A HOLY GIFT TO MOTHER

There is an old custom of giving the manutergium to the priest’s mother, who keeps it throughout her lifetime and then is buried holding it in her hands. The Manutergium, which was used to cleanse the priests hands; consecrated and made holy when the bishop anointed them with sacred chrism at his consecreation. According to tradition, when she comes before Our Lord, he says to her: “I have given you life. What have you given to me?” She hands him the manutergium and responds, “I have given you my son as a priest.”  At this, Jesus grants her entry into paradise.