -
Gloves (GUANTI)
GLOVES. - The introduction of gloves (chirothecae) into the liturgy is due to the desire to make episcopal attire ever more distinct and… -
Gonfalon (GONFALONE)
GONFALON. - It derives from the ancient German Gundfano, which is equivalent to Kriegsfalme, that is, war banner. In current usage it has… -
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.… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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.… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
Lipsanotheca (LIPSANOTECA)
LIPSANOTHECA. - From the Greek λεβήσιον "remains, relic," with reference to the relics of the saints, and θήκη "receptacle," hence "relic… -
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 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 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… -
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… -
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… -
Mitra
MITRA. - A liturgical headdress, the distinctive insignia of the pope, of cardinals and bishops, to whom it belongs by right; and also of… -
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… -
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… -
Octave (OTTAVA)
OCTAVE. - The extension of a liturgical feast over eight days. I. IDEA AND ORIGINS. - The prolongation of any solemn celebration, civil or… -
Offertory (OFFERTORIO)
OFFERTORY. - The name derives from the verb offerre (to offer, to bring), whose participle oblatum gave rise to the word "oblation,"… -
Omophorion (OMOFORIO)
OMOPHORION. - A liturgical vestment, distinctive of bishops of the Byzantine, Armenian, Syrian, Maronite and Coptic rites, it is a scarf… -
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,… -
Ostensorium (OSTENSORIO)
OSTENSORIUM. - It is a sacred vessel (monstrantia, tabernaculum [movable or portable], custodia) used for the solemn exposition of the Most… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
Postcommunio
POSTCOMMUNION. - In the Latin rite (Roman, Ambrosian, Gallican and Mozarabic) it is the prayer said by the priest after Communion and after… -
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… -
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… -
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… -
Psalmody (SALMODIA)
PSALMODY. - I. DEFINITION. - The singing of the psalms and canticles of the Church is called p. Liturgical tradition indicates three ways… -
Purificatorio (Abstensorium, Exstorsorium)
PURIFICATORIO (Abstensorium, Exstorsorium). - A small rectangle of linen (25/30 cm. x 40/50 cm.) used at Mass to dry the fingers, the lips… -
Pyxides (PISSIDE)
PYXIDES. - A liturgical vessel for the reservation of the Eucharist for Communion, from πυξις, πύξος, Latin pyxis, a box, a small round or… -
Quarantore
QUARANTORE (Forty Hours). - To honor Jesus Christ during the 40 hours in which he lay dead in the tomb, at a time not precisely determined,… -
Ring (ANELLO)
RING. - It cannot be determined with certainty when the ring assumed in the Church the meaning of authority, dignity and pre-eminence that… -
Rite (RITO)
RITE. - I. IN THE HISTORY OF RELIGIONS. - In a general line applicable to all religions, by r. (etymology uncertain) is meant the norm that… -
Rochet (Camisia, Alba Romana, Succa, Saroth, Sarcotium, Sarcos, Rocchettum, Diminutive of Late Latin Roccus "Garment") (ROCCHETTO (CAMISIA, ALBA ROMANA, SUCCA, SAROTH, SARCOTIUM, SARCOS, ROCCHETTUM, DIMINUTIVO DEL BASSO LATINO ROCCUS «ABITO»))
ROCHET (Camisia, Alba Romana, Succa, Saroth, Sarcotium, Sarcos, Rocchettum, Diminutive of Late Latin Roccus "Garment"). - It is a vestment… -
Rubrics (RUBRICHE)
RUBRICS. - I. NOTION. - By "rubrics," in the liturgical sense, are meant the prescriptions that regulate the conduct of the Church's… -
Sacramentals (SACRAMENTALI)
SACRAMENTALS. - They are things or actions which the Church, in some way imitating the Sacraments, uses in order to obtain, by virtue of… -
Sacrarium (Piscina, Lavatorium) (SACRARIO (PISCINA, LAVAERUM))
SACRARIUM (Piscina, Lavatorium). - A small underground cistern covered by a movable stone, placed in a corner of a sacred place or of the… -
Sacred Furnishings (ARREDI SACRI)
SACRED FURNISHINGS. - 1. LITURGY. - These are the objects used for worship, especially those that relate most closely to the Most Holy… -
Sacred Stone (Petra Sacra, Tabula Sacra; Gestatorium, Itinerarius, Viaticum) (PIETRA SACRA (PETRA SACRA, TABULA SACRA; GESTATORIUM, ITINERARIUS, VIATICUM))
SACRED STONE (Petra Sacra, Tabula Sacra; Gestatorium, Itinerarius, Viaticum). - A square or rectangular slab (25 x 30 cm.) consecrated by… -
Sacred Vestments (VESTI SACRE)
SACRED VESTMENTS. - These are the garments worn by sacred ministers in liturgical functions. To render worship more august and for greater… -
Sacristy (Secretarium, Sacrarium, Salutatorium) (SACRISTIA (SECRETARIUM, SACRARIUM, SALUTATORIUM))
SACRISTY (Secretarium, Sacrarium, Salutatorium). - A room attached to the church, where the sacred ministers prepare and vest for the… -
Salt (In the Liturgy) (SALE (NELLA LITURGIA))
SALT (IN THE LITURGY). - Salt was used in sacrifices among the Hebrews (Lev. 2:13), the Romans and the Greeks. The Romans attributed to… -
Secreta (Understood Prayer; Super Oblata; Sacred) (SECRETA (SOTTINTESO ORATIO; SUPER OBLATA; SACRA))
SECRETA (Understood Prayer; Super Oblata; Sacred). - The prayer of the Mass that is recited over the offerings before the Preface, called… -
Sext (SESTA)
SEXT. - Canonical hour to be recited at the sixth hour of the day (according to the Greco-Roman division), that is, at noon. The hymn… -
Stole (More Antiquely Orarium) (STOLA (PIÙ ANTICAMENTE ORARIUM))
STOLE (More Antiquely Orarium). - It is a liturgical insignia, common to deacons, priests and bishops, but worn differently: by deacons on… -
Sucinctory (Subcinctorium, Subcingulum, Perizoma; Balteus, Praecinctorium, Semicinctium) (SUCCINTORIO (SUBCINCTORIUM, SUBCINGULUM, PERIZOMA; BALTEUS, PRAECINCTORIUM, SEMICINCTIUM))
SUCINCTORY (Subcinctorium, Subcingulum, Perizoma; Balteus, Praecinctorium, Semicinctium). - An ornament of the Pope at solemn Mass. It is a… -
Terza
TERZA. - The canonical hour of the third hour of the day, which corresponds to 9 o'clock. It is the most solemn of the minor hours and… -
Titles of the Roman Church (TITOLI DELLA CHIESA ROMANA)
TITLES OF THE ROMAN CHURCH. - This term today designates the churches of Rome over which a cardinal of the Order of Priests is placed. I.… -
Tract (Tractus) (TRATTO (TRACTUS))
TRACT (Tractus). - It is the chant that follows the Gradual (v.) and takes the place of the Alleluia, in the penitential seasons from… -
Triduum, Octave (Octiduum), Novena (TRIDUO, OTTAVARIO (OTTIDUO), NOVENA)
TRIDUUM, Octave (Octiduum), Novena. - These are popular forms of devotion tied to a certain number of days, during which, through various… -
Trisagion (TRISAGIO)
TRISAGION. - From the Greek τρεῖς - ἅγιος: a hymn in which the word Sanctus is repeated three times. A distinction is made between the… -
Trope (TROPO)
TROPE. - An ornament of liturgical chant by interpolation or addition, which for that reason tends to embellish by lengthening. This is… -
Umbrellino (Umbella, Umbraculum) (OMBRELLINO (UMBELLA, UMBRACULUM))
UMBRELLINO (Umbella, Umbraculum). - A small, folding umbrella of white damask silk (red in the Ambrosian rite), trimmed with gold or silk… -
Vespers (Vesperae, Agenda Vespertina, Synaxis Vespertina, Solennitas Vespertina, Gratia Vespertina, Duodecima) (VESPRI (VESPERAE, AGENDA VESPERTINA, SYNAXIS VESPERTINA, SOLENNITAS VESPERTINA, GRATIA VESPERTINA, DUODECIMA))
VESPERS (Vesperae, Agenda vespertina, Synaxis vespertina, Solennitas vespertina, Gratia vespertina, Duodecima). - Canonical hour at sunset;… -
Vigilia
VIGIL. - It is the day that precedes, as a preparation, the great feasts of the Lord (Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost) and those of… -
Washing of the Feet (LAVANDA DEI PIEDI)
WASHING OF THE FEET. - It is a ceremony performed on Holy Thursday. In ancient times it followed Baptism, but it was soon abandoned in… -
Way of the Cross (VIA CRUCIS)
WAY OF THE CROSS. - This name is customarily used to indicate the journey that Jesus, bearing the Cross, made from > (photo Giordani) > VIA…