Q: A bishop may venerate, and then bless with, the Book of the Gospels after the gospel has been proclaimed.
If a Lectionary, rather than the Book of the Gospels is used, may he still venerate it himself? May he still bless with it?
I would think “no” – especially re: the latter – but can’t find anything in writing.
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A: I’ve checked the new edition of the Ceremonial of Bishops in Latin, and it still uses the word for “book.” Since it does not specify a book of the gospels, I think the bishop may venerate a lectionary and bless with it. It contains gospels.
Not every cathedral on earth has a book of the gospels, but the bishop’s gestures may be given universally.