Liturgische Texte zu ehren der heiligen drei Könige

A notable discovery from medieval liturgical texts reveals that the Church, particularly during the Middle Ages, crafted specialized prayers and rituals for travelers, pilgrims, and seafarers. These included Mass forms such as 'Pro iter agentibus,' 'Pro peregrinantibus,' and 'Pro navigantibus,' alongside rites for blessing travel equipment and welcoming returning pilgrims. Intriguingly, while these texts were widespread across Europe—from England to Poland—they are absent in Cologne missals, despite the significance of Cologne Cathedral's relics of the Three Kings, revered as patrons of travelers. The study focuses on one such Mass form, 'De tribus magis pro iter agentibus,' which elaborates on the journey of the Three Kings from the East to Bethlehem, guided by a mystical star. The Church's prayers for pilgrims invoked protection, peace, and prosperity, often referencing Christ as their guide and an Angel of Peace as their companion. This research sheds light on the theological and liturgical practices surrounding medieval pilgrimage, particularly in relation to the veneration of saints.

Puszcz, T. (2019). Liturgische Texte zu ehren der heiligen drei Könige. Roczniki Teologiczne, 66(8), 125–137. https://doi.org/10.18290/rt.2019.66.8-9