Subdeacon (Catholic Encyclopedia article)
William Fanning · 1913
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Description
The subdiaconate is the lowest of the major orders in the Latin Church. This entry defines it as the power to carry the chalice with wine to the altar, prepare what is needed for the Eucharist, and read the Epistles to the people. Theologians generally deny that Christ instituted it, and Scripture and the Apostolic Fathers mention only bishops, priests, and deacons.
Urban II at Benevento in 1091 called only diaconate and priesthood sacred orders, and Gratian states that the Church herself instituted subdeacons and acolytes over time. Trent's words about apostolic functions mean the duties were once part of the diaconate, later handed to lesser ministers as deacons grew overloaded. After ordination the subdeacon owed celibacy and the daily Office.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | William Fanning |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 1913 |
| COLLECTION | REFERENCE |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 7 KB |
| LICENSE | PUBLIC_DOMAIN |
| RIGHTS | PUBLIC DOMAIN |
| SOURCE | New Advent — Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) |