The narthex is a significant architectural element in Catholic tradition, serving as a vestibule or entryway to the church proper. Its location, at the western end, precedes the nave and signifies a transition between the secular world outside and the sacred space within. The narthex’s liturgical function historically included penitents awaiting reconciliation or those not fully participating in the Mass. While its use varies among churches, its symbolic meaning remains consistent: a space of preparation and welcome before entering the heart of the church’s sacred ritual. It’s a liminal zone, bridging the outside world and the sanctuary.