Kneeler

For other uses, seeKneeler (disambiguation).

The Missal,byJohn William Waterhouse(1902), depicts a woman kneeling on aprie-dieu,a piece of furniture with a built-in kneeler

Akneeleris a cushion (also called atuffet,hassock, genuflexorium, or genuflectorium) or a piece offurnitureused for resting in akneelingposition duringChristian prayer.

Traditional solid oak church pews with kneelers

In manychurches,pewsare equipped with kneelers in front of the seating bench so members of the congregation can kneel on them instead of the floor. In a few other situations, such asconfessionalsand areas in front of analtar,kneelers for kneeling during prayer orsacramentsmay also be used. Traditionally,altar railsoften have built-in knee cushions to facilitate reception ofHoly Communionwhile kneeling.

A kneeler is also a part of theprie-dieuprayer desk.

Kneelers in churches are a modern development. Kneeling was not part of the Mass in early Christianity, and has been part of the Catholic Mass since the 16th century.

See also

• Hassock
• Knee pad