altar of repose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Ecclesiastical, Liturgical
Quick answer
What does “altar of repose” mean?
A side altar or chapel in a Catholic church where the consecrated Eucharistic elements are reserved from the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday until the Good Friday liturgy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A side altar or chapel in a Catholic church where the consecrated Eucharistic elements are reserved from the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday until the Good Friday liturgy.
The specific liturgical location and practice of reserving the Blessed Sacrament for adoration following the Mass on Holy Thursday, commemorating Christ's time in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is identical in both varieties within the context of Catholic liturgy.
Connotations
Solely religious/liturgical connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, used exclusively within specific religious contexts and the Easter Triduum.
Grammar
How to Use “altar of repose” in a Sentence
The priest places [the Blessed Sacrament] on the altar of repose.The faithful gathered [around] the altar of repose.The altar of repose was decorated [with flowers and candles].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “altar of repose” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sacristans will altar-of-repose the sacrament after the Mass. (Note: This is a highly non-standard, forced usage; the term is not used as a verb.)
American English
- (No verb usage exists.)
adjective
British English
- The altar-of-repose decorations were particularly elaborate this year. (Note: This hyphenated adjectival use is rare and non-standard.)
American English
- (No standard adjectival usage exists.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, liturgical, or historical studies of Christian practice.
Everyday
Not used in general conversation; only by Catholics discussing Holy Week rituals.
Technical
Specific term in Catholic liturgy and rubrics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “altar of repose”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “altar of repose”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “altar of repose”
- Confusing it with the main altar or the permanent tabernacle.
- Using 'altar of rest' as a direct, unidiomatic translation.
- Capitalising incorrectly (often not capitalised except at the start of a sentence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a temporary place of reservation, often a side altar or chapel specially decorated, used only during the Easter Triduum. The main tabernacle is empty during this time.
Virtually never. It is a specific term of Catholic liturgy. Other Christian denominations may have analogous practices but do not typically use this term.
The word 'repose' means rest or peace. It symbolises the time Jesus spent in prayer and agony in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper.
It is not a formally proper noun like 'Easter' or 'Mass', so it is often not capitalised in full, except when starting a sentence. However, in some liturgical documents, it may be capitalised for emphasis.
A side altar or chapel in a Catholic church where the consecrated Eucharistic elements are reserved from the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday until the Good Friday liturgy.
Altar of repose is usually formal, ecclesiastical, liturgical in register.
Altar of repose: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɔːltə(r) əv rɪˈpəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɔːltər əv rɪˈpoʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: After the Last Supper, Jesus went to REPOSE (rest) in the garden. The ALTAR OF REPOSE is where the Eucharistic Jesus 'reposes' after the Mass of the Lord's Supper.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CHURCH IS A GARDEN (OF GETHSEMANE); THE TABERNACLE/ALTAR IS A PLACE OF REST.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an 'altar of repose'?