Abstract

The Missal of 1969, breaking with centuries of ostracism, has taken up again 25 solemn blessings, left «ad libitum», of which a large number are borrowed from ancient «pontifical blessings» of the Visigothic type of the mass of the Gallican rite. The bishop or abbot formerly gave these before the communion in preparation for this, and at the same time, as a formula of dismissal for the noncommunicants. The greater part are taken from those composed by S. Benedict of Aniane in his «Supplements» to the Hadrianum as P. Deshusses in his recent edition of this Gregorian sacramentary proves. Five of these blessings are «per annum», nine for the Temporal, four for the Sanctoral, one «pro defunctis» and one for the dedication of a church (or its anniversary). All of these ancient texts have been revised more or less, often in view of pastoral preoccupations and the desire of a language more accessible to our times. Besides, three blessings have been composed for a marriage, three for a religious profession, but without any relation to the ancient Gallican texts and unfortunately without paying attention, except in the case of one, to the cursus or the assonances.

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