Course 4, Chapter 3: Christianity visible. — Of Churches

1. What places were consecrated to the honor of God among the Jews?

Among the Jews the places consecrated to the

honor of God were the tabernacle, the temple of Solomon, in which was beheld all that could strike the senses and inspire the Jews with great love and profound respect for God.

2. And amongst Christians?

Amongst Christians it is the churches that present the most striking symbols of the goodness of God; the cross, the altar, the communion rail, the baptismal font.

3. Why are churches ornamented?

*Churches are ornamented, 1 st, to captivate our senses and inspire us with a sublime idea of God , 2d, in order to testify to God that we hold all our riches from him.

4. Into how many parts were the churches of the first Christians divided?

The churches of the first Christians were divided into seven parts; the first, called the porch or exterior wstibnle, was a space greater in length than in breadth; it was at the entrance of the church, covered with a roof and supported by columns.

5. What was the second i

The second was the cloister. From the vestibule you entered the cloister; which was a covered gallery, encircling the third part, called the parvis or court.

6. What was the third part?

The third part of the church was the parvis; a square court or space open above. In the centre was a font of blessed water; in which those who entered washed their hands and face. This font is replaced iu modern churches by the vase of holy water.

7. What was the fourth?

The fourth part of the church was the interior vestibule; this place was reserved for the penitents, called auditors, for the pagans, Jews and heretics, who could there hear the word of God.

8. What was the fifth?

The fifth part of the church was the nave. This

344 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

part of the church is called the nave, that is, vessel or ship, because the church is a vessel voyaging over the sea of the world until it reaches the port of eternity. The nave was divided in its whole length by two partitions; on the left were the men, and on the right the women.

9. What was the sixth?

The sixth part of the church was the choir; it was separated from the nave by a grate. The choir was semi-circular, and contained seats for the ecclesiastics and the bishop's throne.

10. What was the seventh?

The seventh part was the sanctuary; it was separated from the choir by a curtain, which was opened after the consecration. In the sanctuary was the altar.

11. What was there at the side of the altar?

At the side of the principal altar there was a small altar, on which were placed the bread and wine offered by the faithful for the holy sacrifice. The above arrangement of the churches was on the model of the subterranean chapels of the catacombs, where the first Christians were accustomed to assemble. This should render our churches venerable in our eyes.