Die Feier der Initiationssakramente im alten Erzbistum Trier

Through the celebration of baptism, confirmation, and first communion, a person is integrated into the community of the Church. Originally observed as a single initiation rite, the three sacraments have ritualized separately over the course of history. This study examines for the first time the celebration of the initiation sacraments in the ancient Archdiocese of Trier and their cultural, ecclesiastical, and social historical context. It evaluates both the diocesan liturgical books from the 16th to the 18th centuries and extraliturgical sources such as catechisms, legal texts, and artifacts. Additionally, comparisons are made with other local churches to highlight local peculiarities as well as overarching ecclesiastical traditions. From this overview, a vivid picture of the individual liturgical celebrations emerges, illustrating the diverse changes to which liturgy is subjected.