CM
-J ' O
I It
iil
LOU.hGii
THE CEREMONIES
HOLY 3L\ss EXPLAINED,
' i;K MEANi.N
-r.v-
REY. ! . X. SCIK >U1TE, S. I. I
in Altari Ci uri> in.n,' .
n!u> i'i-f'!i'i:tiuii! lnatiiiucavefit. el cji -
li sici illcatus »•-: iiiii-^ci1 |K-r><-\ci-a!
.\r;.\ SANCTI A^^Kt.A^. ArnMou s.
SECOND REVISED EDITION
FR. rr>TF.r.
t the 11 l\ 5 jnti^ri cf Rite1-.
TJr. TPnstrl ^. Ga..
N'FW ^' ;. K AN! '
Imprimatur.
March 4. i ^91 .
»|i JOHN LOUGHLIX.
Bishop ':f JBrctkl\ ii-
COPYRIGHT, LS91
BY E. STEINBACK
• e firm of Fr. Pustfjt .x Co.. X, T
TH "
^K-.HT Ri V. JnilN ^ .1 liHI IN. D. 0
I \ ( , k.\ '1 I I KM. IA 1 I« >N ' 'F HIS i
kl\I»M -- \M> IX T"KhX <>F DEL !' \N!'
VI M i TI"\ A I I Kl • • -tiM I !•
• . \ : ; \
' • r,K
1 | \ N . «! i \ ! 1' '\ \NI) I HI SACRIFKJ
Itvtny anO tt3C Dca^.
INI) K X.
PRELIMINARY NOTE.-.
ITKlVsK AM- I\V(i tUl.I) MKAMM, «f CtkHMOMES.
CMAPTF.i; II.
KS1 ANIi HIS \ K.ST1IF.N fS.
< HAPTF.i; III.
SO.MK SI'KTIAL fh I,' MMXIKS
TIIK CKI.f i'.K \ n<>\ cF IMF MI 'I.1! >AI UFK K
1. Tin- F : \ • . • ii-al M«' initiL'
'-. T! • Ut->! • icti . \ . • _ : i' . Mi-jiiiiiiLT
;-!. '!'!,!• Litfj-a! M.-
XI 1.
INUEX.
I. THE PREPARATION AT THE FOOT <>F THE ALIAR
II. FROM THE INTROIT TO THE OFFERTORY
III. FROM THE OFFERTORY TO THE " SANCTUS."
iv. FROM ru >NI|N T0 THE "
V. FROM THE "PATER XOSTKR " TO T!IE FINAL AliLFTION. 114
n. ; ExD
PREFACE
111' i • ,
re -; »-, •< 'f ! ' i i 1 v
•
M - ; • ; • \his>
.rk -
i)
r.-arnei 1 Jesuii Father S I •
- • •
•
:iNn in the- hand- i [Ssisi at them
A can-! ul -tiidy i :, intents :.\'
!»r( iductivr • •! much Lrood lor all classes
1 'I reader-, h sheds :i tlnod of hallowed
IiLi'ht on the symbols and ceremonies em
ployed 111 the Molv Sacrifice and presents
10 . PREFACE.
them more beautiful, more venerable, and
more sacred than ever.
The translation of these admirable
studies of the great Jesuit, although done
in moments snatched from the time of a
visitation of a large parish, has brought
the translator much pleasure and instruc
tion. He humbly trusts that both the
clergy and laity will hail with delight the
publication of this little treasure of mod
ern Catholic literature, intended as it is
to increase love and reverence for the
great central act and feature of Catholic
worship, the Holv Sacrifice of the Mass,
its ceremonies and symbols. A distin
guished author not of the household of
faith, seeing but dimly and "as through
a oflass," considered the Holv Sacrifice
o
" the onlv erenume thins: of our time."
rUKFACK. 11
Ilow^Teat should not our love and ap
preciation be. we who are dailv partakers
of " the chalice ot salvation," and o! the
" clean vblatisn oft\rcd up among tlic nations
fj\'))i tlu' rising ct tlic sun to the goi)i£ doicu
<>t~ t/u ' stu?;t'." Mav Ciod speed thi^ little
hook to everv Catholic h< >nie.
P. F. O'HARE.
,>!,. X.
March i«.
CKIIKMOMKS OF Tin: MASS.
[ M I N A R V N -
The P I Meaning of Ceremonies.
. it it s. Hie ccrc-
i M;is> were instituted l>y the
:;- successors, under the
1 l,,lv Spirit, not only
• ! ;.; august sacn-
itt tlit minils of the faith-
, us of r,
of the pro-
i in the
1± PRELIMINARY NOTES.
Eucharistic Sacrifice" Tricl.. Sess. xxii.
cap. 5. The purpose, therefore, of the
Church in using ceremonies is twofold:
the first, is to manifest the respect and
reverence due to the divine sacrifice ;
and the second, is to point out the signs
and lessons oi the profound mysteries
which lie concealed therein.
But now, what are the hidden things,
which are pointed out by these symbols
and these ceremonies r Some of these are
truths of faith, and others of morals.
The truths of faith are. for the most part,
the mysteries and the various circumstan
ces of the passion oi Christ, that is. of His
blood v sacrifice, which is not merely re
newed in the Mass, but is also represented
in this unbloody sacrifice (Tricl., Sess.
xxii. cap. i. and 2.), and, in fine, the ef
fects of the Passion in the Church, and
in the souls of the faithful. The moral
lessons contained therein, which are in
tended to excite the faithful to imitate
Christ, and dispose them to offer the
If.
lloiv Sacrifice in a hcc< IIIIHIL: manner,
a i"( • 1 IK- ; ( ill* )\v MIL:' : act s < >l I ai t h. comp unc
tion, liuinilil \". ( i ii i IK irncr. cnaritv. an<l
t tic ot her virt uc> ! >\' \\'hii ^ou 1 is
unit e< 1 \vil ii i in- I )i vine Viet ini • >: i he
altar. s<) that, in union with it. thev nia\"
• itx-TX'i1 ! L'c4i\'cd as (,»nc holocaust
in the1 odor i >; s\\"cc1 ness.
Aidrd hv tlicsc principles and the
various si^ns \vhich the Cfiurch her-
se'Il !re(juentl\" uses to untold their mean
ing", and alter a carelul examination ol
tiie authors who liave written on them.
\vc' propose, in the following pa ijfcs. t o ex
plain hrietlx" the meaning ot ecclesiastical
cerenn mic-.
//. The .'.v / Id meaning of ccrcmom
From \\diat has lieen said, it is e\'ident
tliat ceremtjiiies admit of a variety of
meanings. Just as in the Sacred Scrip-
I'.'-)na. Traci. a-cct. tie sacrifici Miss.i — 1
XIV. DC Mi,, .._!... Hrun I /
•"f. — KntV: p.y. ]'• into lie cults
1(3 HIELDIINAEY NOTES.
tures we distinguish a literal and a mys
tical meaning, so is it with regard to the
rites of the Mass, whether they consist
of words or actions. The literal mean
ing, as applied to the Mass, is not only
the signification of the words, imme
diately intended by the Church, but
also the end to which the actions are
primarily and as it were naturally em-
I
ployed. The mystical meaning is that
which shadows the mysteries of faith,
and suggests the principles of morals.
Such particularly is that sense by which,
according to the thought of pious souls,
the mystery of man's redemption, and the
history of Christ's passion are presented
under the form of a perpetual allegory,
and which, therefore, is usually called the
allegorical meaning. Now, in order that
we may systematically unfold these mean
ings, and the salutary lessons which are ex
pressed in the ceremonies of the Mass, as
it were in some mystic pa^es, we shall
divide our Avork into four chapters, treat-
17
in-- in tiic fir>t, </ //v ,//.',/ r ,,//,/
^•'""< •' ;!l the >c'Coii(l, ///< /V.Y.S'/ f/;/7 ///.>
!t<t/s; ID the third, ^?/;/« special > • r,
uicuh's ; aivl in the fourth,//^ cclibrntion
../ /,'v //.A- .V.CTO
THE ALTAI;.
CII.M'TI-K I.
The Altar and its Furniture.
\' < >' ' ' I I- >1 v Sacri-
i st our •> i lei '"--^a i"\". :UK 1 (in it
! ix-re sin ml* ! ;i ci'ucitix, \va\
<-'> iu'ii' • nii>sal, a chalice and
j'atcn with it< vril, a ci>rj>i>ral, and bread
an< i wiiR', I he- ma icrifice. T< >
i ri icles ali'ca< Iv nieiit i< mei !. \ve may
i' !( i the ' • am [the tabernacle.
I . t h a I the Almighty
iniij;'nl \'ouclisat(.' \<> i"eeei\'e it. The Ku-
eharist ic- altar < ui^hl \ > be ol st« >ne, and
be consecrated by a hisliop, and have
deposited therein s< )iiic- relics of the I lol \-
Martyrs. It siioiild be raised above the
20 THE ALTAR.
grade of the steps, and be covered with
three linen cloths, the outer one hanging'
do\vn on both sides so as to touch the
Moor.
The altar denotes Christ, in whom and
through whom every oblation and act oi
worship are offered to God. As the altar is
the support of the sacrifice from which
the oblation ascends in the odor of sweet
ness, and without which it would return
to the earth, never again t< > arise, so Christ
is the support and strength of everv sac
rifice and act oi worship, for nothing
can be offered acceptablv to God except
by and through Christ.
The altar is made of stone : ist. because
it denotes Christ who is the mvstical
stone, a name often applied to Him in the
Sacred Scriptures. He is called the
ioundation stone, the corner stone, the
stone or rock of the desert : " and the rock
was Christ" (" Pctra autem erat Christies"
I. Cor. x. 4), the rock which, being struck,
not by the rod of Moses, but bv that of
THE ALTAI,. -J 1
the passion, pours lorth moM copiouslv
the- waters ol divine i^race. The altar is
made <>} stone, secondlv. because it i>
symbolic oi soliditv, and shows ho\v the
divine worship is most lirmlv established
on Christ.
I he altar stone is anointed with oil, to
denote Christ who is anointed with
divinity, anointed with the priesthood,
anointed with the fulness and abundance
<>t the Iloiv Spirit which operates unto
the sanctiricatiun oi all Christian**.
rhe consecrated altar contains tin-
relics ot the Ilolv Martvrs. their bones
and ashes, first, because in ancient times,
the tombs in which thev were interred
were turned into altars, and the Ilolv
Sacrifice ottered thereon: and secondly
because it manifests the intimate union oi
Christ with the faithful in the same sacri
fice, rhe martvrs laid down their lives,
in union with and bv virtue ol Christ's
sacrifice < m t iie cross. It is l< »r this rcas< >n
that the altar is made in the lorm of a
t ( nuii.
•2'2 THE ALTAFu
The altar is always erected in a high
place, above the floor of the Church.
This is clone, first, that the priest may
easily be seen by the faithful who assist
at the Holy Sacrifice ; secondly, because
it represents Mount Calvary ; thirdly, be
cause it. denote-^ the elevation of the soul
from earthly attractions, a disposition
necessary to all those who would honor
God in spirit and in truth : and fourthly,
because it outlines the mediation which
is performed on the altar between heaven
and earth. God and man. through Christ
wh< > is the principal mediate >r. and through
the priest, who is the secondary mediator.
on which account the priest, who offers
the Holy Sacrifice, is placed between
heaven and earth.
The altar is covered with three linen
cloths. These are used, in the first place,
to receive reverently the Most Precious
Blood in case of accidental spilling: and,
in the second place, to mark the purity
and cleanliness due to the material on
which an- placed the sacred L;'ills to he
• >!lere< I 1 1 • t in- Ai IIII'L; lit \ . Not on I \- should
t !1(' i^'i : t < >llere< 1 ': n • ; Hi iv, I nit ii is likewise
Accordiui^lv, the \\diite linen clot h is sN'in-
'ol ic o! the pu n't v \\diich oti^'h t to he
_d 1 1 t o t iii' 11 - \' Sacri ; i
I he- t h ree linen cloths a re usei 1 to
•i^ni! ' Hint \ ; not mil v external,
in n't v which i< ac-
'Meet , I he iu'art . am !
nn 1. or t h()Ui;"ht, \\"< )rd.
an 1 • le •<!. To ' inav he adclei 1. t hat
the linen clot h w hich lianas tlo\vn so as to
: the lloor, ini heat es that j iertect
| Hi r;t \ .. In itil> ! a< !' »rn t he \vh • »le man
troni heail to toot : t hat puril v which our
Lon 1 I I inisell reminds us ol in the washing
• >t t he leet ut I li^ -. lisciples.
THE CRUCIFIX.
jj //. Tht Crucifix.
The image oi the Crucified raised upon
the altar indicates that the Eucharistic
altar is a true Calvary, in which the
bloodv sacrifice of Christ is renewed in
THE I.K.IHS. •_!.-,
an unbloody manner. The crucifix is
placed in a conspicuous position, so that
it may attract the eyes and hearts oi all
towards it: "And /. if f be lifted up
from the earth :,'/// drais all things to
"')' -st. John xii, 52. " Cum cxalta-
: niero .1 terra sauna traliam ad vie //>-
•v •''''•'•' 1 he cross denotes the triumph of
our crucified Lord \vho.in expiring upon
it. o m. mere* 1 the w< >rld bv fait h and who,
moreover, on the day ot the general
judgment will conquer it still more com-
pletely by I Ji> justice.
.-: ///. The Lights.
I lie candlesticks and candies crown
t:-(' aitar, not only as a si^n of honor and
iny. but also, as representing Christ, the
Lord, who is the liidit of the world and
as we're, a brand from heaven ca^tin^
fire into the world that it mav be en
kindled by Divine love. " I am come to send
Ilr' '<r ': •'•'- • irth ?;/ I :c/i it : - that it
20 THE MISSAL.
be enkindled" Luke xii, 49. They repre
sent, likewise, the hearts of the faithful,
which illumined by the light of Christ and
inflamed bv His fire, are ever consumed
unto the honor of God. Finally, the
lights used in the masses and offices of
the dead remind all of the everlasting
liicht of glory reserved for the faithful
departed.
The sacred book which was formerly
called the Sacrament arinm^ but now is
called the Missal or Mass-book, contains
the holy prayers and gospels which are
recited in the mass. This sacred book
denotes the Church or to speak more
correctly, it denotes Christ Himself who
speaks to us in its pages. In ancient
times it was customary to enclose it in a
case of gold and even at present, it is
found frequently embellished and orna
mented with gold, silver, and pearl. The
•11
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Jf^T^TSSx^ r .' ! ''. 3 *>'* -• —~"'- \ .-^^' *;•£'*£ .V :. r'"*
4S»:^ • W
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Divine \vor I, the ^ukl and --cms oi coles-
28 THE CHALICE AND PATEN.
$ F. The CJialicc and Paten.
C
The chalice and paten made of gold
or silver, are consecrated with sacred
oil, in order that they may contain the
matter of the sacrifice, even the conse
crated species. On the paten is placed
the unleavened bread, which is afterwards
THE CHALICL: ANI> TATKN. *jy
changed into the bodv of Christ. In
the chalice is poured the wine with a
a little water, which is subsequently
changed into the blood of Christ. The
Church employs these sacred vessels
in her service to represent the hearts ot
the faithful, which are living sacred ves
sels containing the treasures of Christ.
On account of the great respect mani-
lestecl for all that concerns our Divine
Lord, these vessels are made ot the most
precious materials and consecrated bv
the bishop and. hence, we are reminded «>t
the great value o{ our souls which were
redeemed bv the most precious blood ol
the Saviour and sanctified with the unc
tion, that is. the- grace of the IIolv Spirit.
The chalice, moreover, is a svmbol <>t the
holv alliance existing between God and
man. as well as. a svmbol ol opulence, o!
1 rat emit y, etc.
The chalice and paten, which stand in
30 THE CORPORAL.
the centre of the altar, are covered with
a veil. This is symbolic, first, of the veil
of faith; second, of the eucharistic veil
which conceals the body of Christ; and
third, the veil of blindness covering the
eves of the Jewish people and all sinfui
men.
< VI. The Corporal.
The corporal is a clean linen napkin
which is spread out on the altar, at full
length, at the beginning of mass and on
which the Sacred Host or the body of
Christ is placed. It is used to commemo
rate the linen winding sheet in which our
Lord's inanimate bo civ was shrouded by
Joseph of Arimathea. The corporal is a
symbol of that purity of soul in which
the Lord delights to take up His abode.
^ FY7. The Bread and Wine.
The bread used as the matter of the
Holy Sacrifice must be made from the
purest wheat, unleavened and of a circu-
TIU: I;I;I:AI> ANI» WINK. ;n
lar form. The wine emploved ID
consecnit i< m <>i the chalice mir-t be ex
tracted iroin the <^rape and mixed \vith a
lit 1 ie water.
The L<»rd desired thi^ tn he the mailer
ol the sacriiicc not onl\', because, l>rea<l
and wine are tound everywhere on earth,
hut alsi) to disclose to us a number of the
mysteries o! laith.
which lorm the food ol man. signify that
Christ our Lord, the I)ivinc Victim, i>
the health! id nutriment ni our souls. They
-i^m;\-, in the second tdace. the union of
-
the laithlul amongst themselyes and with
Christ, tor as the l)rend is made n;> oi
many grains, and the wine troin numerous
grapes, so the one mv<tic body oi Christ
i> lormed Irom the multitude oi the taith-
iul. They signify, in the third place, the
mortiticat ion which every one must endure
to be united with Christ, for juM as wheat
in order to be made into bread must be
irround in the mil and treated with
3*2 THE BREAD AND WINE.
water and heat, in like manner a faith
ful soul ^to be intimately united with
Christ and live with His spirit must die
to himself.
This bread is known as the azymes, or
the bread made without ferment, such as
our Lord used at the last supper. It in
dicates the purity of soul, which all
should acquire and which is obtained
only through Christ. Leavened bread is
not used, for the leaven denotes vice, con
cupiscence and the principle of all cor
ruption. " Kno-iv yc not that a little leaven
corrupteth the whole lump ? Purge out the
old leaven that ye may be a nciu paste, as
you are unleavened" \ Cor. v, 6, /.
The Host is of a circular form, because
the circle is the most, perfect of figures
and is symbolic of eternity or infinity.
On this account, it is the most appropriate
figure to represent the presence of Him.
who is infinite in duration, infinite in im
mensity, infinite in love, and infinite also
in the merits of His sacrifice.
THE Tiin;ii;LE. ;<;>
When the wine is poured into the chal
ice it. is mixed with a u-w drops ol water.
Our Lord Himself is believed to have
made use <>1 this mixture. The mixture
ot wine and water reminds us. in the \\r<{
place oi the open side of Christ whence
Mood and water issued profusely; in the
second place, it denotes the admirable
union of the divine and the human nature
which our Lord cemented in Hix Incar
nation and through which we are made
partakers oi the divinity, a union special
ly effected through the Holv Eucharist,
by sanctifying ^race and the glorv of the
next life, and in the third place, it repre
sents the union of the faithful with Christ
in one mvsticai b< >dv.
Fhe tnuriDle, winch in ancient times was
used in the tern pie bv Aaron, and which is
now used in the sanctuarv of Christ. ,- .1
• M THE THUIUIJLE.
the highest respect. The thurible is a
symbol ol Christ's humanity wherein is
hidden the lulness of the divinity as a
consuming lire. It i>, also, a symbol of
Christ who is the well-spring of all
graces, which, like most fragrant odors.,
are diffused over the whole world. The
thurible is. moreover, an imaire of the
Church which has within her keeping
the celestial lire of the divine spirit and
which, the more she is disturbed by
tribulations, the more copiously she emits
the 1 ra prance ( )l her virt lies. l;:nall\ . 1 in
thnnii.f. ; -v a t\"!»e <»l ihc s<»ul inflamed
!>v tin.1 lire1 i>! chant \" as is denoted bv
Iii'- words < >l the ccld >rant : " M j r ///
' ///, / re ,////
'
Ih'' 'a >• Tnacle, in Ch i~isl in t he
{•.IK harist \'ouehsales to dwell annin^'sl
men and \vhieh isc[iiite coininonlv placed
•• altar itselt, was prefigured in the
TaNei-nacle of the Old La\v. The Al
mighty commanded a fahernacle to IK-
erected and i^a\"e directions ior its con-
t he order and ! HI il t it in t lie desert. On
;t-> completion ail con si, lcre< 1 it a memori
al ' >: 1 he past and a figure « >f the future
wonders o! the Deity. The Tabernacle
built by Moses was divided bv a veil into
t 'A'o parts : < me < >l' which was called the
'uiu or Holy Place ; the other, the
'tin • >r tlu Holv of II .': .<. In that
•M THE TABERNACLE.
part called the Sanctum or Holy Place
there stood the golden candlesticks, the
golden altar of incense, and the golden
table containing the bread ot proposition.
In the other part known as the Holy of
Holies, only the Ark oi the Convenant was
kept. This Ark was constructed oi in
corruptible wood and was adorned, with
in and without, with the purest gold.
The manna, the flowering rod of Aaron,
and the tables of the law written bv the
finger of the Almighty were preserved
therein. Two cherubim with extended
wings stood over the cover ol the ark in
such a wav as to form a throne known as
the Propitiatory, where the divine majesty
resided amongst his people and delivered
His sublime oracles.
This, however, was but a mere figure oi
the Tabernacle of the Xew Law, which,
in turn, is but a figure of the eternal
and ever glorious tabernacle of heaven.
Whatever may be said of heaven may
with propriety "be said of the Eucharistic
Tabernacle. " />V/v/V the 'I'^bcrunclc of
God ;,'//// wen (iiii/ //t' r.v'/A/ar //:£•//// them"
Apoc. \\i.. 3. On our Tabernacle, as on
the one ol the Old La\v, t here1 is placed a
veil and close bv candlesticks, sacred
bread, incense1, the Ark ol the Convenant,
manna, the {lowering rod, and the Divine1,
I,;i\v. written bv tlu- linger of (iod. All
these mav be noted and contemplated in
the one Encharistic ChriM.
tr^
jgM ^r^p^s^;$^gv
^T-*ir> .* ,i-*r-- '-.'^ _ - , —-- .. ^__i_.v-^± .--- _._.,LS
CHAPTER II.
77/61 Priest and His Vestments.
The Mass, inasmuch as it is a lively
representation of Christ's passion and
death, mav be considered as a divine
drama whose theatre is the altar, whose
actor is the priest, representing the per
son of Christ, and whose action is per
formed in a series of ceremonies. In the
first chapter we described the sacred
scene ot the altar. In the present chap
ter we intend to describe the person of the
priest adorned with the sacred vestments
of his office, and also, consider the differ
ent kinds of vestments and their various
colors.
I lie pri eM . riot hed w il i ; ! : ,< • .si< ' red vest-
niciit s, '"c; ire>e:il ^ ( 'li ri>t . ( 'liris-
t la 1 1. 1 I ( represent s ( 'i i r; M \\ i i< > wa -
priest and victim on ( alvar\ and, hke-
\vise. : ''-mi s tin Cli I'isl ian wh< »
bi'ar< i lies, marks am ! >1 i^mas
<>! I Iis Lnrd. 1 i;c jiricst resembles more
'Id 1 iLi'u res 1 lie
ima^v < >: ( i;< u-
C'li n-i \\ a- n 1 lie 1 ii'^innin^
<)i tlii- \v<>rld ;i- a pnesl in Abel, llii1 son
u! Adam, is the she] iherd « »1 a 11- >ek
and who oil ere d t he h rsl -born and fat lin^s
t hereo! .
I/is (KM. i\. A^ain hi1 was |>re-
hu'ir ' person o! Melehisedeeh,
the kiii::' ''I Salem, who oil ere d bread and
• !i::nrc- 1 in 1 he ] >ers< >ii < >i Aar< m.
\ : mi^'lit \- 1 1 imsell el< >\ IKM 1 \vit i>
a movt magnificent vestment and thus
adorned, the Pontill entered intothe sanc-
t uar\" once onl v in tin- vear. Kxod. xxviii.
40 THE TRIEST.
Aaron, also, wore a linen tunic and a
hyacinthan vestment reaching" down to
the feet. The iringe of this vestment was
adorned with small golden bells. He was
girt with a cincture or a golden belt called
EpJiod. A rich border was woven round
about it. It was worn on the breast in
the form of a cross. He wore, also, on the
breast the Rationale. This garment was
made of gold and purple and was adorned
with twelve precious stones, every one
of which was engraved and had enscribed
thereon the names of the twelve tribes of
Israel. On the forehead, he wore the tiara
on which there Avas a golden plate bear-
in°- the inscription " Sanctum Domino"
"Holy to the Lord" God Himself, as
the Holy Ghost attests, " made him high
in glory. And lie girded him about with a
zone of %lory and clothed htm with a stole of
glory If? gare him a holy robe of
$old and blue and purple with precious
stones cut and set in gold and graven by
the work of a lapidary for a memorial
,ftYtW/x ' ' '' thc /;';/r-s' ([/
/.,,- ,,' ' , itn\
mark: i icitli ' ' <0' a)li^
-( , . •;. • '-. I / :s sdcnju'i'* :>.'< vv
iisnintit :oit/i jlrc crcry ttcy. Moses
• ;/;.s iiands and anointed liini icit/i holy
• 1-AX li. \!v.. 7 scq. Christ, thc j;rcat
Ili^-h I'ricst, was prefigured hy such
,<!( »r. purple, i^enis, etc., l< »r 1 Ie
\v;is trulv adorned \vith the purple ol I lis
()\vii blood, decked with the j^enis oi His
wounds and crowned with the diadem oi
ol His ignominy. Still these ii-ures
were, in truth, hut very taint.
Thc priest oi the New Law repre
sents in our eyes most clearly and dis
tinctly Christ, the great Pontiff, by the
admirable adornment of those vestments,
which Holv Mother Church, under the
direction of the Divine Spirit, assumes and
adopts. Hut the pricM not only repre
sents Christ; he, also, represents the
Christian, as will be seen from the follow
ing exi ilanat i< >ns.
42 THE PRIEST'S VESTMENTS.
$11. The Priest's vestments.
The vestments employed bv the priest
celebrating the Ilolv Sacrifice are six in
number, the Amice. Alb. Cincture, Mani
ple, Stole and Chasuble. Xo covering
ior the head is allowed the priest whilst
celebrating at the altar. The inner vest
ments are ahvavs white, but the outer
ones admit of a varietv of colors. A two
fold signification is here intended : one. is
allegorical or representative of the Lord's
Passion, the other, has a mural meaning.
One refers to Christ, the other, to the
Christian.
The Auncc resembles a handkerchief or
white veil with which the head first and
then the neck and throat is covered. The
amice lias various meanings. In the first
place, it denotes the veil of mockery with
which the wicked persecutors covered the
face of Christ. In the second place, it
teaches us the importance of that hope
and confidence in God which are the
TIII: ri;irsr's VKSTMKXTS.
44 THE PRIEST'S VESTMENTS.
shields of salvation: (i. Thcss. v., 8.) and
finally, it reminds us of the custody of
the tongue. The words of the Pontifical
and Missal make these meanings clear.
"Accept this aniicc by winch is designated
the restraint of the tongue." "Place upon
mv head, O Lord ! the helmet of salvation to
resist t/ie assaults of the devil"
TJic Alb is made of white linen, and
reaches to the feet of the priest. It de
notes first, the white robe with which
Christ was clothed: second, the inno
cence of the immaculate and nndeliled
Lamb, Christ Himself: third, the great
purity of soul which is acquired through
contact with the Lamb of God and Mis
saving blood. " Pit rify me, O Lord ! and
make me clean of lie art, that washed in the
blood of the Lamb 1 may possess eternal
joy"
The Cincture, with which the Alb is
bound round the body lest it should hang
immoderatelv, signifies the cords which
were tied around the sacred bodv of Our
i;
Lord. It denotes moreover, the mort itica-
tion <)1 the- llesh and it> vices and implies
0 >tiM'( j unit 1 v the virtue o! h()l\' chastit\".
" / .' i'i it r /( ins <"; ,^:r.'. ' St. Luke. \n., ^;.
\\ hriv:.>re the priest pravs thus, " dird
me (} /.••/•'/.' :•.•< iiictuyc ( f puritv and
t'.i'/ heat -7 concupis-
ncc and cliasti-
'
, which is ] ilaced r m t he lelt
arm. \vas t< >rmerl v used as a napkin lor re-
mi i\ i ULC tears and [ >cTspirat i< >n. ! t signifies,
ti i"^t . the chains \vitli \vhicli t li</\' bound t lie
arms o\ the I^ord, sc'Cnndlv, the' ti'ars
shed in the spirit <>l penance \v!iicli \vill
1 x • \viped a\va\" in the I Icavenl v Kingdom,
11\", the labor ;n (nxl's sci"\'ice \\"hich
is nex'er \\'it IK >ut I nut. "A1 'aniplc
• fruits of //
" .I/,: }' I <{..--
St'?';', O Lord ! to bear ///,• uianipL of :occp-
ii)'<t (V r.' The'
i^t sa \'S. " /' re. /'/.
46 THE PUIEST'S VESTMENT*.
casting their seed. ]lut coming they shall
conic with joy fulness carrying tJicir shcart s.''
Ps. cxxv., 6. 7.
The Stole in the beginning was a linen
garment, white and narrow, which hun^
troni the neck on the breast <>i the priest,
or according toothers, it. \vas that vest
ment frequenth spoken of in Scripture
and by profane authors as the stola. -This
stole was the distinctive garment o! the
nobility. It was decorated in front with a
magnificent border (oraj, which was called
orarium. This border alone the Chun;!;
preserves. It is called the stole and is
placed on the neck ot the priest and
crossed on the breast. The stole reminds
us of the cords binding the neck o: our
Lord. It signifies moreoyer the yoke ot
the Lord consisting ot the burdens oi the
sacred ministry and finally, the nup
tial garment of grace, the clothing of im
mortality and glory. " Receive this white
stole from the hand of God : fulfill the work
of your ministry. God is powerful and wi-i
THI: ri;ii-:sT s VHSTMKNTS.
1 1 1 < I ; i s 1 nil - i :j^ \ }(. -
lii<
I Tout aili ' n • ! |. il 1 1 i , i ;;
1 lie <T< iSS • ml • ;
which Ch n'si \\ ( ire in t lu o >url
1 'i l.tt c. SIM •( nit 1. n iv m i IK Is n ^ ( >!
\v< >iin< Is < >! t in/ Su\
such LI;IV; - i , i c< >\ (-r
I I im \\-it ii a rci 1 ^anncni . Thin 1. il iv; >;•<•-
sent > 1 IK- ' \ IK.- \vas so >u
l'"iirt h. il cuts the cm>> \vlii cli \v::^
'! 'iiic:e< ! on II is six uihlei>. I;ii t h, il indi
cates the N'irtue <»] charilx \\'hich is not
' )!|1 v t he i lerlecl i1 'ii - >1 all vii I
48 THE PRIEST'S VESTMENTS.
their crown. Finally, it signifies the yoke
of the Lord, that is, the cross and patience
and also the law of the Lord which charity
embraces. " Receive this sacerdotal gar
ment by which cJiarity is denoted, for God is
powerful to increase within you His charity
and bring it to a perfect work?' " May t/ie
Lord dot he you with the stole of innocence"
" O Lord ! w/io /last said, my yoke is sweet
and in v burden ligJit, grant, tiiat I may so
carrv it as to merit TJiy grace"
The Tonsure of the head or the corona,
signifies first, the crown of thorns which
was placed on the head of Our Divine
Lord. It denotes secondly, a hatred ol
all earthly things for Christ's sake. And
thircllv, it points out the great dignity and
power of the roval priesthood ol Christ.
" TJic Lord is t lie portion of my inheritance
and my cup : it is thou wilt restore my in
heritance to inc." Ps. xv. 5. "' And the in
scription of Jus cause was written over Him,
the King of the Jews." St. Mark xv. 26.
The inner vestments of the priest are
alwavs white and arc intended to repre
sent t he interi< >r purity and inn< >ccncc ot
heart which sin mid never be put aside,
but which should be preserved undcrthe
el, ,;ik « >t humilit v. The whiteness < .t these
vestments surest s that \ve should bej^in
h\- ] mi-it v < >; heart and t ree< i( >m t r< >m sin,
in order that bv d< . - we mav ascend
t hri »u^h t he i ro» and pal inter to the
1 1 - •] ' >• i 1 1 -- o| ( 1 1 \' 1 1 1< ' i 1 1 a n t \ .
i >r i nit cr garment, admits
nf a varict v of color<. first, be- cause chant v
is the mot and parent from which the
, ,1 her virtues spring : sec< nidly, because
charitv ol itself embraces and manilests
all k i n ds ( > I v i r 1 1 1 cs e v e n a s t h e respl e n den t
li^ht ol the Sun diffuses manv ravs ol all
colors. \Vhereiorc, the chasuble repre
sents the glorious vesture ol the Church
herself, the Spouse of Christ, a garment
which is no other than divine charity it-
self. " '/'• !"1^
: u Y
/' Y A i : ' '. ttrtJit I'/itt'r is
50 THE PRIEST'S VESTMENTS.
lijithin in golden I orders, clot lied round
about -loitJi varieties" 1J^. xliv.
I he Church uses in her liturgy live
different colors, viz.: TC////Y. red. green,
violet, and block. WJiite is symbolic of
innocence. Lflory, and joy. Rt :d denotes
not only the fire ol charity, \yhich the
Holy Spirit enkindles and diffuses in us.
hut likewise tl id oi the martyrs
— the most excellent flower of char
ity. Green is symbolic of hope and
the desire of heaven. It likewise clem
Christian morals which are sown by the
word ol Christ and spring up and flourish
under the influence oi His example. The
Lord on (.me occasion compared Himsel1
to a green tree and said : " if in t lie greet
loood they do these things ''oiiat shall be dent
i>i th c dn '. ? " L u k e x x i i i . 31. ( ) [ the
just it is written " the just shall spring up
as a green leaf " Ps. i. :;. }~iolet is a color
which holds a medium between red and
black. This color is symbolic of penance,
lasting, etc.. by which we are freed
t h H>n:_d ( n-1 - n 11 i-l p ren oiis hi
1 r < * 1 1 1 1 1 1 ( • drain < 1 1 - 1 1 1 ; 1 1 1 ( 1 ! i < • i , . />/(h'/\.' i s
1 i K ' <. ' 1 1 1 [ ) 1 c • i 1 1 11! 1 1 <. • ; 1 1 i i ; 1 1 n 1 d a r k 1 1 ( ' - - by
which we arc reminded ,,; \\\L- laithlul
souls m< ui rn i n^' in liir (hirkiR-ss <)l jiui'^a-
1 < >rv. ai 1 1 1 ; i >r \\'ln nn \\'c- c,i n pr< u'u rcj i 1 rrn-
; 1 1 1 i L;' 1 1 1 ' ' S a c i" i 1 1 cc' < > i 1 1 1 (.• M ; i s > .
All 1 he \'c'st nu'iit s arc i >l<js>c'< 1 and
-lulled \\- ii 1 1 i n< • si 14," n i >t 1 he1 c:i"( )-s. 1 )t'cau>c
1 lu-v ai'r ( • ni^i-fi'aU-i i tn i iic UK 1-1 s;i
al 1 n-r- ai ' ' . - • -arn tu i • <
LT< )--.
•Si ' : - : \\ ' liax'c s] M ikc'ii < »! t IK' cc'k'i
iii i .' i ( ' sacrrd (Iraiiia, \\/.. \\\c priot, \\~iii)
rc'prcsc-nls Clirist, the- invisil)lc celt
Xmv \\'c siiall treat ol the action itself or
the cele brat ion ( >1 the mass. \ o i^i vc to
1 1 1 is man cr 1 1 u • ! uliK'ss and clearness ii dc'-
sc'i'ves \\c shall no\v explain suine cere-
nn >nies o •innn ni to l he- vari< uis j ian - , .1
the I I ol v Sacriiice and \\- h ich arc' I re< jiient-
1 v repeated during il< celebration.
CHAPTER III.
On some Ceremonies in particular.
Some ceremonies are common to a
great extent and are repeated according
to circumstances. Amongst ceremonies
of this kind are the frequent use of the
sign of the cross, genuflections, inclina
tions of the head, the raising of the eyes,
the raising and joining of the hands, the
extension of the hands, the turns and salu
tations to the people, and, so to speak,
the dialogues of the people, the varied
changes of place, incensing, kissing the
altar, the raising and lowering of the voice
and silence.
After the manner of a blessing the
priest makes the s:^'ti • crass \vith
his ri^'lit hand, on himself, on the missal,
on the incense and the offerings, lie
makes 1 lie sii^'ii < >! 1 he en >ss even < >ver 1 lie
consecrated I lo>t and Chalice: hut in
this case the si^-ii ,,1 jllr cross differs trom
the benediction propcrlv so called. The
'. ('ri'ss N used, first, as the si^n
and soun I c1 blessing and the1 ^race
o! God, because the cross i> the chiel in-
sti'umcnt '»! the passion and the death ot
Christ and is therefore ri^'htlv considered
to be the soui'ce ;'nd the lountam ot
everv blessing. It is usc-d, secondl\-, to
commemorate the death <>! C hrist in
\\'ho->e memor\' the II<>lv Saci'ilicc1 is
dail\" offered. Since the cross most tit-
t inu"l\" represents the passion and deat h of
C'hrist, it becomes, by its frequent repeti
tion. impres>ed on t.he minds of both
pncM and people, that the ^ac'nticc1 of the
altar is the same as ttie ^acnticc' <>t the
ci'oss, for in the consecrated host t here is.
verilv, the same bodv o| ("hri^t \vhich
."U OX .SOXi: CEREMONIES IN PARTICULAR.
was nailed to the cross and in the chalice
the same blood which was spilt on Cal
vary. It should be observed that at
times the sign of the cross is made only
oin\\ then again twice, tlirce tunes
and finally free tiuns. 1 hese aels ha\'e
many mystic meanings. \Yhcn the
sign of th.e cross is made once it signihes
the unity ol the divine essence, or the
unitv of person in Christ: When it is
made twice, it si^nilio the two nature-- in
Christ, the human and divine : when ii is
made three times it signifies the trinity of
persons in God, Father. Son and llolv
Ghost, and imallv wiien it is made fire
tivu\\, it is to remind us of the live
wounds inflicted on the b(.»dv of the
Lord.
The genuflection is an external act of
reverence, adoration, humility and sub
mission paid to the divine majesty. By
its use the Church intends to manliest
that honor which is due to the divine
majesty not onlv in words, but also
in acts; not onlv mternallv lint even ex
ternal Iv. In this action the wl;olc man
combines to honor the' Creator. It is
also intended as a si^-ii and incentive to
that interior reverence and humiliation
which tin1 creature owes to the Creator.
The '. /'/ is an external
act • 'i reverence am 1 submissi< m. I n
character it is not ^ > solemn an act as the
L^ciiutlect ion. 1 he now is more or less
• uni 1 acc< >rd i n^ as the \vords and
circumstances demand. I hus all that
belongs t<> this supreme act <>l \\*orship is
carried out in the most perlecl manner.
The lifting of •• ' is di me
first, in unit at inn oi Christ \\'lio, when
p raving t<> I lis iiea\'enl\ rather tretpient-
1 v and iii' >re especial 1 v al t lie Last Supper,
because it is natural t'> raise the eves
when we address anv one, and thinllv.
that the mind and internal intention mav
be directed to Oocl through the external
elevation oi the eves. " To Thcc Jiarc I
i)() OX SOME CEREMONIES IX PARTICULAR.
lifted up my eyes °ielio (liveliest in Jiccrccn."
Ps. cxxii. i.
The raisingand joining of the Jiands. The
hands arc held elevated when praying,
first, because- it is proper for the suppliant
to extend his hands to those from whom
he expects help; secondlv. because the
Psalmist advises this act. " Lift up your
/lands to t/ie Jioly places and bless ye the
Lord!' Ps. cxxxiii. 2 : thirdlv. because
jNIoscc prayed in this manner lor the
people who were fighting the battles of
the Lord ; fourthlv. because Christ on the
cross prayed with extended arms; and
finally, that the raising" ot the hands may
be an indication and help to the elevation
of the heart.
The hands are raised and joined in the
form of a circle when the priest recites
the Gloria in Excels is. Credo, Veni sanctiji-
cettor, Te igitur, Memento, and Benedicat.
This is the natural posture which man
assumes in the act of exultation, praise
and supplication. The priest adopts this
posture so that IK- muv show that lie
magnifies (i<>d with all his heart, and he
signifies too, that with all lii< heai I lie be
lieves in (iod and seeks divine aid and ail
benedictions which he dcsirc< to pour
forth on the oblations, on liimscll. on the
bvstanders, and on all the other laithtui
whet her living ( >r dead.
extension of t lie liands. The priest
extends his hands and ininicdiatel\' i<)ins
them when IR- savs I\ uiitnis vobiseum*
crate friitres* or oreuius, so that he mav
salute the people not onlv bv his turning
to and addressing them, but with a ges
ture also; secondlv, that he mav express
the si nee; re and ardent a! feet ion of his heart
bv which he1 ealN clown benedictions on
thiv people and excites them to pravcr.
I ur)ii)igs t(i tlie people euiJ its it ice re eon-
I'ersatioiis icitJi tJiem. The priest trequent-
Iv turns to the' people saving, Donrinus
I'obiseiiDi or Orate fratres, or he >|>c-aks
to the people who answer through the
server, tirst, to sisjrnitv the union be-
58 OX SOME CEREMONIES IN 1'AKTICULAIl.
tween the priest and the people, who, to
gether, as one family of Christ offer the
sacrifice; secondly, that with fraternal
charity and mutual prayers and exhorta
tions, they may help each other; thirdly
that we may comprehend how the people
:ire united with Christ, the invisible priest,
as they arc with the priest at the altar.
Seven times the people are sainted with
the pious address Dominus volnscnm, t/ic
I.ord be with jw/,in order to signifiy how
<Teat a need we have of the help ot God,
and, also, to indicate the sevenfold gifts of
the Holy Ghost.
The changes of place. These are made
first, because various ceremonies, such as
the confession at the foot ol the altar,
lessons, ablutions, etc., naturally require
these movements; secondly, to signify the
various journeys of the Lord, especially
during the time of His passion; finally,
to remind us that we are travellers here
below, and through all the vicissitudes of
life's journey we may rely upon Christ to
conduct u^ salelx" to the haven ol eternal
rest . I nder t h is ! u -ad a U< > ma v be con
sidered ,',': \\ h id i
\\'as !< u merl v ma< le am 1 which to this
(lav to s< >me extent . is emit inuc< 1 1< >r t he
c< »n \ enience ol the c'ele! )i"anl and the
reason <>1 tiie movements, bv \\hich ii()\\'
and a^ani another pait nl the altar, is oc
cupied. [Besides these there are some1
in \>1 minims which will be explained
fun her < >n.
/ is done1 first, as a mark ot
honor and adoration ; secondlv, a^ s\'iii-
lx ilic i >l t he In )1< >caust < il ( 'hrist and all
Christians \vhich ascend h\* the tire ot
charitv in the iidorol s\\-eetness; third!\\
a^ an indicat inn < >i the ^'ni x 1 ndnr oi
d ill used in I 1 is Church and
throughout tiie u 1 1 1 x'c'rse ; fourthlv, as re-
the j >ra\'ers < >i the saint s i m
and in hea\'en, whicli asc^Mid from
hearts inllamed with love to the throne
o t ( i < x 1. " . / // .-/ ;/^7( '/ ca me d n</ .\Y< ', v/ b
i ,:;'• I tit u < < itst'r, and tin re
60 OX SOME CEREMONIES IN PAliTICULAIl.
was <rii'cn to him much -incense that he should
o
offer of the prayers of all saints." Apoc.
viii. 3.
The kissing of the altar and other articles is
done, first, as an evidence ot the respect
due to holv things; secondly, as an evi
dence of love and devotion towards Christ
who is symbolized by the altar. In per
forming this action the priest extends his
hands, as it were, to embrace Christ the
Lord for the purpose of obtaining Mis
blessing and good will not only for him
self but for others.
The raising of the voice and silence. T he-
priest's voice is raised first, to address the
people and prav with them that thev may
glorify God or express more ardently
their affection : secondlv. silence is ob
served to indicate and to aid recollection
of mind as well as reverence. This is
done to remind the worshippers that the
sublimest mysteries are being enacted and
that the sacred words may not be made
common. The alternate chansno- from
ON SDMI: CLi:i:MD.\ins IN i'.\i;ri< II.AI;. »;i
silence to audible speech represents both
the sacred silence observed and the prec-
lou^ u'Di'ds ni the divine victim >p<»kcn
Liudiblv at the time ui His passion.
The celebration of the Holy Sacrifice.
The celebration of the IIolv Sacrilice
viewed in its entirety, i. c., the order of
the Mass or the series ol the ceremonies
taken conjointly mav be explained under
a triple heading1: ist, according to llicir
fullest allegorical meaning ; 2(1. accord
ing to tlic allegorical meaning confined lo
the L or 'tf's J\ission as it is wont to be pro
posed to the piety of tJic faithful; W,
according h> the literal sense, leitii leJiicJi
t/ic moral sense is of /en identified or ///-
iiiiiatelv connected.
Speaking in the t'ull allegorical sense-,
tiuj Ma-*s ina\" [)c divided int<> t/irci parts.
: Ji>'st p'.irt, which is trom the lie^in-
nii)^" i(' the olfertorv, represents the his.
torv < >I the' world, iroin the creat ion do\vn
to the he^'i nnin^ « >i the Passion ot Christ.
.'/••/, which i^ in >ni the offer-
t()!"\" to tne Communion inclusivclv, re-
r 'r! • \vhich is from the Anti-
ph.<>n ol the Communion to the la>t Cios-
pel. symbolizes the historv of C'hri>t and
e world, even it> tuture, to the- end
priest entering ;'>>: sanctnarv
'r. represents the crea-
(U Till-: FULL ALLEGOiriCAL .MEANING.
race and at the same time the promise of
pardon given through the hope of the
future Redeemer. The Introit and Kyric
call to mind the language of the Patri-
archs and prophets announcing the com
ing' of the Messias and supplicating him
with sighs. The Gloria o>r Angelical Hymn
indicates the advent ol Christ the prom
ised Messias and the jov which lie
brought into the world by Ilis birth.
The Collects remind us oi tlie private liie,
the labors, and the prayers of Christ. The
Epistle, (. i emincl us of
ic liie of Christ and His doctrine,
I ! e taught us bv the m< mth < >f
the ; - and Apostles as. also, by
13 is o\vn divine li])s. and bv the voice of
Church, which He instituted.
Offertory or the AntipJion of itic
Offertory is the preamble oi the sacrifice.
ves us a picture of th.e commence
ment of Christ's passion which lie began
by His agony and prayer in the garden
( if Olives. When the chalice is uncovered
ami tlir i >1 ilal i' >n « >: t hr ! 1 < >M an< 1 i iial u v
is 1 1 1 : 1 1 1 < • , i \\ i i u • i i a i ' 1 1 ' ) 1 1 i ^ tlu1 : ; ( • L; : 1 1 : 1 1 1 1 L: < > i
I hr sat ril u v . \\ ' \v 1 lie
Sa\ ii ni r < '! ' sarri
i i s 1 1 a 1 1 < 1 > t • ! Ills ( • i M • i ; i ; ( • - .
I iirv Mil ij ' I I i:n. al 1 i:< • \ ;
I 1 i ML;" < il I I ;s iniiiK ilal
I
1 1 ) < ' ] '
\\ IK i sail I :
I 1 1 1 - , i 1 1 < 1 1 ( • a 1
• L! - ' (
.
I IK' i i> rrrilri 1 id.-. 1 1
a 1 1 u 111-- i ' i " 1 1 1 ' i ! i \ ; i i ! i . an
66 THE FULL ALLEGORICAL MEANING.
tonished even nature itself. The elevation
reminds us of Christ raised on the cross.
Silence now prevails as far as Xobis quoque
pcccatonbns and Pater Nostcr when we
recall to mind Christ hanging on the Cross
where He pravs in silence, and afterwards
pronounced His seven words.
The breaking of the Host. A particle of
the Host is dropped into the chalice to
represent the death of Christ, and the
descent of His blessed spirit into hell.
The Agnus Dei accompanied with the
striking1 of the breast represents the con
version of those who were present at the
death of the Saviour. The Communion
and ablutions denote the burial of the
Lord.
The Communion Antiphon having been
read the priest turns towards the people
and salutes them. This is done to re
mind us of Christ risen from the dead
and appearing to His Apostles when He
imparted to them His holy peace. At the
Post -Communion and the closing of the book
'
• /. ' I ! 1 1 ! U ' 1 1 1 K 1 1
diss< >lu1 1< >n < >! t i M ' v. ' e 1 I is
i^'lory, and "/.'///'
< //, <'/,' t art li . d i;
In llns Lnvat a i h •;_;'< >rv n i\ \\'(irth\" <>!
ir i' <• 1 hat 1 lie in vsUTV < >l" t lit' o msccru-
1 1( in a IK ! 1 lie' i'K'\'a1 K >n is | >r< Hnin
[ 1 1 a ( ' < • ' i ; : - s a n < 1 t < )
t licsc, al 1 t hal i iri'cct Irs . s. a rr
rx-fci ivi i. This braut itullv \\-\ irc'sruts
h«nv C"hi'i>t ci'ucitk'd is phicc-d in the
middle <>l tiu1 a^'es t<» \\'honi all tilings
aj'e rc'terrc'cK Irnin \\'honi all thing's de-
OS THE RESTRICTED ALLEGORICAL MEANING.
pend and in whom all things are con
tained. The ancient world is referred to
Christ, since it was expecting and prepar
ing for Him ; the new world is referred
to Him also, since it has been crucifying
ur receiving Him, opposing or honoring
Him throughout all time and will con
tinue to do so even to the final separation
of the just and the unjust.
£ //. The restricted allegorical meaning.
Speaking in the restricted allegorical
sense, or inasmuch as it simply repre
sents the Passion of the Lord, the divine
drama of the mass may be divided into
various acts or scenes in which are ex
hibited to the piety of the faithful the
various mysteries of the sufferings of
Christ from the garden of Olives down
to the burial, as well as the resurrection
and the other glorious mysteries which
follow. These scenes are the following :
1. — The departure of t lie priest in com
pany iL'iih his attendants from* the sacris-
/r represents Christ i^om^ out with Hi-
disciples irom the chamber oi the Last
Supper t< i M< unit ( )livet .
The Confiteor reminds us of the praver
and a^on\" ol Christ in the garden. Wlien
the fries' aset iids the altar and kisses it ,
we are reminded oi Chi'ist in the presence
ol His enemies and His betraval with a
kisx. The Introit reminds us ol our Lord in
the house <>t Annas, where He received a
blow (tu the cheek. \\ hen the I\vne elei-
so)i and (.iloria arc recited, tiie priot
stands in the middle o! the altar, and wo
arc- there bv reminded o!" Jesus, who stood
bel< >re Caiphas and. ais< >. t he t hreelold de
nial bv Peter. WJiet: tJie priest kisses tJic
altar and turns toivards the people* whom
he salutes with the words Doinimts "cobis-
'.•/;/.. t/ii L( rd be icitJi YOU, we arc- ri-minded
ol the look which our Lord u"a\"c- to Peter.
When the priest recites the Hpistle, we
ai'e reminded oi the court room oi Pilate.
The transfer of the book, and the reci-
t at ion of the iniinda cor recall Christ who
70 THE RESTRICTED ALLEGORICAL MEANING.
was sent to I lerod and who was mocked by
him. The Gospel and Credo recall Christ.
standing before the various tribunals
where Tie confessed llimself to be the
Son of God and declared that Mis king
dom was not of this world.
TJic linri'iling of tJic chalice recalls
Christ, when I le was stripped of His gar
ments and was scourged.
The chalice, after the oblation, is cov
ered with the pall. This act represents
Christ crowned with thorns.
The isasJnug of tJic liands reminds us of
Pilate, who washed his hands; the Jews
thereupon exclaiming: "Let His blood be
upon us.
The Orate f retires recalls Christ shown
to the people bv Pilate, who said hcce
Homo, BcJiold iJic man. When the Preface,
Sanctus, and Uosanna are recited we are
reminded of Pilate proclaiming the inno
cence of Christ to the Jews who, only
a few days before, hailed him with Ho-
sannas, but now clamor lor his death.
( h riM s (''>!;-
: 1 1 1 1 : 1 1 1 I ; i k i n L;- 1 1 1 <
cr — UJ..M] [I,, .rs.
: ' ' 1 1 1 1 n< i (.'< i
i -lip C';il-
••<! <>l C'hrisi
cr< >».
( i Li| M Ml t ll(
11 io(l I r< m,
' • \ 1 1 > i liink i >; C'liri^l
' ' .'" ' ' ! I : i ! ! 1 ' '" \\" 1 1 1 1
72 THE l-JESTllICTED ALLEu'JlUCAL MEANING.
The Pater nosier. \vitii its seven peti
tions, recalls the seven last words spoken
by Christ on the cross.
The separating the Host and dropping
tJie particle in tiie chaliee recall the death
of Christ and the descent of His blessed
spirit into hell.
The Agnus Dei recalls the conversion
of the multitudes, who witnessed the
prodigies accompanying the death of
Christ.
The i mi' citing of tlu chaliee and the
communion, represent the taking down
of the body of Christ from the cross, and
its burial.
The antiphon cf communion represents
the resurrection of the Lord.
When the priest turns toward the people
and salutes them, we recall the risen Lord
appearing to and wishing the disciples
His holy peace.
The post-communion prayers and closing
the book, tell of Christ teaching His
disciples, during the space of forty
THi: LITKKAL MKANIV,. Til
days, and then ascending up into heaven.
At the /t/fssi/'^, we recall the descent
ot the IIolv Ghost upon tiie disciple1-.
At the List Gcsfcl. \ve are reminded o!
Christ crowned with glory in 'heaven and
there' ruling tiie Ciuirch, winch, i«* to
teach all nation^ until the end of time.
1 he i •' iJu jf(JSS considered
in its literal sense, is divided into s?.r
pan-. Tlu first, is ;,'.< /vv/w;w//< n nt tJu
J l '/ '' I he sc ei »nd. is anot her
[>re]iaration. whicli i> made at the altar
, an<! which consists of pravers and
lessons, and hc^ins at the- /;//;•//> anrl ends
WItil tii(' O_'''\rf, n'. The third pan is
from tils- i«, the S,>nctns and
em.)i"ace- tiie lie^innm^ of the sacrifice
con-i-tin- n\ the ol)lation of the 1 lost
and chalice, with the subsequent pravers.
I he- fourth part, from the he-inning o|
the Canon to the P^tcr nusttr. contains the
very act o! sacrifice or the immolation ul
Tin; i'i;i;i'AiL\Tiox
At the foot r,f the Altar.
ex
»: 1 : i ' and c >!i-;-1 - in the
.
\' :
part,
IK I of
I.
veil i i \ !
! \ oi ( n j lit \- o! 1 i ic act to
tout o| |]](
''I'-"' pra\-er and
a. in 11 ni.) n with the
rx'i T j\'[ »i"c^( 'lit--. ] >re-
I 'arcs hiniM-li t, , a>ccm 1 the altar ol Ctc.d
76 THE PREPARATION
1. The priest begins by making the sign
of the cross, saying: In the -name of the
Father, etc. He hereby testifies that he
is called, not by human, but by divine
authority to take part in the tremendous
functions. By this ceremony he, likewise, *
signifies that he trusts in the name and
O
the help of the Almighty.
2. In reciting the antiphon, Introibo ad
alt are Dei, and the psalm, Judica me.
Dens, ' he, in the first place, expresses a
1 David, and the Church after his example, asks in this
psalm : first, freedom from the enemy's attack (mystically
from all sin); secondly, that he may worthily approach
the altar (not only the Eucharistic altar, but afterwards
the celestial one; and finally, that he may piously offer
the sacrifice to the praise of the divine majesty. Here is
the text and the paraphrase.
1. Judge me, O God, rm.l dis- !. O Most Holy Judge and
tinguish my cause from the nation searcher of hearts, take cognizance
that is not holy: deliver me from and have regard to the cause of
the unjust and deceitful man. my soul against my spiritual en
emies, and deliver me from every
iniquitous and unholy thing.
2. For Thou art God, my 2. For, O God, Thou art not so
strength, why hast Thou cast me much my Judge, as Thou art a
AT THE P >OT * >F THE ALTAI:. < V
>li which accompanies him to the holy
:ar and tabernacle oi the Lord, hut sub-
hy I n .vful :;••-• : .....".• :,••'.; er. Why,
\\ ny .,::, I - r-
'• v Thy fav ir,
.;: : tiemy - 1
my > u!.
1 '.y 3. Send : rt .. 1 esee h Ti.rc,
ic the _ : 1" Hiy -:• i' •-• :ui i Thy
I':.v h iy truth ; Its will
ict .i:ui
fhy . '. :••' untain,
'
. An ! I - ' :he ^Itar ... An '.thus I will !« ^erve t g
• - , f i i • ; ; t - i . !
Hirii-.-.f -.-.:. .willre ev, my soul,
ai it \vere, \vith a j yful yuth.
[ T::-.--.-. ' ) (i .i. my G-.d, - Stundiiv^ i:i Thy presence,
L] .,. .-• ; u i , :. my (.'. i, I shall than:
i ) :uy S al '? Thy i>raises to a spiritual harp in
i ' heart, 1:1 \v< nl, and in deed.
W::y. then, art t:. u - rr j\vf-:l so
> • . i ) my - u!, and art tr able i
,s ith fear ?
. H; • r, • : 1 will still ' H pe in God. and. Hi, rn 5T
.,,-„ merciful gra r; s: y with
;:.y :^:.tt:. ..:..•• arid :::y G.d. fidence and. love : ^
^:i 1 may ' e mi>ei
rthy, 1 will Kive pra.se to
H:rn wh-^ is my (. 1, ^ :
v I shall see in the ; eatific
'/$ AT TfiJ: FOOT OF Till-: ALTAR.
sequentlv, taking into account: his u'reat
un\vorthiness. he is disturbed and humbled
in mind: then, a^ain. contemplating the
Lord, his God, he is filled with hope, and
implores His liii ance, and mercv.
i hese <£i -
he h: ;i"~. and com
mends hii
the s;
a n d h I i t a n t .
This end
ascends with humble confi<
1 loly of I lolies.
3. The salutation oi the pc
which the- priest s his
desire t hat they HKI \
made in these xvords oi Ilolv Scripture:
. '
( Ruth, ii. 4 : Luke i 28 : !. Cor. xv
That is. mav the Lord, with His i^race,
he witli von in prayer: mav He be m
your midst, who are assembled here in
His name. To these words it is proper
to answer : " Domiuiis .>'// siinilitcr tccnui"
..I/in :,'///
i
1 1 1 ; 1 1 1 1 1 ( • r ; ! » 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 \ s a \ ~ :
•
i I Miil. iv. - > . Thai i- to sa v. mav
and in vour heart : because this divine
work 1^ chiellv spiritual and reiers :
ire. it is pel at 1 he1
i . ujiv ml ire! v tin
.;. I I a\ . priol
asrciit 1> tin a i 1 a r. thus tar asking' ] '-
O | ills Sills, a 11 ( 1 1 ! ! ] 1 ' i i ) 1 ' 1 11 Ll,' 1 I H ' 1 ! I 1 ( ' 1 " ( ' '
nits \vl i< >sc }\ i u's [[ }•( i)n t !H' al t a r
\\' ll id) 1 K k lss( s \vit i ; t'C X'LTCl .
80 FROM THE INTROIT TO THE OFFERTORY,
TJic Gospel.
FIIOM THE INTKOIT To THE uITEKTUliY. 81
tlu- Church, it was customary to chant
it. It consists oi a prayer selected Iroin
the Scriptures, and very often, from the
Psalms, and terminates \vith thedoxolo^v,
tn, etc., /.t'., Glory be t^ the Fatinr,
etc. I1 is, as it \vere, the cry with which
the ancient world called lorthe Redeemer,
md , : t is most a; >; >i"( »; >nal e to
awaken in MS a Lrreat esl imati< m < »i 1 his
ses<. aiul '.\''\' ise ' iv in the
i »re>i • . ( )n t his acci mnt. \ve
Crod \ >avin_i^ : Gl ^ia Pjtri< etc.,
['in .\": . In this most
• >ame t . me, nn >^t i >eaut i-
tul |»ra /e ini] •!• ire t he assistance < it
eemei God. Thev
( 1 1 usci 1 hv 1 he
• • s'ni >\v hci' Cat in >!icit v
in^'re^'a-
i U ^' h i " ) U 1 the u ! ] ; -
, • , • >niesses
the i. i k-Mi- Chri-t. Th.«.' Irc-iinent
S2 FROM THE IXTKOn TO THE OFFERTORY.
repetition oi this prayer denotes the
intense desire and tlie urgency of
the supplication. It is repeated nine
times in union \yith the nine- choirs of
angels: the Kyric is said three tune:- in
honor oi the Father; the C/irisft three
times in honor oi the Son ; and the Kirie
again three tim< lor of tiie
I lolv Ghost.
, v ill*.'
llyuin. Thi> is,; nt prayer i> not
so much a supplication as the exultation
o! ] >raise. 1 he Chti re h learned it i n >m
the Angels ; ; he Xat iy it \ < >f
Christ, and the can! iclc, \vhich the Angels
began, tlie Church \vill chanl for all time.
4. '.1 he prayers \vhich hallow are called
Collects* because they are offered in as
semblies, or in gatherings of the faithful.
or because they contain the sum and sub
stance ot all favors, asked by the priest,
lor hi in -elf and for the people. They are
usually directed to the Father, to whom
the sacrifice of the Son is offered, and
FKo.M Till: INTKOIT To Till' nlTKKIun . S.'J
•
•
;':v,. 'Mi
84 FROM THE ISTROIT TO THE OFFERTORY.
terminates with these words : " Per Doun-
niiin nostrum Jcsiun Christum" etc.
" Through Christ Jesus our Lord,' which
declare Christ to be the only mediator,
through whose divine merits and inter
cession, we can be heard and through
which confidence is established.
;. The Epistle. Selections from the
-acred writings follow. It is not only by
prayer, but bv pious readings, that the
faithful are prepared for the Holy Sac
rifice. The lessons consist of the Epistle
and the Gospel. The first is known by
the name Epistle, because, although it
may be taken from various books of
Scripture, it is more frequently selected
from the writings of the Apostles. It is
read before the Gospel, because it is the
utterance of the Apostles and prophets.
The Gospel is the word of Christ Him-
self, and it is fitting that by the voice of
ITis ministers, we should be prepared to
listen to the Master and Lord Himself.
6. The Gradual. When the Epistle is
Fi;<>M THE INTlluIT TO THE uFFEKTORY. 8-_>
read, the server answers, Deo (rrdtias,
• '. The Gradual is then
recited, to which is added sometimes the
Alleluia or Tract, and sometimes the
IV' >se i >r Sequence. T is so
called, because formerly it wns chanted
1mm the steps ul the. -I;::' . Fiie AHc/nia
• cant icle nit he heavt nh Si' >n. \\diich
St. I • " After
.
: Alu'Iuia;
'•' ( } • :'.
i A] " . \:\. i . x ssii »ns are
C' m>i' lei ed as t he \\ . I t he lait htul.
^"i)rdsn! gratitude, luciht \~, and JOY.
!•' which thev Lfive answer nn the cnn-
i| the f-.i tistle.
•eds to the
iltar, A : make> a
1 >ks (.in ! i hat he mav
wnrtiiilv. !.:'., with pure an t burning1 lips
people, in the meantime, prav tiiat tliev
mav listen to tiie word n| (i id worthily
80 FliOM THJ: INTKOIT TO TIIK OFFEUTOKY.
and \vitli fruit. Then all arise, and stand
ing, listen to the Gospel. This action
denotes that, as soldiers ol Christ, we
should "he ready to follow the Divine Lead
er whithersoever He would conduct us.
The priest makes the sign of the cross
upon his forehead, mouth and breast to
testily that he professes the Gospel which
is the zcw7/ of tlie cross, lie makes the
sign of the cross, on the forehead, to show
that he believes it in his intelligence . on
the lips, to show that he confesses it with
his voice and, on the breast, to show that
he wishes, with his whole heart and will, to
embrace and follow the Gospel teaching.
At the conclusion oi the Gospel, the
set the
ence and love. The server answers,
" Laus tibi. Chri^tc."— " Praise be to T/icc,
O ( Jinst" The^e words are said in tes
timony o! gratitude towards Christ the
Lord, whose words have just been heard.
Here sometimes a sermon is delivered,
which is an explanation of the Gospel for
the no< H I!P
AN* Tl S S,
^ ^-t>
T "*•• ' -P
•
,5 ;>
fc
'¥
SS FROM THE OFFERTORY TO THE SANCTUS.
S. The Credo. After the Gospel the
profession of faith follows. This is the
answer of the Church to the Gospel
teaching-. She replies, that she believes
all whatsoever Christ taught, when she
recites the symbol, that magnificent apos
tolic l and unchangeable symbol, in which
is contained a summary of Christian doc
trine.
HI. — From tJic Offertory to the Sanctus.
1. The Offertory or offertory antiphon is
a prayer recited, by way of preparation,
for the oblation. It is called by this
name because, formerly, whilst the people
presented the bread and wine used in
the sacrifice it was customary to chant
it.
2. The Oblation of the bread and wine.
The priest lifting up with his hands the
bread or victim prepared for the sacrifice
L The creed recited is apostolic as far as its substance
goes. The formula of words in which it is expressed
were adopted by the .-Ecumenical Council of Nice and
Constantinople.
FROM THE OFFEKTOUY TO THE SAXCTUS. 89
and raising his eves to heaven, oilers il
to the Eternal Father for the Universal
Church, fur the living and the dead, and
places it on the altar, making the si^n oi the
en iss as tin >ngh the victim already reposed
on the cross. In the same manner, he offers
the chalice into which he pours wine mix
ing it with a little water, the meaning' of
which ceremony has alreadv been ex-
plained.
\Vhen the priest offers this sacrifice m-
stitnted bv Christ through tiie oblation of
bread and wine, lie as it were exhibits to
the eves of the Eternal Father, Jcsu>
Christ Ilimselt, the divine victim soon to
descend in realitv upon the altar. He
shows the faithful to< ». the mvstical body of
Christ representcvd bv the 'oread and wine.
5. Having ma<le the olfering, the priest
rai^m-- his hands and eyes towards heav
en, invokes the Holv .spirit to v^nd clown
trom heaven the sanct living tn'e « >l charitv
and grace, a tii'e without which our sacri
fices can never be acceptable to the divine
majesty.
90 FIIOM THI-: OI-TKKTOKY 'i'o Tin: SAXCTUS.
4. After this, the priest washes the ends
of his fingers, for the hands which touch
ihc Sacred I lost should 'he most clean.
The washing ol the lingers reminds the
fait hful of th( puril v necessary unto
I \}: i : m (.)! the
;. i i hiving
1 ii rns
'
body h( ;i vcr,
•
Uur
the B
and Paul , a iuts, tJint
it Dhiv tend to tJicir n,
lion mid Ilia! t1icy,ivJiosc manor v ^'<
upon cartJi, viav dci^n to intercede for us in
Jieai'en. Tlirongii the same Christ Our Lord.
Amen." By this pravcr lie commends
• s;icrilice !i > ( ic M! ex] >luinini£ t h<
' r«l.
i. i i I • i »ricst
n an< 1 ex-
• lu- 1:M lim rt- ilu-
ra\\ in
.
to
i
•
i a\\'n veil.
!. MT-
n the
v more-
tin >se
II 1)V
I a i t h -
let-nit v.
92 FROM THE OFFERTORY TO THE SANCTUS.
7. The Secretes or sfcrct prayers com
mend the sacrifice to God through the
various mysteries ot Christ and the in
tercession of the saints.
8. The Preface is a solemn canticle by
which the hearts and minds of those pre
sent are lifted up to the contemplation of
heavenly things and to the giving of
thanks and praise to God on account of
the various mysteries. To do this in a
more worthy manner, the faithful are in
vited to join their voices with the angels,
the archangels and the whole heavenly
choir, who honor the majesty of God and
repeat forever " Holy, holy, iicly, Lord God
of Hosts ! The heavens and earth arc full
of thy glory. He sauna in the highest."
9. The Sanctus is repeated three times.
It is called the Trisagion or Thrice Holy.
It is the canticle of the angels which
Isaias heard when " he saw the Lord sitting
upon a throne high and elevated, and Jus
train filled the temple. Upon it stood the
the seraphim ; and they cried one to another
FUuM THE CAXUX TO THE 1'ATEK NUSTEK. 9o
and said, Holy, Holy, Holy, the Lord God of
Hosts ; ail in. earth is full of His glory.
A)id t/ie /nil els of doors icere mo'eed oil the
I'oice of Jiiin tliat cried: and tJie lionse iveis
filled :oil/i suiokt." Is. vi.. i. seq.
Dens, Sa^aclh. Hosai, Sab a tJi
and //, arc Hebrew words taken
from the sacred writings which the
Church on earth reiterate- and chants
in unison with the Church in heaven.
The addition, "Blessed is He ic/io conies
in the nanii of the Lord, Hosanna in ///<
highest" is the acclamation of Palm Sun
day. It announces Him, who is soon t<>
come upon the altar tube immolated in
an unbloodv manner, as the same. wh<>
entered Jerusalem, that He mi^ht there
be crucihed in bh M »d.
1\'. — From //'•< beginning of t/ie Ceincn tc
the rater Xoster.
i. HaviiiLT tmished the celestial canti-
1 Tlie w T'l- in the Mi.--al r.re a> follow- ; we t: i
humbly pray ;.: h T;:cc, ni' ~t nicrciliil F.ithcr
through Icv> Christ. Thv Son. C'ui 1. r.!, that Fliou
94 n;o.M Tin: CANON -TO THE PATER NOSTKH.
cle. the priest, raising his hands and eyes
toward heaven, makes a profound in
clination, and says, l% Tc igitur dementis-
Pater'' Then he becomes erect and,
alter makinfr three1 crosses over the
itli arm
ed.
s is ilie beginning of ihe canon,
the most sacred part ol the Mass. The
t, i. e., the rule, is so eaiied bet
: : are recited
langcable
rule. Tb "escribed
rule, is the action bv excel
lence, the action oi sacrifice.
The prii \*s \vith arms extended
alter >n the to].) of
: 'se *fa gifts,
. . which
by i i • ily Catholic
1 1 to pro-
the world together
nt, our J V —as also all
•lievers an-i professors of the Catholic and
faith.
sacrifice itselt,that (iod \vuuld accept i;
as alrcadx prepared and signed \villi the
cross and, secondlx", tor the Clnircli, for
tlie Pope, and tor the \\diole Christian
pci iple.
I he Cdi ^ins \vithtlic letter T, not
bv chance as Innocent 111 remarks 'lib.
5 de mvst. Miss. cap. v. hut hv a special
providence oi the I Mx'ine Spirit ; because
this letter resembles the tonn of the
cross \vhose nivsterv the- pi'ie^t ou^ht to
keep betore Ins e\~es particularlx" Iritni
the be^'innin^" ()i the Canon. The ex
ordium, ' , i .;/;<• /'?/£/-.
/•< r J sutn ' ' > rii nuts"
lias I'eierence to the Preface just said
xx' it'n \vhicli it is connected in this sense,
\'i/, that it is ri- lit and pr< iper t hat. \vi-
should offer to (iod the Father, through
Christ, praise and supplication attc'r the
example ot the An^'eK. nax", in union \\"ith
% FliOM THK CANON To THE I'ATKIl NOSTEK.
them, who likewise through Him praise
and proclaim Him holv God and Jesus
Christ, whom He sent into the world.
Since such submission is just and salu-
tarv, " tJicrcforc ivc Jnunblv pray and be
seech T/iee Diust merciful Fattier, through
Jesus Christ Thv Sou." The addition
that thou wonldst vouchsafe " to ^rant
peace, and also to protect, unite, ami govern
the Church," is a pravcr that God would
concede to it peace and concord, securi
ty and protection from enemies; the
universal unitv of the flock and the
divine guidance, so that God Himself
mav effect these things with the co-op
eration of the Pastors and the faithful.
2. T/ie memento vivorum." The priest
* I]e mindful, O I v servants, mm and
women. X. X.
And of all here present, whose faith avid devotion are
known unto Thee: for whom we offer, or who offer up to
Thee, this >acrihce of praise for themselves, their families
ami friends, for the redemption of their souls, for the
hope of their safety and salvation, and who pay their
vows to Thee, the eternal living and true God.
, ' . \v 1 1 < 1 1 1 1 lit' indices sin >ul(l
in- n nnmeni : i > ial lit! to
( i < i ina v i in 'i'< • abundant 1 v
; ( • in ! hr ; mil s <>l 1 he sat ri-
I;< iniu-rl v, 1 lie names < .| all i h< >se
,\'<Te !'( MIX 'llll )Cl"( '< 1 1 i iLi'C'1 llCT \\' ll I)
•.iincs ( )| cHTl am ( ieci.'ax.'f 1 i »cTS( >us,
a- we 11 a- l ;•' i-c « »: the1 I I' >1 \ Mai't vrs,
• i I in • < i 1 1 it \ < h> ( »r 1 al del s.
\\ • I he , ' acls 1 he \\'< )t"< 1<, " /A
.IV:. . . i
,v. M
.
UN FROM THE CANON TO THE PATER NOSTEIl,
lie hints. to the bystanders, that devot ion
is necessary, in order to participate in the
fruit of the sacrifice. " Or who offer up to
7 hcc" I>v t his express^ »n. \vc understand
an v \va \" co-operate in the sacred mystery.
"„ ind who j < 1o Tht i\" t hat is,
tliev oiler to von their pious desires and
the homage oi their he-art.
3. Coiiiuninicantcs. \\ this part ol the
Mass, the priest shows him sell in >t only, as
the representative ol the entire Church
on earth, but. even as joined in coi
family :
Lord.
Amen.
Win :
acceptable, that K ma} • I ;'< '" (i
of Thy
AVli,. the • Ik- -ulYered took brea<l into lli>
• venerable hands, .
to\vard heaven, to God. Hi- Almig it} Fal . giving
thanks to Thee, did bless. 1 ix-ak. and give to Hi- disci
les, -.lin: Take, and eai v I i His IS
I"' ^ . ' .' ' th',1 C iin rch in heaven, with the
A ; " '"i i ^. t lie mar! vrs, am i ali the saint s,
mi >st I)les>ei i \" ir^in Marv, even
|e-iis Christ I I im sell', who is t lie
I in versa i C. h n re ii, I riunipli-
Militant. I I c exhibits this j^real
I he saints olferin^ sacrifice to
' I JIN ine Majest v. \V. inderfnl indeed,
.
^sii ni means.
I o Mice. ( ) ( i of 1. \\'< . ; 1 1 1 united, who
' • ' • < un h, n< it ' mlv, the
j; M H • 1 1 ! ( ) ; ( > 1 1 r
I lie C'h nrcii j ierj >e1 uat es 1 he
•^aints. and t nisi s in t heir
nt ercessK in."
i:i'" j Driest n< >w kee] >s his hands
: tin' a 1 1 ( i ( ' n 1 la w . 1 1 1 ( •
1 1 r i r s t Aaron s j i ) \ • ; i < ) < >\\\ his i i a n < 1 s o v e r
tin1 1 1 <. • a d o ; the \ietnn a 1 1 d . : > \ this rite, it
l(M) 1M;O.M THE CANON TO THE PATEli NuS/TEii.
was set apart for the altar, burdened with
the sins of the people and substituted in
the place of sinners : secondly, to symbol
ize Christ as the expiatory victim to be
substituted for us. in our stead, and final
ly, that, also, by extending his sinlul
hands lie testifies that it is not the holv
and immaculate victim who deserves
death, but trulv we sinners.
The priest recites the praver " Hanc
igitnr " i. e.. " ITe therefore beseech Thee, O
Lord, graciously tc accept this oblation cf
our service, ets also, of tliv Tc'//v/V family"
This praver put in other words means
supported, therefore, by the merits and
intercession of the saints, we ask you,
graciously, to accept this sacrifice olfered
to YOU Iroin us your most lowlv servants
and. not only, from us. but from all the
children of your household.
;. '• Oncim oblationcm " i. e.. " ivhicli obla
tion." The priest further be^s of God
; Wliicli oblation do thou, O God, vouchsafe in all
to make blessed, approve'!, ratified, reasonable,
ri;uM THK CANU.N TO THE r.ui.i; NOSTKI;. lo
that. I le \vouid deiL^n to accept the »l)hi-
lion oi tile boclvancl blood ol ili^ only
begotten Son. Ai the sanu- tune. IK-
multiplies the siij^n ol tlie en >ss. to M^nihv
i!i;it \\\^ sacnliCL1 i^ no other than t lu-
sacrifice ol the cross, which is renewed
reallv, although in an unbloodv manner
•
1 I; I HI
,
.
A- - :• \
'
\\ . , . . « i ; ..
lO'J FKUM THE CANON TO THE 1' A TIC 11 NOSTER.
and that the heavenly Father mav be
hold nothing on the altar, except the
Cross and Calvary. lie pravs that God,
through the oblation ol the body and
blood o! Christ shortly to be present as
a victim 'inibus" " /// it 1 1 things"
or entirely and perfectly be made blessed,
i. e., lull ol blessings : " ad-
•,\ of the >ame
n hell, and
\ most cxcel-
h ol y
eternal life.
opitious and
ihou \\x-rt
a 1 1 1 1
'
\\\- most humbly beseech tl;( e, almighty God, command
e things to be carried by the liand^ of tliy holy an^el.
li. in the sight of thy divine Majesty.
as many (>t us as by participation at this altar, -hall
ve the most sacred body and hiood of iliy S»n, may
bt.- filled \\iih all heavenly benediction and grace. Through.
the -anie Christ our Loi^l. Amen.
scrptrtiii" approved, i. e., approved by
dud and numbered amone; the celestial
LMlts; "riitiim 1'iniifu'ti, \. e., c< >nh rnied,
so that dod would not reject it : " ratioti-
>'>!.';< >>t(i/, i. c.. c« mlormabie to
reason and everv rule ol sanctitv; " t /
• >n and acce] 'table, i. c., j >leas-
in- to C.od.
All t hc'sc1 expressions arc to be under
stood as having rt-ierence t<» us and art,-
the same a- to KIV. •• d, , Thou. ( ) dod,
e> mi] dele tin- < >blal :'• m • >: 1 iic mass in >t in
itselt, t< >r in itst-l! tin dix'iiu vicl iiu inust
bi' neccssarilv h()l\' and imist pk'asiiiLi" t<)
1 lice, O ( i< id. 1 in- I-at her. but \\ it ii re-
.U";ir< 1 to us am 1 a- • iilrrr. 1 i >y us ; so t hat
^ lie c'lian^e M! t hr : ireai i and wine into
t he bi >d\ an . . ( 'hrist inav be
( 1( >ne li >r n-. ;. c.. may : x tnai ir eflVct nal
lor (iii!" sa net 1 1 u~a1 ion.
( '• (J!fl fi'i'i^' </'i DM i • . \. ( .. " who
the day before lie suffered." Mere be
gins the C' >N>I ci;.\'n« >\. bv \\ hieh the
heavens are opened.;] - ( ",, )(j_
in company with His Angels, descends
upon the altar. The priest taking the
bread into his hands, with eyes uplifted
to heaven, blesses it: then leaning with
his elbows on the edge of the altar he
pronounces the words of consecration
and. immediately, making a profound
genuflect ion, he adores Christ entering
into the world as the Angels ot Ciod
adored Him, as the Magi falling down
adored the infant, as the Apostles in
Galilee adored Him risen from the dead.
Rising up from his bended knees, he-
elevates the consecrated Host lor the
adoration of the faithful. In the same
manner, he consecrates the chalice and
elevates it. as lie did the host, for the
adoration of the people.
The words, "taking also tins excellent
chalice" mean the chalice most excellent
bv reason of its contents. " This is the
chalice of My blood of the new and eternal
testament" mean as they do. this is my
blood bv which is ratified the new and
•4 ^ -
^.
101) FROM THE CANON TO THE I'ATFK Nd
eternal testament, as formerly the old was
ratified bv the blood of goats and oxen.
1 Ie says, "eternal testament" because the
new testament and the priesthood of
Christ shall continue iorever, nor shall
any other succeed to these. " Tiie mvstery
of faith" means that the presence of
Christ in the sacrament is hidden from
the senses, and is recognized only with
the eyes of faith. " Wlneh (blood) shall
be shed for you and for main1" gives us
to understand that tor the universal mul
titude ot men, and therefore, for all was
it shed "for tJie remission of sin."
"As often as ye do tlicsc tilings" name
ly by consecrating bread and wine, " ve
sJiall do tJiem in remembrance" of my
dying ^ for yen" For this reason the
Apostle says: "As often as yon shall eat
this bread, and drink the chalice; you shall
show the death of t/ie Lord until lie come"
I. Cor. xi. 26.
Here, properly speaking, terminates
the sacrifice. The priest now speaks, and
n;n.M Tin; CANON TO Tin; r.\Ti;i; XUSTKI;. 1()7
acts not in his own name, nor in the name
of the Church, nor even in the name of
Christ, hut he acts as Christ Himself, as
though he were transformed into Christ.
I herelore, he leans on the edge of the
altar, thereby signifying1 his union with
Christ. Whatever Christ did at the Last
Sup] .rr. the priest does also. Xor does he
say, Th ;s the body of Christ; hut, TJii* is
my body; this is my blood, Christ, as it. were,
speaking by his mouth. I>v these words
'Iransnbstantiation is wrought; there is
no longer bread and wine, but the body
and blood ol Christ; there is no longer
the matter oj the sacrifice, which was
offered a little before, but the true victim
<>1 Calvary veiled under other species.
I lie Most jx separated from the- chalice
sented, in which His blood is spilt, and
separated iroin the bodv. Here He- lies,
surrounded and adored bv Angels, the
\ictim ol Calvary, tJic [Mihb that icds
s/iUii, showing His \vounds and blood to
t he I leaven) v I;ather.
108 FROM THE CANON TO THE PATER NOSTER.
7. Unde ct memores, i. e., " wherefore
calling to mind." In this second part of
the Canon the victim, who is present, is
commended to God the Father, and
through Him, gifts and favors are asked
for.
The priest commends, to the Eternal
Father, the Divine Victim, when at this
point, he repeats, five times, the sign of the
cross. These crosses are not intended as
blessings to the Victim or Sacred Host,
for Christ is the source of all benediction.
They are intended to signify and show the
Heavenly Father, that this is the Victim
of Calvary, who has truly suffered, and
was immolated on the cross for man.
> By these words, " tarn bcatce passionis"
i. e., "the blessed passion" it is said that
the passion of the Lord is blessed, not in
itself, but in its effect. Offerimus dc tins
donis ac datis hostiam, i. e., " we offer of
Thy gifts and grants a host:' These words
may refer to the matter of the sacri
fice namely, the body and the blood
of Christ, which are the most excellent
ERnM Till: CANON To THE PATER NOSTER. 101)
gifts of the divine liberality, here actually
given to us. The priest commends the
Divine Victim to the Father, by recalling
the memory of the sacrifices, which he
deigned to accept from the beginning of
the world, those of Abel, the just man,
of Abraham, the father of the faithful, and
Melchisedech, the roval priest, which,
however, were only shadows oi the pres
ent sacrifice, lie names in preference to
others the sacrifices of Abel, Abraham,
and Melchisedech, because by a more
livelv image thev represent the sacrifice
of Christ.
The priest commends the Host to the
Father through itself, for it is at the same
time victim and priest, the Angel of the
TeMament offering worth v gilts on the
altar of God on high in the presence of
t lie divine majcstv.
TWv omnipotcns Dcus, Jucc per 1cm P^f
manus sancti An^cli tui in sublime altare
luum, i.e., " ( \+mmand tlitsc tilings. Almighty
(,(J. ,o i\' carried bv t/u /uiuds cf 'I h\ Jii'Iv
110 Fl;n.M THE CAXOX TO THE PATEIi NOSTEE.
Angel to Tliy altar on High. Bv these
words he expresses the desire that Christ
Himself, both priest and victim, would
present these gifts on the celestial altar
belore the eyes of the Divine Majesty.
This will be done not in a physical, but
moral manner bv turning the loving" eves
of the Father on the present sacrifice of
His body and blood
8. The memento of the dead. ' Through
1 Be mmdtul, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaids
N. and N., who are gone before us. with the sign of
faith, and sleep in the sleep of peace.
To these, O Lord, and to all that re.-t in Christ, grant,
\ve beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and peace.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
And to us sinners. Thy servants, hoping in the multi
tude of Thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and
fellowship with Thy holy apostles and martyrs: with
John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander,
Maicellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy,
Agnes, Cecily, Anastasia, and with all Thy Saints: into
whose company we beseech Thee to admit us, not con
sidering our merit, but freely pardoning our offences.
Through Christ Our Lord.
By whom, O Lord. Thou dost always create, sanctify,
quicken, bless, and give us all these good things. Through
H;II.M mi: CANON TO Tin; IA'IKK .\M-JT;I;. Ill
this sacrifice which the priest rightly
supposes to have been received iavor-
ablv, lie supplicates, moreover, li^'ht and
denial rest lor the faithful departed,
that is, for the Church suffering in Pur-
i^atorv. He pravs ior the dead in these
words: " In' niitidfuL O Lord, of T/iy scr-
I'tints ana Jiandiiiaids, wlio arc gone before
us, icilJi tJic sig)i of fail '//, and slap in the
>f peace'* Here he pravs ior those,
who are signed with the character ot
IJaptUm. and who. bv constantlv walking
in the wa\'s of Christ to the end. have al-
readv I'eached that i^oal. \vhither \ve also
are hastening, and who now slec'p in the-
slec'p of ;i pc'acc'ful or happv death. Al
though thev are in torments, the' souls in
pur^atorx" are said to sleep, i. e.. to rest
h'oni their labors, moreover to sleep in
: ' , n Him, is t<> T!
. in the unity <>i t;.'- I !• ''
• vcr.
112 FROM THE CANON TO THE PATER NOSTEJt.
the sleep of peace, not only because they
possess the peace and favor of God, but
because they are sure of salvation, and
free from all temptation and danger of sin,
and hence it happens they endure their
punishments with the greatest patience
and tranquility, until fully purged, either
through their own sufficient suffering, or
through our satisfactions and good works,
they enter a place of refreshment, light,
and peace.
9. The priest also prays for the Church
militant. He says: " and to us also sinners
vouchsafe to grant fellowship with all TJiy
saints" Through this prayer he opens
as it were and contemplates the heavenly
court of the Church triumphant, pre
pared for us, although we are sinners,
by the blood of this divine Host, Christ
Jesus. He continues the prayer in these
words, " by whom O Lord, Thou dost always
create, sanctify, quicken, bless, and give us
all these good things" The meaning of
these words is, that, through Christ all the
i: CANON TO Tin: TATEK NOSTKK. '
blessings necessary to the- corporal life,
represented by the bread and wine, now
transubstantiated, Thou, () God. always
creates for us, and produces them from
the earth ; and Thou doth sanctify them
by accepting the bread and wine offered
Thee as the matter of the sacrifice; but
: st this matter by the words
of consecration in changing it into the
body and blood of Christ who liyes un
der the Kucharistic species: 'I lion blcss-
csf inasmuch as this sacrament is the foun
tain of eyery grace and benediction, and
Thou ^rccst us through Communion by
which we become participators ot divine
grace.
To these things said of Christ in onr
re^ard is added the following ot that
same Christ with regard to the Father,
" tJirou^h //////, and icitJi Him, and in Hun,
is to T/iii . O God. tin I-'at/u r Almighty" i.e..
through ///;//, the restorer ol all: and:;////
///;//, by whom with Thee, () Father.
IK- i- one God and /;/ //////, by whom lie-
114 FROM THE LORD'S PRAYER
exists consubstantiated with Thee ; is to
Thee, God, the Father Almighty, icith unity
of the Holy Ghost, ic/io together i^itk Thee
and t/ie Son is one God, all honor and glory,
forei'er and ever. These last words which
as is evident, belong to the preceding
prayer, are recited with a loud voice, so
that, when the people answer Amen, they
confirm and ratiiv all that the priest
prayed for in secret.
V. From the Lord's Prayer to the last
ablution.
i. The Pater Xoster. Here the com
munion is considered to begin. For it,
the Lord's Prayer is a preparation. Com
munion is notonlv the complement oi the
sacrifice, but also a family banquet at
which the children of God. around the pa
ternal board, feast with their most loving
Father, wherefore, they begin to greet
Him and excite in their souls hlial affec
tions and express them, saying. Our FatJicr
. oire us this dor our dailv bread
To Tin; LAST \];!.ri [ox. 1 l."i
2. The breaking of the flosf. The- priest
breaks the -acred I lost and puts a particle
" into the chalice, ,-aying at the same
•• /'M- Domini sit semper robisenm.
. ,-'/V." " Tlie peace of tJte Lord
'i you. M'ay this commingling
> ration of the Body and Blood of our
' •• • 'irist be to us, ic/io reccire it un-
crcr/astins" The breaking of the
I lost i- done in imitation ot Christ our
Lord, who did the same tiling", at the last
-upper. It is a tigure of the deatli of the
Lord, by which, His humanity seemingly
\va> broken. It is. as it were, a {(reparation
!or the Holy Table, and the sacred ban-
iiuet. This preparation, for worthily dis-
po>ing the hearts of the communicants,
con-i-iv in peace and in union, in charity
and concord with viod and between otir-
selyes. I hi- i- holy peace, true' peace,
the fdh't of tJic LoriL which IK' Himself
merited tor us on the cross and which we
ought to preseryc through the cross.
A particle- of the lb»-t i- di'opped in-
110 FROM THE LORD'S PRAYER
to the chalice to signify that our peace is
sealed with the blood of the Lord, i.e., by
Holy Communion. This commingling- is
symbolic of a threefold union, viz. of the
divinity with the humanity in the Incar
nation ; of the Union of the Christian Soul
with Christ in the Holy Communion on
earth; and of the union with God con
summated in the embrace of charity
which takes place in the communion of
celestial glory.
3. The Agnus Dei. The priest, now in
order that he may receive The desired and
wished for peace, implores the Divine
Victim, the Lamb of God tcho takctli aioay
the sins of the world. During the recital
of the Agnus Dei, the priest strikes his
breast three times in sign of compunction.
by which it is most truly indicated that
in our breast, in our heart, in our sins, is
found the sole impediment of peace,
which must be removed by the blood of
the Lamb.
4. Dominc Jcsu CJinste. The priest with
TO Till". LAST AHLUTION 117
bent l)M<tv. in a three1 told praver, address
es the Divine Victim, to more- ardently bei^
from It, peace for the Lnivcr^al Church.
;. /I mine, non sum di^mis. \Vith trem
bling hand, contrite, humble heart but at
the same time with much confidence in
invocation oi the' name1 oi the Lord, the
-i receives the Sacred I lost and
strikes \\\< breast repeating the' words oi
the centurion. Lord, I am not loortliy, etc.
Thereupon the priest, alter the' manner
M| the apostles at. the' La^t Supper, eats
the- same celestial bread <»i the immolated
bodv i)t the LMH!. and drinks the' chal
ice MI I li^ bliMul unto the- nourishment oi
et en ia 1 life.
M. ' ''."..'.^ tuum l^ominc qnotl sumpsi, i.e.
M>: > !, >-,{. illicit I hare re-
• . etc'. I lie CM] 1 1 1 1 1 u 1 1 ii >i i linished, the
p::<M purities the chalice and cleanses
the >aiTed \'o<eU, besc'c'ediiiii^ at the same
! ! ; - LI if 1 Jesus in \\'h< >se sweetest
embrace' he' i-- heli : last . I hat I Ie w< ml :
hke\\'i>e \\"a>h and purit\" in t he1 same \\'a v
llS THE LuKl/s 1'llAYEl; TO THE AI'J.FTloX.
the- consecrated vessel of his heart, and
the living tabernacle oi his soul. With
this nle tlii' communion is concluded.
i- I IK- antipJion or antlicin, \vhich is
called communion, is a part o\ a P^alm or
other prayer which was formerlv chanted
at the communion a\ the peoi ile. 1 1 is. a^
it \\'cire. a cant icle oi adoration, j >i'ai« am 1
J()V: 'i canticle oi a jubilant s<ml \\hich
lias iieen made partaker of the1 llo!\-
M vsteries.
-. 1 he /-\sf Lojinuuuicn is an act oi
thanksgiving justly due for so ^reat a ben
efit ol Ciod and it is, likewise, a petition
tor the t nut s ol the sacrifice.
5- The //,. . /;;/.ov est and />'« ;,
I he jn'iest having hrst made a holv salu
tation, announces to the people the end
ot the sacrifice', and, as a lather, dismisses
his children with a blessing. That this
benediction may be bestowed, he en t reals
!'_!() FROM THE ANTIPHON OF "I FIE
God, saying, Placcat tibi, i. e., let t/ic per
formance of my homage be pleasing to
Thcc, etc. Then the priest kisses the altar,
and, with eves and hands raised to
heaven, as if drawing blessings from the
very Heart of Jesus, he pours these bene
dictions on the people, in the Name of
the Holv Trinity, and by the sign of the
Cross, he blesses them. Luke xxiv. 50.
4. The Gospel of Sf. Jo Jin is added first,
because through a particular reverence
and devotion, from the earliest days, the
faithful desired to hear this lesson, and
secondly, because it contains a summary
of all benefits which we receive through
the sacrifice of Christ.
At the end of the Gospel, the server
answers DcoGratias ; " Thanks be to God.'
The Mass over, the faithful leave the
church with hearts filled with gratitude
and thankfulness.
These brief notes suffice to make us un
derstand that the ceremonies oi the Mass,
if v, ell weighed and studied by the peo-
o >.M.Mr MI »\ TO Tin: r\i> <»K rin: MA^S. 1'JI
122 COMMUNION TO THE END OF THE MASS.
pie, arc admirably adapted to nourish
faith and piety. They not only contribute,
as the Council of Trent says, " to commend
the majesty of so great a sacrifice, but also to
excite the minds of tlic faithful to tJic con
templation of the profound mysteries which
are hidden therein." Sess. 22. Cap, 5.
WHAT CRITICS SAY
Ceremonies of the -Mass 'Explained
•• Yon have !_ri veil u- a very a>«-i'u! ami <!.-iiLrliiful little book,
as fit-iraui in appearance, a^ it i- in fact. — I'l'^tidai 1 "
Very KM . Juii.N Srru.v . s. .)..
1'n-Miirtit Si. John'- <
r-i'ihain. X. \ .
" Vnur 1 • • Ma-»> is just tin- thiuii for tin- ratlii'lji- puli
lj''- I sh 'i it DM my mis-inns. So |.nn-tic;il iin-i ii-«-t'ii!
11 tin- meaning nf tin- n-nMiKinii-s .-i
i" 'I'1' 'I ' '• Mas- that I iM-lirv.-. it (,Uir!il to In- in tlir hand.-, nf
<-\<T\ ( 'atll'iljr. I Wl-ii it -lli'res^."
^ ' "' liKV. ['. \. Mi (,(I\VA\. ( I.S.A.. Il.[»..
"Thanks f.,i vmr pn-ttv little hunk: i; is ;, |,,,,-i excelle
" I congratulate you on your pood translation of a most excel
lent work. 1 wish this treatise were in the hands of every Cath
olic. I feel sure they would attend Holy Mass with more piety
and their instruction about the Blessed Sacrament would be more
complete and enlightened. In translating this book you have
done a good work. May dod reward you for it ! "
Very Rev. A. MAGNIEN, S. S. ,
Superior uf St. Mary's Seminary,
Baltimore, Md.
PRESS NOTICES.
Rev. P. F. n'Hare of the diocese of Brooklyn, did a good work
in translating Father Schouppe's " The Holy Mass Explained. "
It ha.- been neatly brought out by the linn of Pustet \- Co., and
is very eharminglv illustrated. It is divided im<> four chapters.
The first treats of the altar and its furniture : the second of the
priest's vestments : tiie third of special ceremonies, and the fourth,
the most important of all, of the Holy Sacrifice itself. The trans
lation has been very well done. Considering the necessity for
popular works of this kind, brief and interesting in statement, the
book can be heartily welcomed by parents and teachers and earn
estly recommended to mem.— Catholic A't'-icU'. JV. Y.
"It is certainly a most useful little volume, written in & style
in keeping with its purpose, and admiralty translated.1*' — " Val
uable help in understanding the explanations of the various parts
is given by illustrative pictures.^— Catholic Standard.. PhWa.
" Father O'Hare has indeed done a service by this translation
of the great French Jesuit's Studies and explanations, for excel
lent as are the works of Sullivan and Oakley on the Mass, they
are not so clear and comprehensive in their instruction. . .
The " Freeman's Journal " icarmli/ commends this admir
able translation . . . ."—Freeman's Journal, N.Y.
"Tin- Hoiv Ma*s Explained" is a narration \<\ li.-v. 1'. F.
(t'Haiv of Brooklvn, rendered into English thai adds charm to
the delightful style in which every act in "the irn-at iliama "f
the altar " i> presented. The preface says that " the work-
shed* a tlood "f hallowed li!_rht on the symbols aii'l i-en-momes
employed in tin- Holy Sacrifice, an<l presents them more beauti-
ful. limn- venerable ami more sacred than ever." The work has
an additional interest to Brooklyn Catholics from the fact that it
is McilM-att-.l "To the RiL'ht K.-v. J..lin LoiiRhlin. D.I)., Ilrst
lii>h'>p of Brooklyn, in pratcful appreciation ,,f his fatherly
kiti'lnc^s ami in token of deep ami affectionate recoLMiition nf the
extraur'tinary privilege of huviny for more than llfty irolderi
yeaix niTi-red up on (ioil's altar the clean ohlatiou and the Sacri-
llce foi- the living and the dead." Tin- work ou^rht to \»- in every
" The H"ly Mass E.\|ilained. i> an explanatiMti of the meaning
and crtrenp'tiies of the Mas* that is moM useful to all. We
cheerfully recoiiuiiend jt a* one of the most useful small works
upon thN subject that we have seen. — /\a//><is <'<i1)(,,](c .
It will he found a most valuable aid for the. instructor.
//•/>7i Ann:ri<'iiri, X. \'.
A must useful hook. It pives full instructions as to the mean
ing of the Holy s-acritlce and of all that 1* used for the service.
Every one should become familiar with the, contents of this little
volume. They would he the letter for it.
Catholic Trli'ar<ii>li, Citiciimati.
This neatly hound volume contain* within itsro\vr» a full ex
planation of the Mass; its meanim_r, allegorical and literal; its
rifua! and ceremonies: theofllct- and vestment> of the pi'ie^t; and
the altar with its furniture. The style is clear and simple; and
the whole is a most valuable addition t» our bo. ,k* of instruction.
We wouM fTladlyseejt in the hands. ,f every Catholic child and
adult, as all should be thoroughly a'piainted with e\erythitii,r that
T>ertains to the Holy Sacrifice. The value of the text is enhanced
hv illustrations.— 77,, M,nn,t H7,M/. /,../. I'.i.
"The H"!v M;iss Explained " is a little \vork which should find
its way into every Catholic home. It contains l~l pp. It is taste
fully printed and bound, and has a series of clear, well-cut en-
gravintrs >howing the action of the iinieiatiii.tr priest in all the
" .-vents " of the Holy Sacrifice. The text is copious, learned and
devout, and withal suited to the popular heart and intelligence."
The Cn/hi'Uc Home, <'liifa<jo.
'• The Holy Mass Explained " is a very useful hook for all Cath
olics. Everybody shouM understand the ceremonies, prayers and
articles made use of in the Holy Sacrifice, and this little volume is
.;ust what you want. It is made more valuable by many illustra
tions." — ( 'athulii.- Ifccoril. ln<U<tnai><>lis.
"The Holy Mass Explained " is !( most excellent little work, so
useful in almost any family. The symbols and ceremonies em-
pioveii in the holy mass are so clearly and beautifully explained
by the reverend author that a child can understand and appreciate
them.— U'exttrn (JutlmUc r\~< H'.*, <'liica<j'>.
"To become familiar with the contents of this little book, is to
grow to the grace of (..oil and to advance in due appreciation of
His tender mercies. The Work is nicely illustrated, and will be a
lamp of living light for all who desire to know the inmost glory
of Gud's greatest Sacrament.— The Moniti.ir. >"(//( Francisco.
•• The book on the Mass, translated by the Rev. P. F. o'Hare, of
our city, sheds a Hood of light on the symbols and ceremonies em
ployed in the Holy Sacrifice."— J>Voo/,7///; Citizen.
" Rev. P. F. O'Hare. pastor of St. Anthony's church, has trans
lated a most useful and interesting little work, "'The Holy Mass
Explained." It gives, in familiar and very entertaining style, a
short explanation of the meaning of the ceremonies of the mass,
the altar and its furniture and the vestments worn by the priest.
Numerous illustrations further add to theexplanatory text. It will
be found a most valuable aid for the instructor. The book is taste-
full •' printed and is dedicated to Bishop Loughliu as a souvenir of
bis Jubilee a> a priest."— .Brook?// H Eagle.
Thi* littli- t> ' 'k cannot f:iil '
who take part iii \vlial theauthoi calls the "tfreat ili-auia «if tin-
Altar," a n. I i1 deserves a place in all Catholic homes. Itspnrpos,.
U thus -.•! forth in tin- words of tin- translator: "He humMs
trusts thai I'oth iln- cleriry ami laity \vi) liail with delight '!"•
publication of tin- little treasure ,.f modern < atliolie literatim-.
UMI ii-'t an. I feature of Catholic worship— the Hoh Sa i
tin- Mass. its ceremonies and symbols." Tli<- purpose r,f ci
it--; in iTi-ii'-ral is tivatt-d of in -in ihii-odiiciinn: t lid) folio
t,-r>, .-. iri.-.'MiiiiLr tin- altar and its fiiniiinn-. tin- iin'aniiiLr ami !;-••
.; \fs'uif!its. and tin- fullest and most comprehensive e.xplana-
tii.n -I thf ditl't-reii! parts ,,f the ^tv itesl of all ceremonies. Tin-
ilistiiLi'tion lii-iween the alleLTorical and literal meanings is inadf
,...,:: ;i.|,| ihfff i>. jti fact, in tlii> 'inpivtentious \
o| i n form at i on. while its ex plan itions make th" cetemon-
v s icritlee seem, if | '
than e\ er. I; Nan adi I'eiidinm of In ily in-
: till WC llj.l I! (|0,K| J.
.in M " ' '. \nti-i Imnii . //>"'.
A plain, simple, ye! acenrateh theolotrical explanation of the
essence and ceremonies of the lli.lv Mass hy a theological write!
of world-wide reputation in Catholic schools of divinity. The
translation is well done; and the neatness with which tin- little
- tiffii tifi'ii^!!! out. and its copious full-pa ire and half-
istratiniis ai'e v n-thy of the reimtation of the distiniruished
linn i'.y whidi u ha- hei-n isMied. The amount of information
hioiiLrlit wit1.., (i the compass of its ]-.'o pa^-s is very irveat. and w.-
inoiv appfoiiriaie for the iiisti'iictimi "i a
I'l-otestani in all thai concerns the Mass n ,m altar, chalice, and
lit*, to the dread mysteries of t:..- Ad fable Sacritlee than
this handy little i
],,,„!, ,,,-Tr.---. J,in> -r. IS'.M.
FR. PUSTET & CO..
•2 BARCLAY ST., IS-i MAIN ST.,
N V..i:i;. C:\riNN \r: - '
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