Commistio (or Commixtio)

In the Roman missal, after the breaking of the host, SEE FRACTION, the priest places a particle in the chalice, saying to himself, "May this commixtion and consecration of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ avail to us who receive it unto life eternal." This practice appears to be an ancient one, and to be considered as a kind of consecration (q.v.). It is found in the liturgy of St. James, where the priest, after breaking the bread, places the portion which he holds in his right hand in the chalice, saying, "The union of the all-holy body and precious blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ." The fourth Council of Toledo (A.D. 633), canon 18, orders the commixtion to take place between the Lord's Prayer and the benediction. Cranmer explained the ceremony as signifying the joining together of Christ's body and blood at the resurrection, which before were severed at the time of his passion.