Osculatorium

Osculatorium (object to be kissed), viz. pacis ad Missam (of peace for the Mass); the "pax" for the holy kiss, as used in the ancient Church. It was a piece of wood or metal, with a picture of our Savior, the blessed Virgin, or the like, painted or embossed upon it. This was kissed by the priest during the celebration of mass, and afterwards handed to the people for the same purpose; a custom which probably originated in the ancient kiss of charity, which was practiced by the Christians at the service of the Eucharist. SEE PAX.