The definitions included in this glossary are associated with the objects contained in this Collection. They are not necessarily the only definitions but are indicative of the information contained in the Papal Artifacts web site.

Wherever applicable, an example of the definition being given from the Collection will be suggested for your viewing.

Ad limina Visit

A decree issued by Pius X in 1909 (that was put into effect in 1911) requiring all bishops to report on the state of their dioceses to the pope once every five years.

Age of Enlightenment

The eighteenth-century movement that embraced rationalism, progressive thought, and advancement of human knowledge and freedom. It is closely identified with such figures as Rousseau, Voltaire, and Thomas Jefferson.

Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) Pieces

An Agnus Dei is a round or oval wax disk impressed with a lamb on one side and figures of saints or the pope on the other side.

They were created by melting the wax of the previous year’s Easter candles from the churches in Rome. Chrism oil was then added to the cauldron of melting wax. The pope blessed the disks that were then given to people to be used as sacramentals.

Although the origin is not certain, it is thought this practice began around the 5th century.

There are several Agnus Dei pieces for you to view in this Collection.

Alb

The alb is the oldest liturgical vestment, a simple white, ankle length garment sometimes cinctured at the waist.

Amice

A garment of clothing worn by the priest as part of his Mass vestments

The amice is an oblong linen cloth worn about the neck and shoulders of a priest at Mass. It is worn under the alb primarily for the purpose of preventing damage to other vestments due to perspiration.

Annual Medal

These are medals produced by the Vatican on a yearly basis having different themes from one year to the next. They may be gold, silver or bronze and are of various sizes.

The Collection has a variety of annual medals.

Brevis

A papal letter that is less formal than a papal bull.

In the Collection you may view a brevis written on vellum from Pius V: A Brevis Written to Give Support to Cardinal Charles Borromeo. It is from the 1600s.

Bull

The word, bull comes from the Latin, bubble. It is the lead seal that was appended to the end of a document acting as the signature of the pope. On one side, it contains the pope’s name and on the other, images of Saints Peter and Paul from whom he is given his authority.

The bull is generally an official document of the Holy Father. We know by the choice of threading used, either silk or twine, the importance of any particular bull.

You may view a papal bull in this Collection. It is the oldest item in the Collection currently. Clement IV: A Papal Bull Unsigned and Untranslated Dated 1266.

Canon

An ecclesiastical title of honor that refers to the college of priests whose duties are to celebrate solemn liturgical functions in a cathedral, college church or basilica. Canons continue in major basilicas throughout Rome and gather daily for the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours. Many popes included in the papal histories spent part of their careers as canons in the major basilicas.

Cassock

The ankle length garment worn by clergy with a close fitting waist and sleeves and a fascia (sash) around the waist.

The pope’s cassock is always white. Cardinals’ cassocks are black but may be trimmed in scarlet piping or have scarlet buttons with a scarlet fascia. Bishops’ cassocks are also black but trimmed in purple. Cassocks worn by priests are black with a black fascia.

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