Previous | Next

Confession

Architectural term, originally used to designate the burial-place of a confessor or martyr, gradually came to have a variety of applications: the altar erected over the grave; the underground cubiculum which contained the tomb; the high altar of the basilica erected over the confession; later on in the Middle Ages the basilica itself; and finally the new resting-place to which the remains of a martyr had been transferred.

Submitted in section: Religion & Spirituality: Christianity: Denominations: Catholicism: Reference: Catholic Encyclopedia: C: Confession