M
Miserissima
Guest
I barely remember the days when one would greet a Monsegnior. I know it’s rarey done, and from New Advent.org:
persons of civil rank, and, so far as the author of this article is aware, no one else lays claim to it. Among ecclesiastics the title Monsignore implies simply a distinction bestowed by the highest ecclesiastical authority, either in conjunction with an office or merely titular. In any case it bears with it a certain prescribed dress. To counteract a widely spread misconception we may state here that the pope does not bestow the title Monsignore, but a distinction of some sort to which this title is attached. Accordingly it is quite incorrect to say that any one has been appointed a Monsignor by the pope. If we may be permitted to use a comparison, Monsignor in the spiritual order corresponds to the word officer in the military. The highest general and the youngest lieutenant are equally officers, and the most venerable patriarch bears the title Monsignor as well as the simplest honorary chaplain.[editing mine]At present the title is no longer borne by other
- So, “back in the day,” how was a Monsegnior addressed and shown respect? A ring to kiss? A cassok hem to touch?
- What was (an IS) the (ol-fashioned) specific adress (such as, "your grace, our eminence, etc) rreserved for higher prelates ) and does it still happen today, especially if the role is only titular?