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Archiver > NFLD-ROOTS > 2000-09 > 0969664530


From: "Andrew Taylor" <>
Subject: RE: [NFLD-ROOTS] Re: NFLD-ROOTS-D Digest V00 #741
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2000 16:15:30 -0700


I hate to be the spoiler on the signification of the monogram IHS, and I
intend no offence to the venerable OED or the learned priest of the most
learned Society of Jesus that another gentleman mentioned. After we have
quoted from the O.E.D. and talked to a Jesuit, can there be any higher court
to query further for the truth?:) (My tongue planted firmly in my cheek)
There is! I learned decades past in Latin Class that while the Sacred
Monogram is (to be sure) an alphabetical symbol for the holy Name of Jesus,
in occasions of penitential devotions such as in her obsequies or prayers
for the dead at other times, the Church adopts an equally legitimate
interpretation of IHS, that also happens to be better theologically suited
to prayer for those perhaps not as yet fully rejoicing in the inner courts
of Heaven: "Iesu Hominem Salvador", Jesu, Man's Saviour..." Those who
recall the Litanies of the Saints and the BVM and the rest at Benediction
and holy hour may recall that this phrase or another English translation of
the Latin wasanswered by the congregation with, "Have Mercy upon us", or
"Christe eleison". IHS was used as a versicle eliciting the congregation's
completion of the intention/petition.
So that's my two cents worth (or Peter's pence worth!). When the Sacred
Monogram is in a Cemeery or the like context this particular usage of the
Sacred Monogram began in medieval and then Tridentine Catholicism in the
Litanies offered for the holy souls, and on Objects dedicated as memorials
to their memory. Since the early part of the post WW II years there has been
more and more "cross-fertilisation" in song and prayers between RC's and
Protestants. Catholics sing "A Mighty Fortress is our God" by Martin Luther,
and Liturgical Protestants adopt some Catholic symbolism and ceremony. So
the sharing of many symbols by separated Christians grows!

ANDREW TAYLOR
PS I shouldn't get too proud with my idea as my High School Latin teacher
became a 'wandering Bishop' of some sort, having received schismatic
consecration from another wandering and sheep-less Prelate unattached to
anyone else in earth. Yes --you got it, my credentials are dubious.

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Woodland [mailto:]
Sent: Friday, September 22, 2000 8:36 AM
To:
Subject: [NFLD-ROOTS] Re: NFLD-ROOTS-D Digest V00 #741


The letters "IHS" on a headstone reflect those sometimes found on
Crucifixes, and represent an abbreviation of the Latin for Jesus,
according to Oxford English Reference Dictionary.

Robert Woodland

--
MZ



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