fenestella

During the singing of the fourth responsory the Pope, instead of incensing only the altar, opened the fenestella confessionis with a golden key and went into the empty space, which can still be seen between the tomb of the apostle and the altar.

27 July -- Bl Titus Brandsma, O. Carm. John 2009

During the singing of the fourth responsory the Pope, instead of incensing only the altar, opened the fenestella confessionis with a golden key and went into the empty space, which can still be seen between the tomb of the apostle and the altar.

The Station at St Paul John 2009

As the sanctuary was elevated above the floor of the basilica the altar could thus be placed immediately above the tomb, while the people in the body of the church could approach the confessio and through a grating (fenestella confessionis) obtain a view of the relics.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1: Aachen-Assize 1840-1916 1913

In this case the sanctuary floor was not elevated above the floor of the Basilica, and therefore the fenestella occupied the space between the floor and the table of the altar, thus forming a combination tomb and table altar.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1: Aachen-Assize 1840-1916 1913

In the fenestella of this altar there is a square opening through which brandea could be placed on the tomb.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1: Aachen-Assize 1840-1916 1913

A fourth-century basilica built on this site has recently been discovered (1888), showing, like so many others, the fenestella confessionis through which the tomb of the martyr could be seen.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 3: Brownson-Clairvaux 1840-1916 1913

Here we see the _fenestella confessionis_, by means of which pilgrims were allowed to behold and touch the venerable grave.

Pagan and Christian Rome Rodolfo Amedeo Lanciani 1888

In Rothwell Church, Northamptonshire, on the south side of the chancel, are the vestiges of a triple piscina; the fenestella has been destroyed, but the three basins with their drains remain.

The Principles of Gothic Ecclesiastical Architecture, Elucidated by Question and Answer, 4th ed. Matthew Holbeche Bloxam 1846

[190 - †] “In cornu Epistolæ ... ampullæ vitreæ vini et aquæ cum pelvicula et manutergio mundo in fenestella seu in parva mensa ad hæc praeparata” -- Missale Romanum ex Decreto, &c.

The Principles of Gothic Ecclesiastical Architecture, Elucidated by Question and Answer, 4th ed. Matthew Holbeche Bloxam 1846

Eastward of the sedilia, in the same wall, is a _fenestella_ or niche, sometimes plain, but often enriched with a crocketed ogee or pedimental hood moulding in front, over the arch, which is trefoiled or cinquefoiled in the head.

The Principles of Gothic Ecclesiastical Architecture, Elucidated by Question and Answer, 4th ed. Matthew Holbeche Bloxam 1846