Bible Dictionaries

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

CircuMcIsion, Vigil of the

Commonly observed in Catholic churches by a service of reparation for the misdeeds of the year passing, and of thanksgiving and joy on the opening of the new year. The Psalm "Miserere" and the hymn "Te Deum" are chanted, and the sermon is followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It was introduced into the United States at Saint Francis Xavier's Church, New York, in 1883.