(A reminiscence from my time as Verger at Selby Abbey)

Since I’ve been verger at Selby Abbey I’ve encountered, as with any new job, a bewildering volume of jargon.

Church jargon, though, borrows from centuries of history and is therefore richer still.

Today, for instance, I laid and relaid the Eucharist tray with its chalice, paten, purificators, corporal and ciborium.

The first service took place in the quire, the second in the nave, under the twin triforia and clerestories.  The first service was conducted at the High Altar back-dropped by its wonderful reredos and flanked by its four-seat sedilia. 

I ended the day, as you would, “hugging” candles.