Apostolic blessing
The apostolic or papal blessing (Benedictio apostolica seu Papalis) is a special form of blessing in the Roman Catholic Church .
Concept and forms
The apostolic blessing is generally given by the Pope or a diocesan bishop (up to three times a year by the local bishop ). The dying may also be given the blessing by the priest . A newly ordained priest is also allowed to give the blessing at the end of his Primary Mass .
In connection with this blessing, a complete discharge of the temporal penalties is given. The most famous apostolic blessing is the blessing Urbi et orbi , which the Pope gives at Christmas and Easter as well as on occasions of his choice. Whereas the physical presence of the recipient on the square or within sight of the donor was previously necessary for this reception, since 1967 the blessing can also be validly received via audio and since 1985 also via image transmission.
In addition, every giving of blessings by the Pope to those present is called an apostolic blessing, for example the blessing on St. Peter's Square on Sundays and public holidays preceded by the Angelus prayer , the blessing that the Pope gives to the audience at the end of speeches Blessings at the end of official letters. The papal blessing that preceded the Angelus prayer was introduced by Pope Nicholas V in the Holy Year 1450 . The term apostolic here refers to St. Peter , who is succeeded by the popes (see apostolic succession ).
Blessing formula
The forms of apostolic blessing vary. The best known is that of the papal blessing urbi et orbi . The form of ordinary apostolic blessing is that of a bishop:
Latin
- ℣ Dominus vobiscum.
- ℟ Et cum spiritu tuo.
- ℣ Sit nomen Domini benedíctum.
- ℟ Ex hoc nunc et usque in sæculum.
- ℣ Adiutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.
- ℟ Qui fecit cælum et terram.
- ℣ Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus, Pater + et Filius + et Spiritus + Sanctus.
- ℟ Amen.
German
- ℣ The Lord be with you.
- ℟ And with your spirit.
- ℣ The name of the Lord be praised.
- ℟ From now on until forever.
- ℣ Our help is in the name of the Lord.
- ℟ Who created heaven and earth.
- ℣ May almighty God bless you, the Father + and the Son + and the Holy + Spirit.
- ℟ Amen.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2010/documents/hf_ben-xvi_let_20101102_attentato-baghdad_ge.html
- ↑ http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/pont-messages/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20110506_azione_cattolica_ge.html
- ↑ http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2011/may/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20110531_mese-mariano_ge.html