Benediction

(ben-e-dik's hon.) [From L. bene, well, and dico, dictum, to speak.] (Eccl. Hist.) The act of invoking the favor of God, prosperity, long life, and other ble ings upon individuals. The ceremony of ble ing is of a very remote antiquity, and an interesting instance of it is found in Genesis xxii., where Isaac gives by mistake to Jacob the ble ing which he intended for Esau. Ohrist, after his resurrection, and before parting from his disciples at Bethany, " lifted up his hands and ble ed them." (St. Luke xxiv. 50.) In the Roman Catholic Church, the bishop has the power of giving the B. anywhere and upon any occasion he may think fit, but the priest can only give it at ma , or when administering the sacraments, or in other solemn ceremonies. [s. 88]