What is Epiclesis at Mass

WHAT IS “EPICLESIS” AT MASS

Etymologically, Epiclesis is a combination of two Greek words:

Epi + kaleo (kalein)

Epi = on/upon

Kaleo (kalein) = to call

Epclesis = to call on/to call upon

At the holy sacrifice of the Mass, Epiclesis is used for the moment when the celebrating priest acting in the person of Christ (Latin: “in persona Christi”)  calls on God the Father to send down the Holy Spirit upon the bread and wine to change them into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This is demonstrated by stretching of the hands of the priest over the bread and wine in the form of a dove, representing the Holy Spirit.

It is the single most important moment in the entire Holy Mass.

God bless you.

© Ask The Catholic Priest