In persona Christi
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In persona Christi is a Latin phrase which translates literally as "in the person of Christ." This is an important theological concept of the Catholic Church referring to the action of a priest while celebrating a sacrament. The priest acts in the person of Christ, or it could be said, the Person of Christ is acting in the performance of the gesture and the pronouncing of the words of the sacramental rite.
In particular, there are essential moments in the rites where the priest's words and gestures confect the sacrament. These words are spoken in persona Christi. "This is my body." in the Eucharistic prayer and "I absolve you of your sins" in the Sacrament of Reconciliation are chief examples.
