Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
BELL-BOOK-CANDLE
Symbols used in an old form of excommunication in the Church. the sentence of greater excommunication having been read, these accessories, carried by the priests attending, were also used symbolically: the book was closed, the candle extinguished, and the bell tolled as for the dead.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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