Translation of Hincmar of Rheims' 852 Capitularies Now Available Online

 

The 852 Capiularies promulgated by Archbishop Hincmar of Rheims are translated online for free here:

http://hincmar.blogspot.com/2016/03/hincmar-of-rheims-first-episcopal.html

The advice given by Archbishop Hincmar in 852 for the conduct of priests is as valuable and necessary now as it was then.

In regards to the Eulogia [Antidoron], express mention is made in Capitulary 7. The oblations of bread which were not used for the Consecration, and therefore, were unconsecrated, but left over, were blessed to be given out at the end of Mass:

"That the priest should cut up in a clean and suitable container the oblations which were offered by the people and were left over after consecration, and the bread which the faithful brought to church, or his own bread. After the service of Mass, those who were not prepared for Communion may take them as gifts [*eulogia*], on every Sunday and on feast days. And let the priest bless it with these words before he gives it out as *eulogia *to those who take it, and let him take care the crumbs do not carelessly fall out:

PRAYER
“O Lord, holy Father, omnipotent eternal God, deign to bless this bread with your holy and spiritual blessing, so that to all those eating it with faith, reverence and gratitude to you, it shall be the safety of mind and body, and a defence against all diseases and all attacks of their enemies. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, the bread of life, who descended from heaven and gives life and salvation to the world, and lives and reigns with you as God, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.”

Difficulties in Blogger

 

Going back to using blogger, it is a lot more difficult than it was 2 or 3 years ago.  The format for posting, making labels, even trying to upload a different image for the main background, is different, and not working like it used too.   Maybe over time it will be figured out. 

Psalm 42 and the Preparation of the Priest

The use of Psalm 42 "Judica me" in the Preparation of the Priest can be found in different ancient liturgical books, especially of the 10th century.  One example would be Cod. Sang. 339, which is kept in the library of St. Gallen Monastery in Switzerland.  

Cod. Sang. 339, in many ways, reminds me of a similar Ordo Missae that was in the possession of Sigebert, Bishop of Minden [+1035], and a few others.  Let us give the directions as found in Cod. Sang. 339 for Psalm 42.  On page 182 we have the following directions given after the Priest has vested in the Sacristy and washed his hands:

"Post quam ecclesiam intrat dicat: 'Introibo ad Altare Dei" cum Psalmo "Iudica me Deus et discerne..." deinde Confiteor et dicat 'Converte nos Deus salutaris' 'Dignare' 'Miserere nostri Domine' 'Fiat misericordia tua...' 'Domine exaudi..' 'Aufer a nobis Domine quesumus iniquitates nostras ut ad sancta sanctorum puris mereamur mentibus introire. Per..' " 

Some of the text is abbreviated for the convenience of the Priest.  But, in English, the above would read as:

"After which he enters the Church, he says: 'I shall go to the Altar of God..' with Psalm "Judge me, O God, and discern..[Psalm 42], then the Confiteor and he says: 'Turn us back, O God of [our] salvation,' 'Do Thou deign,' 'Have mercy on us, O Lord,' 'Let Thy Mercy...' 'O Lord, hear..' 'Take away from us, O Lord, we beg, our iniquities that into the Holy of Holies with pure minds we may be worthy to enter. Through..."  

Cod. Sang. 354 on page 8 also has similar instructions for the saying of Psalm 42 as the Priest enters the Church and before Confiteor before the Altar.  

 Migne's PL prints a 10th century Mass Ordo which has directions in a similar vein, although, Psalm 42 is placed AFTER "Aufer a nobis", thus:

"Et dum pervenerit ad Altare imponat per se Antiphonum: 'Introibo ad Altare Dei, ad Dominum, qui laetificat juventum mean' cum Psalmo: 'Judica me Deus et discerne causam meam de gente'" 

Which is:

"And when he arrives at the Altar he imposes on himself the Antiphon: 'I shall go to the Altar of God, to the Lord, who giveth gladness to mine youth,' with the Psalm: 'Judge me, O God, and discern my cause from the nation..."

Of course, in this, we can note the influence of possible older Vetus Latina text where "Dominum" is given instead of "Deum" for the Antiphon.   After Psalm 42 follow additional verses and responses, and additional prayers before the kissing of the Altar and Gospel book.  

However, it can be said that Psalm 42, whether said as the Priest left the Sacristy, or while the Priest was directly before the Sanctuary, or was even entering the Sanctuary preparing to kiss the Altar, was being used.