Definition

Noun: 1. A liturgical greeting signifying Christian love and unity: In Christian liturgy, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church, the "kiss of peace" is a ritual gesture exchanged among worshippers during the Eucharist (Mass). It symbolizes reconciliation, fellowship, and mutual charity before receiving communion.

Usage

• The term is used specifically in a religious, liturgical context.
• It refers to the ritual act itself, which may be a handshake, embrace, or verbal greeting like "Peace be with you," depending on the tradition.
• It is a formal part of the Mass, occurring after the Lord's Prayer and before the reception of communion.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Theological Context: The kiss of peace (Latin: , Greek: ) has ancient roots in Christian worship, mentioned in several New Testament epistles (e.g., Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20) as a "holy kiss." It signifies the unity of the faithful as one body in Christ.

Variants and Related Words

• The Peace: A common modern term used in many Christian denominations for this ritual, often as in "Let us offer one another a sign of peace."
• Pax: The Latin word for "peace," used historically and sometimes in liturgical settings to refer to this rite.
• Sign of Peace: A more descriptive synonym frequently used interchangeably.

Synonyms

• The Peace
• Sign of Peace
• Holy Kiss (primarily a biblical/historical term)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term is highly specific to Christian liturgy. It does not refer to a secular kiss or a general expression of peace outside this religious context.

Noun

1. (Roman Catholic Church) a greeting signifying Christian love for those assisting at the Eucharist