What is a Traditional Latin Mass?
The Traditional Latin Mass, with its rich rituals and liturgical structure, encapsulates centuries of Catholic tradition. The Mass is divided into two main parts: the Mass of the Catechumens (focused on the Liturgy of the Word) and the Mass of the Faithful (centered around the Eucharist). The Propers and the Commons are specific parts of the Mass that vary according to the liturgical calendar or the feast being celebrated.The Asperges Me
Before a Sung Mass formally begins with the Introit, the Traditional Latin Mass often starts with two preliminary rites: the Asperges Me (or Vidi Aquam during the Easter season). This is a rite of sprinkling holy water on the congregation, derived from Psalm 51:7, "Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo et mundabor... This rite symbolizes the purification of the soul, preparing the faithful to participate worthily in the sacred mysteries. During the Easter season, the Asperges Me is replaced by the Vidi Aquam, emphasizing the baptismal theme of renewal and resurrection, drawn from Ezekiel 47:1 and the Paschal Vigil liturgy.Following the Asperges Me or Vidi Aquam, the Mass continues with
Prayers at the Foot of the Altar
These prayers begin with the priest and server(s) reciting Psalm 42 (Psalm 43 in the Hebrew numbering), "Iudica me, Deus," a plea for justice and deliverance from enemies. The prayers express the priest's humility and unworthiness to perform the sacred rites and his petition for divine assistance in offering the sacrifice. This part of the Mass sets a tone of penitence and preparation, acknowledging human sinfulness and the need for God's mercy before entering into the full celebration of the Eucharist.Propers and Commons Propers:
These are parts of the Mass that change depending on the liturgical day, feast, or season.Latin Mass Commons:
These are parts of the Mass that are common to a particular category of saints (e.g., martyrs, virgins, pastors) or the time of the liturgical year. The Commons provide texts for the Mass that are not specific to a particular feast day but are appropriate for multiple saints of the same category or for certain liturgical seasons.- Kyrie Eleison A prayer for mercy, repeated three times in Greek, followed by "Christe Eleison" (Christ, have mercy), and then "Kyrie Eleison" again.
- Gloria An ancient hymn praising the glory of God, expressing the joy of redemption and can be traced back all the way to the Third Century. The oldest, complete Latin text of the hymn as we know it today dates back to the year 690. The hymn is omitted during penitential seasons like Advent and Lent, highlighting the contrasting character of these times.
- Credo (Nicene Creed) The Creed is a summary of the Christian faith, recited to affirm the doctrinal truths professed by the Church. Its inclusion in the Mass links the congregation with the historical councils of the Church, emphasizing unity in belief. This prayer affirms the universal beliefs of the Catholic Church, uniting the faithful in common doctrine.
- Preface and Sanctus The Preface leads into the Sanctus, a hymn that echoes the heavenly liturgy. This moment connects the earthly celebration with the worship of God in heaven, highlighting the Mass as a participation in the eternal liturgy. The Sanctus, with its "Holy, Holy, Holy," echoes the celestial hymn of the Seraphim, inviting heaven and Earth into worship.
- Agnus Dei This beautiful and simple prayer is a plea for mercy and peace, sung as the Body of Our Lord (the Consecrated Host) is broken. The breaking of the bread symbolizes Jesus’ body broken for us, calling for mercy.
- Pater Noster (Our Father) The Lord's Prayer is recited, leading to the breaking of the bread. The Lord’s Prayer is a moment of communal petition, preparation for Communion, and reflection on our divine filiation. It emphasizes forgiveness and reconciliation, essential themes before receiving the Eucharist.
Why is Kyrie Eleison said or sung in Greek?
The Kyrie Eleison is one of the oldest prayers in the Church, even before the coming of Christ. Its retention in Greek even in the Latin Mass is a nod to the universal nature of the Church and its origins in the early Christian community, which was deeply rooted in both the Greek and Latin worlds. Similar to the words "Amen" and "Alleluia" which are in Hebrew, the Church has kept them as part of the prayer in the original language.
Latin Mass Propers:
These are parts of the Mass that are specific to the feast. They are tailored to the specific celebration, saint, or liturgical season.- Introit The Mass begins with an entrance antiphon, which introduces the theme of the also known as "Lecti or Lectureo" Mass. The Introit functions as an introduction to the Mass, setting a reflective or celebratory tone that aligns with the liturgical season or specific feast day. Its texts are usually drawn from the Psalms, embodying the themes of the day’s liturgy.
- Collect During the Collect, the priest recites a prayer that gathers the prayers of the faithful and directs them to God.
- Epistle The Epistle reading, also known as "Lectio" or "Lecture", is usually taken from Bible verses that are not found in either one of the Four Gospels. They offer moral teachings and theological insights. It connects the congregation with the apostolic roots of the Church, providing a link between the life of Jesus and the life of the Church.
- Gospel The Gospel reading is the climax of the Liturgy of the Word. It presents the life and teachings of Jesus, directly connecting the congregation with the words and actions of Christ himself.
- Offertory The preparation and offering of the gifts symbolize the offering of the congregation’s lives to God. It marks the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, transitioning from the Word to the sacrament. The structure of the Mass can be broadly divided into two parts: the Mass of the Catechumens
- Secret The Secret prayer is said quietly by the priest. It invokes God’s blessing on the offerings and prepares them for consecration. It underscores the mystery and sacredness of the Eucharistic transformation.
- Communion The faithful will receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ which is the central act of Catholic worship. The Communion Prayer supports the act of Communion, focusing the faithful's meditation on the sacrifice of Christ and their participation in Our Lord's sacrifice. This liturgical element helps the faithful to internalize the profound mystery they are partaking in. In the Traditional Latin Mass, the liturgy is designed to be a continuous movement towards a closer union with Christ, with each part playing a specific role in this spiritual journey. The prayers and chants during Communion are thus integral to this process, serving as a liturgical expression of the unity between Christ and the communicant, and among the members of the Church as the Body of Christ.
- Postcommunion The Postcommunion Prayer expresses gratitude for the spiritual nourishment received and petitions for the fruits of the Eucharist to transform the lives of the faithful.
(Liturgy of the Word)
and the Mass of the Faithful(Liturgy of the Eucharist). The Offertory comes after the Mass of the Catechumens and initiates the Liturgy of the Eucharist, during which the bread and wine are prepared and offered to God before being consecrated. In the early days of the Church, catechumens (those who were preparing for Baptism but were not yet baptized) were asked to leave after the Mass of the Catechumens. This division of the Mass served both as a form of protecting the sacred mysteries and as a catechetical reminder of the seriousness and commitment required for full participation in the Eucharistic celebration.