BENEDICTION

signifies the act of conferring a ble ing. In the Romish Church Benediciio beati^a, or Viaticum is the ble ing of the penitent sick. Benedictio tacerdMalU is the nuptial benediction pronounced by the priest on the occasion of a wedding. — To give the benediction is an expre ion used with regard to the pope, the cardinals, bishops, or papal nundos, when they.bestow a ble ing, either in the church or in the street, with the sign of the cro , on the people, or some private persoiL The pope gives a solemn benediction three times every year, viz. on Maundj-Thunday, on Easter, and on ABoenaionday. 155