humeral veil
Noun: A liturgical vestment used in some Christian traditions, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church. It is a long, narrow piece of cloth, often made of silk, worn over the shoulders and used by a priest, deacon, or subdeacon during specific parts of a liturgical service, such as the exposition or benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
The humeral veil is a ceremonial garment. Its primary function is to cover the hands of the minister when holding a sacred object, such as the monstrance during Eucharistic adoration or the ciborium when carrying the Blessed Sacrament. This practice signifies reverence and the separation of the sacred object from direct human contact.
- Noun:
- The deacon wore the humeral veil while carrying the monstrance in the procession.
- The humeral veil used for the ceremony was made of white silk embroidered with gold thread.
- Liturgical Context: The use of the humeral veil is prescribed in specific rubrics for solemn liturgical rites. It is not worn throughout an entire Mass but is donned for particular moments of handling sacred vessels.
- According to the rubrics, the priest puts on the humeral veil before imparting the blessing with the Blessed Sacrament.
- Veil (n): A piece of fine material worn to protect or conceal the face or head. In a liturgical context, it can refer to various cloths used to cover sacred objects.
- Stole (n): A long, narrow strip of cloth worn over the shoulders by clergy, representing the authority of their office. Unlike the humeral veil, it is worn throughout a service.
- Chasuble (n): The principal outer vestment worn by a priest celebrating Mass.
- Liturgical veil: A general term for veils used in worship.
- Offertory veil: A less common and more specific term, sometimes used historically.
The humeral veil is a specific item of liturgical vesture. Its name derives from the Latin humerus, meaning "shoulder," indicating how it is worn. It is distinct from other veils used to cover chalices or patens. Its use emphasizes the dignity of the Eucharist and the minister's role as a humble bearer of the sacred.
- a vestment worn by a priest at High Mass in the Roman Catholic Church; a silk shawl