STATIONAL Meaning and
Definition
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Stational is an adjective that describes something related to a station, particularly in the context of religious ceremonies or worship. The term is most commonly used in the Christian liturgical tradition, specifically within the Roman Catholic Church.
In Catholic liturgy, a stational celebration refers to a special Mass that is held at a designated church or sacred place within a diocese on a specific day. These celebrations often occur on feast days, solemnities, or during the liturgical seasons, and they typically involve a procession from one church to another, led by the bishop or a representative of the clergy.
The purpose of stational Masses is to foster a sense of unity and community among the faithful within a given diocese, as well as to honor the sanctity and history of the various churches in the area. Stational celebrations also serve to remind believers of the spiritual journey they are undertaking together as they move from one station to another.
Beyond the religious context, stational can also refer to anything associated with a station in a more general sense, such as a train station, police station, or weather station. It pertains to the location, activities, or services provided by these stations and may encompass anything from waiting areas and ticket counters to police operations and meteorological data collection.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for STATIONAL
Etymology of STATIONAL
The word "stational" is derived from the Latin word "statio", which means "a standing or stopping place". In ancient Rome, statio referred to the placement of military units or the locations of temples. Over time, the term evolved to describe the places where groups of Christians would gather for worship and prayers. In this context, the term "stational" came to be associated with a particular church or a designated place of gathering for religious ceremonies. Today, "stational" is still used to describe the churches or shrines visited on specific days during the Christian liturgical calendar, particularly during Lent and Easter.
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