<P> The phrase "bell, book, and candle" refers to a Latin Christian method of excommunication by anathema, imposed on a person who had committed an exceptionally grievous sin . Evidently introduced by Pope Zachary around the middle of the 8th century, the rite was once used by the Roman Catholic Church . In current practice a simple pronouncement is made to anathematize formally . </P> <P> The ceremony was described in the Pontificale Romanum up until the time of the Second Vatican Council . Subsequent post-conciliar editions of the Pontificale omitted mention of any particular solemnities associated with excommunication . </P>

What is the meaning of bell book and candle