1. The priest chosen to assist the bishop or to substitute for him in the performance of priestly tasks. 2. The superior over secular priests; this usage dates from the sixteenth century in England. 3. The priest who assists a newly ordained priest at his Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving, or the priest, dressed in cope, who attends to the prelate at a Pontifical Mass.
Catholic Dictionary, Revised,
by Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas, Ph.D., S.T.L. This 608-page paperback book is $9.95 plus S&H.
Includes an easy-to-use pronunciation guide and a complete history of Catholic terminology. Handy pocket size.
Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Dictionary. Copyright © 2004,
Our Sunday Visitor, Inc.