Solita Oscula is the historical rubrical expression for the customary liturgical kisses given by a minister to sacred objects or, in older ceremonial, accompanying the presentation and reception of certain objects.[1]
Meaning in ceremonial books
The Latin phrase means the usual or customary kisses. Older Roman ceremonial assumed a received pattern in which the altar, Gospel book, paten, chalice, cruets, hand, or episcopal ring might be kissed at prescribed moments depending on rite, rank, and object. A rubric could say with the customary kisses without repeating each gesture. The phrase therefore requires the ceremonial context of its period.
These kisses expressed reverence, service, peace, or hierarchical courtesy; they did not all have the same object or theological intensity. Kissing the altar honored Christ whom the altar signifies. Kissing the Gospel book venerated Christ speaking in the Gospel. Kisses connected with handing an object marked reverent ministry. None implied adoration of a human minister or magical power in the material object.
Object and direction of honor
Catholic ceremonial interprets relative honor according to the person or mystery signified. The distinction resembles veneration of sacred images: the bodily act passes intentionally to its sacred referent. That principle does not make every kiss mandatory or every object suitable. The approved rubric determines when the sign truthfully belongs to public worship.
Ministerial hierarchy
In pontifical and solemn rites, customary kisses could accompany service to a bishop or higher prelate. They reflected the courtly ceremonial of their age as received into ecclesiastical worship. Their reduction in reformed books does not deny the sacramental character of Orders or episcopal authority; it applies the principle that signs should be intelligible, truthful, and marked by noble simplicity.[2]
Reform and present discipline
Modern Roman books retain important kisses, especially the priest's and deacon's veneration of the altar and the minister's kiss of the Book of the Gospels. Many accessory kisses were suppressed. The current General Instruction, Ceremonial of Bishops, and proper books govern; an older description cannot be imported indiscriminately into the ordinary form or treated as a test of faith.[3]
Communities celebrating according to an older lawfully authorized book follow that book's rubrics, including its ceremonial conventions, rather than a generalized internet list. Local custom can interpret minor practical details only within the law. Multiplying gestures not prescribed can obscure the liturgical action just as surely as careless omission.
Historical interpretation
Translators should usually retain Solita Oscula or render it customary kisses while explaining the referents. Rendering every occurrence as kiss the bishop's hand can be false when the rubric includes an object; suppressing the phrase can erase evidence about ceremonial exchange. Edition, date, and office of the ministers must accompany quotations.
The term reveals how public worship forms the body through inherited signs. Catholic liturgical reverence is neither disembodied thought nor uncontrolled display. Solita Oscula belongs to a historical grammar in which touch and kiss served ordered honor; its surviving and discontinued forms are judged by the Church that possesses authority over the liturgy.
References
- 1.Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), Kiss — Public-domain historical treatment of liturgical kisses and their objects in Western ceremonial
- 2.Catechism of the Catholic Church — Authoritative synthesis of Catholic doctrine, sacramental life, morality, and prayer
- 3.General Instruction of the Roman Missal — Authoritative Roman Rite norms for the structure, ministers, signs, furnishings, colors, and celebration of Mass