Bible Dictionaries

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

Blessed Bread

When the primitive custom of the faithful's supplying the bread for consecration was discontinued, the usage arose of bringing common bread usually presented at the Offertory of the Mass to be blessed by the priest before the Oblation, and distributed to those present as a token of love and union. Although generally consumed in church, it was frequently carried home. It was called panis benedictus; panis lustratus; panis lustralis, and pain benit in France. From France the custom, reached Canada and confined itself mainly to the Quebec province. It still exists in some few localities of the Western Church, especially in France. See also:

• antidoron
• Eulogia