The High Mass in the Extraordinary Form: A Detailed Explanation
Introduction: The Significance of the High Mass
The High Mass (Missa Solemnis) in the Extraordinary Form is a solemn and rich liturgical celebration in the Traditional Latin Rite. This form of the Mass, celebrated with music, incense, and full ceremonial, reflects the Church's ancient traditions. Below, we explore the significance of each part of the liturgy and the actions of the priest and other ministers.
1. Asperges (Sprinkling of Holy Water)
...
9. Gradual, Alleluia, or Tract
...
10. Gospel
...
11. Homily (Sermon)
Significance:
The homily (or sermon) provides an opportunity for the priest to reflect on the Scripture readings and explain their relevance to the lives of the faithful. The homily connects the timeless truths of the Gospel to contemporary life and encourages spiritual growth.
Actions:
- Priest: The priest (or deacon) preaches the homily, usually standing at the pulpit. This is the one part of the Mass where vernacular is often used even in the Extraordinary Form, making it accessible to the congregation.
12. Credo (Nicene Creed)
Significance:
The Credo is a profession of faith, summarizing the essential beliefs of the Catholic Church. It affirms the mysteries of the Trinity, the Incarnation, the Resurrection, and the Church.
Actions:
- Choir and Priest: The Nicene Creed is sung by the choir, while the priest recites it quietly. The priest stands at the center of the altar, bowing profoundly at the mention of the Incarnation ("Et incarnatus est").
13. Offertory
Significance:
The Offertory marks the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It represents the offering of bread and wine, as well as the faithful's own sacrifices, to be transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Actions:
- Priest: The priest prepares the altar, offering the bread and wine while saying prayers that ask God to accept these gifts. The chalice and paten are incensed, as well as the priest and the congregation. Incense here represents the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.
- Subdeacon and Deacon: The subdeacon holds the paten under a humeral veil, symbolizing reverence for the sacred vessels. The deacon assists the priest in arranging the altar.
14. Secret Prayer
Significance:
The Secret Prayer is a quiet prayer recited by the priest, asking for the sanctification of the offered gifts. This is a moment of humble petition, as the priest prays for God's grace to descend upon the offerings.
Actions:
- Priest: The priest prays silently at the altar, concluding the Offertory and preparing for the Eucharistic Canon.
15. Preface and Sanctus
Significance:
The Preface is a prayer of thanksgiving, leading to the Sanctus, which is a hymn of praise to God, echoing the worship of the angels in heaven. It acknowledges God’s holiness and prepares the faithful for the central mystery of the Eucharist.
Actions:
- Priest: The priest sings or says the Preface, lifting his hands to heaven. The choir and congregation then join in the Sanctus ("Holy, Holy, Holy"), which is sung or chanted.
16. Canon of the Mass
Significance:
The Canon of the Mass is the heart of the Eucharistic celebration. It is the unchangeable core of the liturgy, where the bread and wine are consecrated and transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of Christ.
Actions:
- Priest: The priest, in a moment of profound reverence, recites the Canon in silence. This reflects the solemnity of the mystery being enacted. The Consecration follows, where the priest elevates the Host and Chalice after the words of Christ ("This is My Body" and "This is My Blood"), and the congregation adores the now consecrated species of Christ.
17. Elevation and Consecration
Significance:
At the Consecration, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. This is the moment of transubstantiation, where the sacrificial offering of Christ on the Cross is made present again.
Actions:
- Priest: The priest elevates the Host and then the Chalice after pronouncing the words of consecration. The bells are rung to signal this sacred moment, and the faithful may bow or adore in reverence.
- Incense: The deacon or thurifer incenses the consecrated Host and Chalice.
18. Pater Noster (Our Father)
Significance:
The Our Father is the prayer that Christ Himself taught, and it is recited to prepare the faithful for receiving Communion. It reflects the Church’s petition for daily bread, both physical and spiritual, and for deliverance from evil.
Actions:
- Priest and Choir: The priest sings the Pater Noster while the choir responds. The priest prays for the peace and unity of the Church as he prepares to break the consecrated Host.
19. Agnus Dei and Communion
Significance:
The Agnus Dei ("Lamb of God") is a plea for God's mercy and peace. It is sung as the priest breaks the Host, preparing for Communion. The Communion itself is the culmination of the Mass, where the faithful receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
Actions:
- Choir: The Agnus Dei is sung, asking Christ to take away the sins of the world.
- Priest: The priest consumes the Body and Blood of Christ, followed by the faithful who receive Communion kneeling and on the tongue at the altar rail.
20. Postcommunion and Final Blessing
Significance:
After Communion, the Postcommunion Prayer gives thanks to God for the grace received in the Eucharist and asks for continued divine assistance. The Mass concludes with the Final Blessing and a solemn dismissal.
Actions:
- Priest: The priest prays the Postcommunion and gives the final blessing to the congregation. He then dismisses the faithful with the words "Ite, Missa est" (Go, the Mass is ended), signaling that the liturgy is complete.
21. Last Gospel
Significance:
The Last Gospel is a reading from the beginning of the Gospel of John ("In principio erat Verbum..."). It serves as a final reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation, reminding the faithful of Christ’s divinity.
Actions:
- Priest: The priest reads the Last Gospel at the altar, and the faithful remain standing in reverence.
Conclusion: The Sacred Nature of the High Mass
The High Mass in the Extraordinary Form is filled with rich symbolism, solemn actions, and deep theological meaning. Every movement, prayer, and chant serves to glorify God and draw the faithful closer to the mystery of Christ's sacrifice. Through incense, song, and the sacred words of the liturgy, the Mass becomes a participation in the worship of heaven.