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. They shall be touched to the Antimension by the Ordinary.
Traditionally, the Holy Water used in this rite is infused with rose essence, but this is not essential.
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
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.
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.
Eternal Father, from ancient times your faithful people have used the gift of water to purify and sanctify all that is 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.
Blessed Son, 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, through contact with this relic of Saint(s) ______. By their intercession, may we always receive help and grace, and may our liturgical celebrations strengthen the faith of your people. Amen.
The Ordinary now traces five crosses upon the Antimension with the relic(s).
Gracious Spirit, descend now upon this Antimension. Consecrate it by the virtue of your presence, and through the anointing with Chrism, make it sacred and fit for the Eucharistic sacrifice, and grant that all who will be nourished by the gifts offered here may receive the grace of forgiveness, renewal, and eternal hope.
The Ordinary now traces five
crosses upon the Antimension with the Sacred Chrism.
Almighty God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: grant that, through the sacred mysteries 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 as a sign of our apostolic relationship and of our fellowship in the saints. Take care to cherish this sign of our unity, and ensure that it is returned to me or my successor upon transfer or excardination, or at the time of your death, that it may be buried with you.
Should it be genuinely necessary to send the Antimension to a presbyter,
the
bishop may arrange for personal or postal delivery of the
Antimension.