Also known as the presidential chair, the seat in a parish church from which the celebrant leads the assembly during Mass. Its meaning derives from the chair, or cathedra in Latin, from which the diocesan bishop presides (from Latin meaning “to protect” or literally “to sit before”). The chair is a liturgical symbol of authority and pastoral leadership.
The chair reminds us that we have been summoned by God as his people. We are his Church, gathered in unity to encounter Christ Jesus in the Word and in the Sacraments, under the presidency of a pastor who represents Christ himself.
—Apostolato Liturgico
The presidential chair in the parish church should be placed prominently in a presiding position without suggesting dominance or remoteness.
—Richard P. McBrien, Encyclopedia of Catholicism
Catholics employ ritual because symbols talk. Our liturgical rituals include sacramental elements like bread and wine but also gestures, postures, movement, and placement. The four main pieces of liturgical furniture—altar, ambo, baptismal font, and presider's chair—say much before a word is spoken. By their substance, design, and placement, each station and the actions initiated there would tell a stranger to our rituals that they are significant.
From the General Instruction of the Roman Missal: “The chair of the priest celebrant must signify his office of presiding over the gathering and of directing the prayer. Any appearance of a throne, however, is to be avoided” (310).
Ambo | Altar | Baptismal Font | Paschal Candle
Vestments can be ornate and fabulous, not to mention heavy. But when early Christians gathered for worship in homes, they wore no distinguishing clothing. But in the fourth century after Christianity was legalized, public worship raised the visibility of the presider. His vestments resembled secular apparel: first an alb, a white tunic worn by all social classes. A ropelike cincture held the alb in place. Next the chasuble, a colorful poncho-like covering. Over that a stole, a scarf denoting authoritative office. Secular fashions advanced. But church vesture remained the same, eventually out of step with what everyone else was wearing. The Second Vatican Council inaugurated a return to simplicity, recommending that a vestment's beauty derive from “material and design” rather than “lavish ornamentation.” The continued use of vestments links our celebrations with previous generations and enhances the dignity of our assembly.
—Alice Camille, from Questions Catholics Ask
At the end of his vigorous career serving the poor, Saint Vincent de Paul was asked what else he might possibly have done. His answer was simple: “More.” Pope Francis, in his message for this day, says, “We are called in every circumstance to be friends of the poor, following in the footsteps of Jesus who always began by showing solidarity when dealing with the least among us.”
Daniel 12:1-3; Hebrews 10:11-14, 18; Mark 13:24-32 (158)
:"He has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated."
From alms in the parish poor box to supporting broad initiatives to address the problem of poverty, make a practice of doing one more thing each day to serve the poor.
Al final de su vigorosa carrera al servicio de los pobres, le preguntaron a San Vicente de Paúl qué más podría haber hecho. Su respuesta fue simple: "Más". El Papa Francisco, en su mensaje para este día, dice: “Estamos llamados en toda circunstancia a ser amigos de los pobres, siguiendo los pasos de Jesús, que siempre comenzó por mostrar solidaridad al tratar con los más pequeños entre nosotros”.
Daniel 12:1-3; Hebreos 10:11-14, 18; Marcos 13:24-32 (158)
:"Así, con una sola ofrenda, hizo perfectos para siempre a los que ha santificado."
Desde dar limosna en la caja de pobres de la parroquia hasta apoyar iniciativas amplias para abordar el problema de la pobreza, practique hacer una cosa más cada día para servir a los pobres.