ὁμιλία
Homily
HOM-ih-lee
The preaching after the Gospel at Mass, in which the readings are opened up and applied to the life of the people; part of the liturgy, not an interruption of it.
a conversation; familiar discourse
A homily is not a lecture or a speech; the Greek word means a familiar conversation. It is given by a bishop, priest or deacon after the Gospel and is meant to draw out the Word just proclaimed and lead the people toward the Eucharist. The Catechism lists it among the elements of the Liturgy of the Word and says it exhorts the faithful to receive the Word and put it into practice.
Councils
Where the Church settled or debated this. Follow a council to read our article on it, or the decrees themselves.
- 1962–1965Second Vatican Councilthe decrees
Sources checked 29 September 2026