Rites (1)

Abstract

Of the various rites performed by pre-reformation priests, several marked the stages of human life. Baptism was administered after birth; confirmation, in childhood; marriage, in maturity. Death was preceded by extreme unction and followed by obsequies. Some observances, however, were annual: they included Easter vigils, Corpus Christi processions, and the distribution of candles, ashes and palms on Candlemas day, Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday. Others were more frequent. One was confession, from which ensued absolution. The most important was mass, which transformed bread and wine into Jesus’ body and blood; it was performed in language incomprehensible to lay spectators, and in an area separated from them by a screen.