A prie-dieu (;
History
The prie-dieu appears not to have received its present name until the early 17th century. In that period in
France, a small room or oratory was sometimes known by the same name. In the
Middle Ages, the faithful attended the
parish church service standing.
From the 16th century onwards, wooden benches or chairs were made available, according to an order fixed by the
customary law, and rented from the farmer who was the successful bidder for the "chair farm" or from the
churchwarden, the fixed prices (increased during solemn masses) being collected by the chairmaker.
Description and use
The design of this prayer stand varied in time, eventually settling as a small, ornamental wooden desk furnished with a thin, sloping shelf for books or hands, and a
kneeler. Sometimes, instead of the sloping shelf, a padded arm rest will be provided. This type is useful for devotions such as the
Rosary, which do not require a book, or for private, non-liturgical prayer.
Prie-dieux may be provided in church for the bride and groom to kneel on during the service (either one long double prie-dieu or a pair), or may be used by a cleric when he or she leads the worshippers in prayers such as litany and other prayers. In the Byzantine Rite, a prie-dieu is provided for the bishop when he kneels in the Holy Doors during the consecration of a church. One may also be used by the priest reciting at Pentecost.
See also
Sources
External links
