concelebration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “concelebration” mean?
The joint celebration of the Eucharist by two or more priests.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The joint celebration of the Eucharist by two or more priests.
Any joint or shared celebration, ceremony, or performance of a religious rite.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally technical and liturgical in both varieties.
Connotations
Strictly liturgical and formal in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, occurring almost exclusively in theological or ecclesiastical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “concelebration” in a Sentence
concelebration of [the Mass/Eucharist]concelebration with [fellow priests]concelebration by [multiple clergy]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “concelebration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The visiting bishop will concelebrate the Mass with the local clergy.
- They are permitted to concelebrate on major feast days.
American English
- The priests will concelebrate the Eucharist this Sunday.
- Can a deacon concelebrate? No, only priests and bishops.
adverb
British English
- The liturgy was performed concelebratively. (Rare)
- They prayed concelebratingly. (Very rare/constructed)
American English
- They served concelebratingly at the altar. (Very rare/constructed)
- The rite proceeded in a concelebrative manner.
adjective
British English
- The concelebrant priests stood at the altar.
- A concelebrated Mass requires specific liturgical planning.
American English
- The concelebrant clergy wore matching vestments.
- The concelebratory rite emphasized unity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological studies, liturgy, and church history papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in sacramental theology and liturgical practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “concelebration”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “concelebration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concelebration”
- Using it for non-religious joint celebrations (e.g., 'a concelebration of their anniversary').
- Misspelling as 'concelabration'.
- Using it as a verb ('to concelebrate' is the verb form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Concelebration is a technical term for the specific, sacramental act performed jointly by ordained priests (or bishops) during the Eucharist. Lay participation is described differently (e.g., 'participating in' or 'attending' Mass).
A 'normal' Mass is typically celebrated by a single priest. A concelebration involves multiple priests actively and liturgically fulfilling the role of celebrant together, often with one as the principal celebrant leading the prayers.
No. While its form has evolved, the practice has ancient roots in early Christian liturgy, particularly in the celebration of the Eucharist by the bishop surrounded by his presbyters. It was revived and formalized in the Roman Rite after the Second Vatican Council (1960s).
It is common within the specific lexicon of liturgy and theology but is a very low-frequency word in general English. You will encounter it in church documents, liturgical guides, and theological texts.
The joint celebration of the Eucharist by two or more priests.
Concelebration is usually formal, ecclesiastical in register.
Concelebration: in British English it is pronounced /kənˌsɛlɪˈbreɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑnˌsɛləˈbreɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A concelebration of joy (rare, poetic extension)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CON-celebration: Think of priests celebrating TOGETHER (CON- meaning 'with').
Conceptual Metaphor
LITURGY IS A COLLABORATIVE PERFORMANCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'concelebration' primarily used?