CultureSeptember 4, 2026
homilist
HOM-uh-list
Definition
A person, typically a member of the clergy, who delivers a sermon or homily during a religious service.
Etymology
Derived from the Medieval Latin 'homilia', which comes from the Greek 'homilia' meaning 'conversation' or 'discourse'. It originally referred to an informal sermon intended to be easily understood by the congregation.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, who served as both the celebrant and the homilist during the Mass of the Holy Spirit. His role as homilist involved delivering the sermon to the university community.
Pope Leo XVI’s Representative Celebrates Annual Mass of the Holy Spirit
Read the full article ↗The Catholic University of America