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Show CATAFALQUE. j The Catholic Encyclopedia says of catafalqua ) (written by Professor Patrick Morrison of May- i nooth), the word derived from the Italian word Catafalco, means literally a scaffold or elevation, 1 but m its strictly liturgical sense the word is em- N ployed to designate the cenotaph-like erection which is used at the exequial offices of the Church, and I takes the place of the bier whenever the remains are not present. It is covered with a black cloth or pall. I on which there is a cross of white or some other f color. i The catafalque is usually placed just outside the j sanctuary, and is the center of the ceremonies of I that part of the exequial office known as the absolu- tion, receiving the same attention a3 the Corp?9 i would if present. Lights burn around the cat3- f falque during the function, and it aspersed with holy water and incensed. v I During the absolution the cross-bearer stand' between the catafalque and the door of the church, the celebrant between it and the altar. If for any reason a catafalque is impossible, its place may he supplied by a square of black cloth laid in front of the lowest step of the altar, and incensed and aspersed as-persed as the catafalque would be. Formerly the catafalque was the bier on which the corpse rested. Xo flowers are allowed on it of near it, but the arms or insignia of prelates or e bles may be displayed on it. s |