Confiteor is the form of general confession of sins made in the offices of the Church, so called from its first word. This is prescribed:
1. At the beginning of the mass, when the priest says it standing at the steps of the altar, "bowing very low."
2. At the administration of the holy communion at other times.
3. At the administration of extreme unction.
4. Previous to the absolution "in articulo mortis."
5. In the daily office at compline; and at prime, when the office is not double.
Sacramental confession is also directed to begin with the opening words of the "Confiteor." It is prefaced by the versicle "Deus in adjutorium," etc., and is said alternately by the priest and congregation, who each respond with a prayer for the forgiveness of the other; in addition to which the priest pronounces a short formula of absolution over the people. There have been various forms in former ages, but since the publication of the missal of Pius V there has been complete uniformity in this respect throughout the Roman Church. SEE CONFESSION.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More