Bible Encyclopedias
Secretae

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

any prayers said secretly and not aloud. Anciently, at the commencement of the divine office, the Lord's Prayer and Hail Mary were said silently, as also other portions of the same office. But this rule was abolished in the English Church during the changes which took place three centuries ago, though it still obtains in the Latin communion. See, Glossary of Liturgical Terms, s.v.