The Antimension shall be of square shape, folded in nine – just as
a corporal – and bear an image of Christ Crucified in the top center section
(as viewed by the priest at the altar) as well as four additional crosses at
the outer edges. It may be used as a corporal, or under the corporal.
One or more relics are to be used. If a relic or relics are available
to embed in the Antimension, they shall be embedded in a small amount of wax
mixed with powdered incense and placed at the cloth’s lower right-hand corner
within a patch of silk.
The Rite is usually celebrated on the day of a priest’s
ordination/incardination, prior to the Mass of Ordination/Incardination. The
Antimension is then presented during the Ordination/Incardination Rite. Should
a priest later have need a new Antimension, the rite may be celebrated by the Ordinary,
and the new Antimension delivered, either in person or by mail, to the priest.
When the Ordinary-elect is already a bishop, he shall celebrate
the Rite and distribute the Antimensions to the priests present for the Installation
Mass, and shall deliver, either in person or by mail, Antimensions to those
unable to attend. When the Ordinary-elect is not a bishop, he shall celebrate
the Rite at his first Mass after Consecration and Installation and shall distribute
or deliver the Antimensions as appropriate.
Traditionally, the Holy Water used in this rite is infused with
rose essence.
The Chrism to be used is whatever is currently available that has been consecrated for the Ordinariate, even if it has been consecrated by the previous Ordinary.
In the Name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O God,
come to our assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Let us
pray.
Father, from ages past your
faithful people have honored the saints, celebrating the Eucharist upon their
graves, and entrusting themselves to their intercession. We now bless this cloth,
upon which the Sacred Mysteries shall be celebrated, with this relic of...
At his/her/their intercession, forever come to our aid, and grant that
our liturgical celebrations may contribute to the strengthening of our faith.
The Ordinary now traces five
crosses upon the Antimension with the relic(s),
unless the relic is already embedded, in which case he signs the crosses with
his thumb.
Lord Jesus Christ, from ancient
times the gift of water has been used to purify and sanctify things which are
holy. May this water, which we now apply to this antimension make it worthy for
use at the Altar, where the mystery of your love will be celebrated with faith.
Amen.
The Ordinary now traces five
crosses upon the Antimension with the Holy Water.
Most blessed Spirit, descend now
upon this Antimension. Consecrate it by the virtue of your presence and through
the anointing with Chrism, that it may become a fit and sacred place for the
offerings of your people to be presented, and for the grace of renewal to be
received.
The Ordinary now traces five
crosses upon the Antimension with the Sacred Chrism.
Almighty God – Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit: grant through the sacred mysteries which will be celebrated upon
this Antimension by your faithful priest ______, the bonds of sin may be
loosed, stains blotted out, pardon obtained, and graces acquired, so that
together with all your faithful people of every time and place, we may come to inherit
the gift of everlasting life. Amen.
Father _____, receive this Antimension, and celebrate upon it the divine mysteries faithfully. Receive it in token of our apostolic relationship and of our fellowship in the saints. Take care to cherish this sign of unity, and ensure that it is returned to me or my successor in the event of your transfer or resignation, or buried with you in the event of your death.
Should it be genuinely necessary to send the Antimension to a presbyter,
the
bishop may arrange for personal or postal delivery of the
Antimension.