Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
PALL
A sacred covering. Most commonly, a pall is the stiff square cardboard covered with lined, spread over the top of the chalice at Mass; also a clothe covering, ornamented or plain, placed over the coffin at funeral Masses and over the catafalque at later requiem Masses for the dead; a veil partially covering the bride and groom in marriages of the Mozarabic rite; and a veil placed over the nun at profession ceremonies to some contemplative enclosed orders. (Etym. Latin pallium, cloak.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
Recent Catholic Commentary
The Ideal of Pope Francis: the Servant Church 8 hours ago
The sad decline of self-government 24 hours ago
The Mystery of the Spirit May 21
Top Catholic News
Most Important Stories of the Last 30 Days