Benedictional is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it has an important meaning in religious and ceremonial contexts. It is often associated with blessings, prayers, and religious rituals. This article will explore the definition and meaning of benedictional, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
A benedictional is a book that contains blessings, prayers, and other liturgical texts used in the Roman Catholic Church. It is also known as a benedictionale or benedictionarium. In broader terms, benedictional refers to anything that is related to benedictions or blessings.
Origin
The word benedictional comes from the Latin word “benedictio,” which means “blessing.” The first benedictionals were written in the Middle Ages and were used by priests during religious ceremonies. They were often beautifully illuminated and decorated with intricate designs and illustrations.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, benedictional is defined as “a book of blessings and prayers used in the Roman Catholic Church.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a book of benedictions or blessings used in the Roman Catholic Church.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a book of prayers and blessings used in Christian churches.”
Associations
Benedictionals are often associated with religious ceremonies and rituals, such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals. They are also used in daily Masses and other religious services. Benedictions and blessings are an important part of many religious traditions and are believed to bring spiritual benefits to those who receive them.
Synonyms
Synonyms for benedictional include benedictionale, benedictionarium, blessing book, prayer book, and liturgical book.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for benedictional, as it is a specific term related to blessings and prayers.
The same root words
The root word of benedictional is “benedictio,” which means “blessing” in Latin. Other words that share this root include benediction, benedict, and benefactor.
Example Sentences
- The priest opened the benedictional and began to recite the prayers for the wedding ceremony.
- The benedictional was beautifully illuminated with gold leaf and intricate designs.
- The bishop blessed the congregation with a benediction from the benedictional.
- The family requested that a special prayer from the benedictional be included in their loved one’s funeral service.
In conclusion, benedictional is a term that is closely associated with blessings, prayers, and religious ceremonies. It is a book that contains liturgical texts used in the Roman Catholic Church and is an important part of many religious traditions. Understanding the meaning and origin of benedictional can provide insight into the role of blessings and prayers in religious and spiritual contexts.