A Boy-Bishop for St Nicholas’ Day
These photos are reproduced with the College’s permission, and our thanks. File this under two of our favorite labels, Fostering Young Vocations and Tradition is for the Young.
The tradition of the boy bishop, elected each year on December 6th from among the choristers of cathedrals, colleges and large parish churches, dated in England back to the 12th century. The bishop would symbolically stand down at the moment in the Magnificat when the choir saing “deposuit potentes de sede” (He hath puts down the mighty from their thrones.); then the boy bishop would ascend the throne at the words “et exaltavit humiles.” (And He hath exalted the lowly.)
Apart from the celebration of Mass, and the important Vespers and Lauds of Christmas itself, the boy would officiate at many services and make decrees as to the obligations of the other choristers (usually extra food, less work, etc.) It was a popular custom. Eton College elected two boy bishops each year, and all the cathedrals had them, including St Paul’s. The boy’s reign would come to an end on Holy Innocents’ Day, after he had himself preached a sermon at Mass. His fellow scholars would then have to give him a penny as a Christmas offering. Like many similar traditions in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it served to teach children about the dignity of high office, and especially the importance of the bishop’s role in the Church. It also demonstrates to those in authority the fragility of honor and rank; a warning that they should not cling to earthly honours.
Source: http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2017/12/a-boy-bishop-for-st-nicholas-day.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).