wotd: neologism

neologism \nee-OLL-uh-jiz-um\, noun:

1. A new word or expression.

2. A new use of a word or expression.

3. The use or creation of new words or expressions.

4. (Psychiatry) An invented, meaningless word used by a person with a psychiatric disorder.

5. (Theology) A new view or interpretation of a scripture.

Father Sumith, the associate rector at our church, is from Sri Lanka. Singhalese is his first language, English his second, and if I'm not mistaken he speaks a few others fluently as well. He's a small man, with nut brown skin and wavy dark hair. His pastoral care is at the heart of our church. At communion his devotion inspires me, but tickles me too. After we proclaim the mystery of our faith, Father Sumith intones, "We celebrate the memoridemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving."

Memoridemption: the memorial of our redemption.

Father Sumith's neologism is, for me, the heart of worship. The light heart that brings a smile to my face as easy as his.