Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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CANOPY

An ornamental covering of cloth, wood, metal, or stone used above an altar, statue, or throne. Also called a baldachino. A white canopy is held above the Blessed Sacrament when carried in procession. A processional canopy may be used at the solemn reception of a bishop on his first pastoral visit to any town or parish within his jurisdiction. (Etym. Latin canopeum, mosquito net; from Greek konops, mosquito.)