consecratio
Consecration
In the Mass, the moment in the Eucharistic Prayer when the priest speaks Christ's words over the bread and wine and they become his Body and Blood.
a setting apart as sacred
To consecrate is to set something apart for God. The word is used of churches, altars and persons, but at Mass it names the heart of the Eucharistic Prayer, when the priest, acting in the person of Christ, says the words Jesus spoke at the Last Supper: “This is my Body… This is the chalice of my Blood.” By the power of those words and of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. The priest shows the consecrated host and chalice to the people for adoration; where customary, a bell may be rung.
Councils
Where the Church settled or debated this. Follow a council to read our article on it, or the decrees themselves.
- 1215Fourth Lateran Councilthe decrees
- 1545–1563Council of Trentthe decrees
Sources checked 29 September 2026