26-Aug-08 4:00 PM CST

Exhibition Glossary

Alb
A white linen vestment with close fitting sleeves, reaching nearly to the ground and secured round the waist by a girdle (cincture).

Antependium
A hanging suspended over and in front of the altar.

Bascinet
A light helmet, at first open, but later made with a visor.

Cassock
A long outer garment worn by clerics and servers. It is usually black, but red is worn by Cardinals and white by the pope.

Chalice
A large cup that is used at Mass to hold the wine that becomes the blood of Jesus Christ.

Chasuble
A sleeveless outer vestment covering the stole and the alb (part of the proper garb of the priest during Mass). Colors vary depending on the season of the Church.

Ciborium
A canopy of stone, wood or marble supported on four columns over an altar, or the chalice-like vessel or bowl that contains the Host used in the liturgical celebration of the Mass.

Crosier or Pastoral Staff
Staff resembling a shepherd’s crook carried by bishops and abbots as a symbol of their office. The staff used by the Popes Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II and Benedict XVI is topped with a crucifix.

Cruets
A pitcher-like vessel that contains water or wine at Mass.

Dalmatic
The dalmatic is the outer liturgical vestment of the deacon.

Lavabo
The first word of that portion of Psalm 25 said by the celebrant at Mass while he washes his hands after the Offertory, from which word the whole ceremony is named.

Liturgy
Rites and ceremonies prescribed by the Church for communal worship.

Mandylion
Painting on linen cloth.

Missal
A book containing all the texts for Mass for a whole year.

Miter
A liturgical headdress worn by bishops and abbots.

Morion
A crested metal helmet with a curved peak in front and back, worn by soldiers in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Mozzetta
A short, usually elbow-length cape that encircles a prelate.

Pallium
The modern pallium is a circular band (made with lamb wool) about two inches wide, worn about the neck, breast, and shoulders, and having two pendants, one hanging down in front and one behind. It is worn by the pope and all metropolitan archbishops as a sign of collegial unity and to reaffirm their role as shepherds.

Papal Tiara
A three tiered crown worn by the popes until the pontificate of Paul VI.

Paten
A saucer like dish that matches the chalice used on the altar for the host (bread) that becomes the body of Christ during Mass.

Pax
A tablet to be kissed during the ritual exchange of peace before the reception of communion used until the 2^nd Vatican Council.

Poleax
A medieval battle-ax consisting of a long shaft ending in an ax or a combination of an ax, hammer, and pick.

Reliquary
A container that stores and displays the bones and other remains of the saints. It is usually made of gold or silver and encrusted with gems to signify that saints are more precious than any material object.

Thurible
Also called a censer, a vessel suspended by chains, and used for burning incense at solemn Mass,Vespers, Benediction, processions, and other important offices of the Church.

Zucchetto
The small, round skullcap of the ecclesiastic.