Question about the word "ejaculations"

[anrmenchaca47]

I have this little booklet from Tan books called “The Wonders of the Holy Name” written by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan. It is a quick read and a beautiful one at that. However, I came across the word “ejaculations” in regards to indulgences. This is what it say:

“Although the Churchs’ regulations on Indulgences, including those regarding ejaculations, have changed, perhaps we may still hope to obtain these same Indulgences from God…”

Can anyone shed light on the word?

 

[MarcoPolo]

I believe it refers to small little prayers you say spontaneously throughout the day. Basically, short little prayers you offer.

 

[Corki]

They are short, spontaneous prayers - usually no more than a sentance. Examples:

Jesus, I adore you.
Lord, have mercy on me.
Mary, mother of God, pray for me.
Lord, have mercy on me a sinner.

Back in the day, we were taught to say these short prayers in certain situations such as when passing a Church or when an ambulance passes.

 

[Aelred_Minor]

The underlying meaning of the word is something like “something suddenly thrown out”. I’ve heard “aspiration” used as a synonym for ejaculatory prayers, which is less awkward these days , though I’m not certain the meaning was always exactly the same.

 

[Fleeting_Shadow]

This sense of the word was commonly used in literature before the mid-twentieth century, especially as a verb to describe things blurted out in a dialogue.

 

[thistle]

I have this little booklet from Tan books called “The Wonders of the Holy Name” written by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan. It is a quick read and a beautiful one at that. However, I came across the word “ejaculations” in regards to indulgences. This is what it say:

“Although the Churchs’ regulations on Indulgences, including those regarding ejaculations, have changed, perhaps we may still hope to obtain these same Indulgences from God…”

Can anyone shed light on the word?

Modern Catholic Dictionary:

The other word for Ejaculation is Aspiration.

ASPIRATION. Short formalized prayer of about a dozen words. It is expressed in choice language, sometimes poetic, its purpose being to help one maintain a spirit of recollection in God’s presence during the day. Such prayers are generally indulgenced by the Church. (Etym. Latin aspirare, literally, to breathe upon.)

 

[paperwight66]

Another name I’ve heard for them is ‘arrow prayers’ which captures the sense of immediacy (and sometimes desperation).

‘Aspiration’ sounds a bit woolly and half-hearted to me, I have to say.

 

[puzzleannie]

I have this little booklet from Tan books called “The Wonders of the Holy Name” written by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan. It is a quick read and a beautiful one at that. However, I came across the word “ejaculations” in regards to indulgences. This is what it say:

“Although the Churchs’ regulations on Indulgences, including those regarding ejaculations, have changed, perhaps we may still hope to obtain these same Indulgences from God…”

Can anyone shed light on the word?

they are short prayers uttered spontaneously through the day such as
Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for us.
Lord have mercy on me, a sinner.

since the word has now come to be used almost solely in its carnal meaning, another work is “aspirations” or “breathed prayers” that can be said in one breath.

 

[Bookcat]

Such a wonderfully ancient form of prayer! One can use words from Scripture or other short prayers. They are great to help one keep the presence of God …can be said anywhere…and frequently. I use the term “ejaculatory prayers”.

St. Augustine came up basically with the term in describing the short prayers that where sort of like arrows sent up all the time by the hermits of the desert. (of course they are for everyone not just hermits from the early days of the Church…he was simply describing the way they lived…but this where the term for this kind of prayer came from).

The Church even attaches a partial indulgence to any short prayers when they are offered while carrying out ones duties an enduring the hardships of life --as one raises ones mind in humble trust to God making at least mentally a “pious invocation” (another name for them…) It also refers to the use of such prayers as a “long standing” practice of the faithful.

It is the very first grant in the general norms of indulgences. (get the “Manual of Indulgences” it is published by the USCCB. There is even a list of some examples in the back.