What exactly does en persone Christi mean?

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Malia_Belen

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I’m sorry about the spelling but this whole Latin thing is new to me. Also, what are some Latin phrases and words that might be important or interesting to know that are used in church?
 
It means more than that. It means to stand in the “person of Christ.” When a priest is acting in a ministerial role in the sacraments, such has confecting the Eucharist, baptizing, offering the sacrament of the sick, confession, it is Christ who is present in the priest. It is not the priest ministering the sacrament but Christ.
 
Malia_Belen said:
I’m sorry about the spelling but this whole Latin thing is new to me. Also, what are some Latin phrases and words that might be important or interesting to know that are used in church?
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The priest acts in the person of Jesus Christ, or Jesus Christ is acting through the body of the Priest in his actions involving the sacraments

There are certain times in the sacraments where the priest’s words and gestures complete the sacrament and make it real. These words are spoken in persona Christi. Two good examples would be at the consecration in the Mass and in the formula of absolution in confession.

In fact, we were taught that when the Priest is at the Altar or in the Confessional, we should strive to see Jesus Christ and not the Priest, That is how important the concept is.

Or rather was. I doubt too many people see it that way anymore and instead see the Priest as merely another member of the congregation walking alongside us on the journey.
 
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