PART FOURTH.
EXPLANATION OF THE MASS;
MORNING ANDEVENING PRAYERS;
DEVOTIONS FOR CONFESSION ANDCOMMUNION;
THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS;
PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS, ETC.
The Mass is the perpetual sacrifice of the New Law, in which Christ our Lord, under the appearances of bread and wine, offers Himself to His heavenly Father, by the hands of the priest, in an unbloody manner, as He once offered Himself on the cross in a bloody manner.
To celebrate the holy sacrifice of the Mass the priest needs :
1. The altar. 2. The chalice. 3. The prescribed vestments. 4. The Missal, or Mass-book, containing the formula of the Mass for each day. 5. The assistants, or acolytes.
The altar is the place consecrated by the bishop for offering up the holy sacrifice of the Mass. It represents the table at which Jesus instituted the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, and has, therefore, the form of a table. We distinguish the high altar upon which, with us, the Blessed Sacrament is usually placed, and the side altars. On the altar of the Blessed Sacrament there is always a tabernacle, before which the sanctuary lamp is kept perpetually burning.
How must the altar be prepared for the sacrifice of the Mass?
The altar-table must be made of stone, within which are en closed holy relics, and it must be covered with three linen cloths, and bear a crucifix with two candlesticks and wax candles. To decorate the altar sacred images, reliquaries, and flowers may also be used.
Why must the altar be of stone, and why must it contain sacred relics?
Because it represents Christ, the corner-stone of the Church, and because in the early days of the Church Mass was usually offered up on the tombs of the holy martyrs.
Why must it be covered with linen cloths?
Partly as a sign of respect and reverence for the holy sacrifice, and partly to prevent the precious blood from falling to the floor, should any be spilled.
It is strictly prescribed that linen only shall be used for dressing the altar, as well as in the general use of the Church, first, in accordance with an old custom that owes its origin to the fact that the dead body of Christ was clothed with linen when laid in the sepulchre, and, moreover, on account of the significance usually attached to a linen garment, namely, sincerity and purity of heart (Acts xix. 8). These virtues are attained with difficulty by frequent prayer, vigilance, and self-denial, as pure linen cloth was formerly prepared by hard and toilsome labor.
Why is a crucifix placed on the altar?
To remind us that the holy sacrifice of the Mass is the un bloody renewal of the sacrifice of the cross.
The chalice is the vessel into which at the Offertory the priest pours the wine which is about to be changed into the blood of Christ.
The cup of the chalice, as distinguished from the stand or foot, must be made of gold, or at least of silver gold-plated inside, as a mark of the reverence due to the precious blood. To the chalice belongs the paten, or plate, which must also be gold or gold-plated. The chalice and paten are consecrated by the bishop. To prevent anything dropping into the chalice a small frame covering is provided, called the pall. Beneath the chalice and the sacred Host is placed a linen cloth called a corporal, from corpus, body, because the body of Our Lord is placed upon it. After Mass is over the corporal is placed in the burse. For cleaning the chalice, and also the lips and fingers of the priest, a small linen cloth is used, called a purificator. When the priest approaches the altar and until the Offertory, the chalice is covered with a cloth called the veil, similar in color to the vestments used in the Mass.
THE VESTMENTS.
Why has the Church prescribed particular vestments for the officiating priest?
In order to remind us that the priest ministers at the altar, not in his own person, but as the representative of Jesus Christ, and that he celebrates a most sacred and divine mystery. In the Old Law God Himself prescribed and commanded explicitly the character of the vestments to be worn (Exodus xxviii. 43).
The particular vestments worn by the priest during the holy sacrifice of the Mass are: 1. The amice; 2, the alb; 3, the cincture; 4, the maniple; 5, the stole; 6, the chasuble.
The amice or shoulder-cloth of linen, which is first laid upon the head, then upon the neck and shoulders, of the priest, signifies the " helmet of salvation" (Ephes. vi. 17), with which the priest arms himself against the assaults of the evil spirit. The alb, a long white garment, is a symbol of the spotless innocence and perfect purity of soul and body with which the priest should approach the altar. The cincture is a symbol of priestly continence and chastity. The maniple, formerly a handkerchief borne on the left arm, is a symbol of penance, and of the cares and burdens of the priestly calling. The stole was formerly an entire garment indeed a splendid garb of honor and dignity ; now, however, it is but a narrow strip placed over the shoulders and crossed upon the breast. It is worn not only during Mass, but also at the performance of every priestly function. Worn over the shoulders it signifies that the priest in his calling assumes the sweet yoke of the Lord. As a garb of splendor it symbolized the robe of immortality. The chasuble or outer garment is a symbol of holy love, and the yoke of the Lord which the priest joyfully bears. The covering for the head, worn by the priest, is called a biretta. The cope is worn in processions, at solemn Vespers, at blessings, and benedictions.
What is the meaning of the different colored vestments used by the Church?
1. White signifies innocence and spiritual joy, and is used on feasts of the Lord and of such saints as were not martyrs. 2. Red signifies love of God and martyrdom, and is therefore used at Whitsuntide and on the feasts of martyrs. 3. Green signifies hope of eternal life, and is used on the Sundays after Epiphany and Pentecost, when no other feast occurs. 4. Violet signifies humility and penance, and is therefore used during Lent and Advent, and on fast-days when on these days no other feast is to be celebrated. 5. Black is the color of sorrow, and is used on Good Friday and at Masses for the dead.
SYMBOLICAL OBJECTS USED DURING THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF
THE MASS.
Lights and incense.
What do the lights on the altar signify?
They are symbolical: 1, of Jesus Christ, the God-man, the true Light of the world ; 2, of faith which enlightens, hope which aspires, and charity which should always burn in our hearts ; 3, they remind us also of the persecutions of the early Christians, who were forced to offer up the sacrifice in the dark catacombs or caves.
What is the meaning of incense?
Incense is a symbol of prayer which ascends to heaven as a sweet odor before God (Ps. cxl. 2). The incense is kept in a small vessel, from which it is taken with a spoon made for the purpose, and placed on the coals burning in the censer.
GENERAL CEREMONIES OBSERVED DURING THE HOLY SACRIFICE
OF THE MASS.
What symbolical acts are most frequently used during Mass? 1. The sign of the cross; 2, genuflection or bending of the knee; 3, bowing of the head; 4, joining and lifting the hands;5, imposing of hands; 6, striking the breast; 7, kissing sacred objects.
The sign of the cross: 1, reminds us of the death of Christ on the cross, which is commemorated in the Mass ; 2, it gives to the objects so marked a certain dedication and sanctification ; 3, it is an invocation for the grace, the blessing, and the protection of the Most High, for through the sign of the cross all blessings are given to us. The bending of the knee and bowing of the head are signs of adoration, respect, and homage. Joined and upraised hands indicate earnest supplication and entreaty for aid. The imposition of hands is a symbol of the bestowal of God s blessing and that of the Holy Ghost. The striking of the breast springs from the consciousness of culpability and unworthiness in the sight of God. The kissing of sacred objects, such as the gospel, the altar, etc., is an expression of reverence, of a pure and holy love, a longing for union and communion with God.
PRAYERS AT MASS.
THE PREPARATION AT THE FOOT OF THE ALTAR.
This prayer offered at the foot of the altar signifies our unworthiness to approach the Holy of holies, unless freed from sin.
+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. I will go in to the altar of God. To God Who giveth joy to my youth. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy : deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man. For Thou art God, my strength; why hast Thou cast me off? And why do I go sorrowful, whilst the enemy afflicteth me? Send forth Thy light and Thy truth : they have conducted me and brought me to Thy holy mount, and into Thy tabernacles. And I will go in to the altar of God; to God, Who giveth joy to my youth. To Thee, O God, my God, I will give praise on the harp: why art thou sad, O my soul, and why dost thou disquiet me? Hope in God, for I will still praise Him : the salvation of my countenance and my God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Joining his hands and humbly lowing down the priest says
THE CONFITEOR.
I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, to all the saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary ever virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, all the saints, and you, Father, to pray to our Lord God for me.
P. May Almighty God have mercy upon thee, forgive thee thy sins, and bring thee to life everlasting.
It. Amen.
The acolyte or server, in the name of the congregation, now recites the CONFITEOR. Unite your prayers to his, and ask God to forgive you your sins. When the server is finished, the priest, with joined hands gives the ABSOLUTION, saying :
your sins, and bring you to everlasting life.
It. Amen.
Signing himself with the sign of the cross, he says :
P. May the almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon, + absolution, and remission of our sins.
It. Amen.
Then, bowing down, he proceeds :
It. Arid Thy people shall rejoice in Thee.
P. Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
It. And grant us Thy salvation.
P. O Lord, hear my prayer.
It. And let my cry come unto Thee.
P. The Lord be with you.
It. And with thy spirit.
Going up to the altar, the priest says in a low voice :
Take away from us our iniquities, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be worthy to enter with pure minds into the Holy of holies : through Christ our Lord. Amen.
+Bowing down, he kisses the altar and says :
We beseech Thee, O Lord, by the merits of Thy saints, whose relics are here, and of all the saints, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to forgive me all my sins. Amen.
Then the priest, signing himself with the sign of the cross, reads the INTROIT.
The Introit, or Entrance, is so called because formerly it was sung when the bishop entered the church. It consists of two verses from Scripture and the " Glory be to the Father."
The selection from Scripture at times expresses the spirit of the festival of the day.
Blessed be the Holy Trinity and Undivided Unity ; we will give glory to Him, because He hath shown His mercy to us.
Ps. O our Lord God, how wonderful is Thy name in all the earth !
Glory be, etc.
Blessed, etc., to Ps.
After the INTROIT the KYRIE is sung.
The Kyrie is a prayer for mercy offered by the priest, who stands at the centre of the altar. The responses are given by the acolytes. The words of the prayer are in the Greek tongue. It is addressed to the Blessed Trinity, and is repeated three times to each person.
Lord, have mercy on us. (Three times.)
Christ, have mercy on us. (Three times.)
Lord, have mercy on us. (Three times.)
Afterward, standing at the middle of the altar, he says the GLORIA.
The Gloria is a solemn song of praise to the goodness and majesty of the Triune God, and begins with the words of the angel at the birth of Jesus, namely,4Glory be to God onhigh,"etc.
Being a joyful hymn, it is not recited at Masses offered up for penitence or mourning, such as those in Advent, Lent, fastdays of precept, Masses for the dead, or whenever the priest wears violet vestments.
Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will. We praise Thee; we bless Thee; we adore Thee; we glorify Thee. We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us ; Who takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayers ; Who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou only art holy : Thou only art Lord; Thou only, O Jesus Christ, together with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
After the Gloria the priest, turning to the people, either speaks or sings the oft-repeated salutation,
" Dominus vobiscum"; " The Lord be with you;" the server, or the choir at High Mass, answering, " Et cum spiritu tuo."--- And with thy spirit.
Then follows the COLLECT.
By the Collect we understand the prayer of the Church which is offered up by the priest in the name of all the faithful present. In this prayer all the wants and cares of the Church and her children are united and laid before God.
The Collect and other prayers, both at the holy sacrifice of the Mass and other religious services, begin with the word Oremus Let us pray, calling on the people to offer up their prayers with the priest, who is the representative of all. They generally close with the following words :"Through Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in union with the Holy Ghost, God forever and forever." To which the server or the choir answers for the people, "Amen."
Almighty and eternal God, we humbly beseech Thee merci fully to give ear to the prayers of Thy servant, which he offers Thee in the name of Thy Church and in behalf of us Thy people : accept them to the honor of Thy name and the good of our souls ; and grant us all those blessings which may in any way contribute to our salvation; through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Then is read the EPISTLE of the day, or the following may be read instead :
Rejoice in the Lord always : again, I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men : The Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous : but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, what soever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, what soever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good fame, if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline, think on these things. The things which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, these do ye : and the God of peace shall be with you.
After this follows a species of interlude called the Gradual, which, in accordance with the feast, expresses either praise, thanks, longing, or petition.
At Easter it is called Alleluia, in times of penance Tract. On certain feasts and at Masses for the dead another hymn is sung called Sequence.
THE GRADUAL.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, Who beholdest the deep and sittest on the cherubim. V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven, and worthy of praise forever.
V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and worthy of praise forever.
While the book is being moved to the gospel side of the altar, the priest, standing in the middle, prays that he may worthily announce the Gospel of Christ, as follows :
Cleanse my heart and my lips, O Almighty God, Who didst cleanse the lips of the prophet Isaias with a burning coal ; and vouchsafe, through Thy gracious mercy, so to purify me, that I may worthily proclaim Thy holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the Lord be in my heart, and on my lips, that I may worthily and in a becoming manner announce His holy Gospel. Amen.
Then, going to the gospel side of the altar, the priest says :
R And with thy spirit.
P. The continuation (or beginning) of the holy gospel ac cording to N.
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
Then is read the GOSPEL of the day, or the following may be read :
P. At that time Jesus said to His disciples ; All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you : and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. E. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.
During the reading of the gospel the people stand as a sign of reverence for the word of God and a willingness to follow it. Each one also makes the sign of the cross on the forehead, lips, and breast, to signify that he believes and maintains the truth of the Gospel, and will proclaim it with his lips, and with up right heart will abide by it.
After reading the gospel, the priest as a mark of respect kisses the book, and says in a low voice : By the words of the gospel may our sins be blotted out.
On Sundays and holy-days a sermon is usually preached here, on the gospel of the day.
Then standing at the middle of the altar, with his hands joined, the priest says the NICENE CREED
.
The Creed is the profession of faith made by the universal Church assembled in council at Nice in the year 325, and at Constantinople in the year 381. It begins with the Latin word "Credo,"---" I believe,"; and the name Credo has been applied to the entire prayer. On days of the week on which no feast occurs, or when the feast is that of a martyr, confessor, virgin, or widow only, the Credo is not said ; nor is it said in Masses for the dead.
THE NICENE CREED.
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all tilings visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, born of the Father- before all ages ; God of God, Light of light, true God of true God; begotten, not made; consubstantial with the Father, by Whom all things were made, Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven ; and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary; AND BECAME MAN. (Here all kneel.) He was crucified also for us, suffered under Pontius Pilate, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of the Father; and He is to come again with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; of His kingdom there shall be no end. And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son : Who together with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified : Who spoke by the prophets. And one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I expect the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Then the priest kisses the altar, and turning to the people, says :
E. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Here follows the OFFERTORY.
This is a short extract from Holy Scripture which serves to illustrate the motive of the feast.
Formerly, during the chanting of the Offertory, the people brought their offerings to the altar. Of this custom we have a survival in the offerings on feast-days and in Masses for the dead.
Blessed be God the Father, and the only-begotten Son of God, as likewise the Holy Ghost; for He has shown mercy to us.
Then taking the paten with the Host, the priest offers it up, saying :
Accept, O holy Father, almighty, eternal God, this immaculate Host, which I, Thy unworthy servant, offer unto Thee, my living and true God, for my innumerable sins, offences, and negligences ; and for all here present ; as also for all faithful Christians, both living and dead ; that it may be profitable for my own and for their salvation unto life everlasting. Amen. Then making the sign of the cross with the paten, he places the host upon the corporal. The priest pours wine and water into the chalice, Messing the water before it is mixed, saying:
O God, + Who, in creating human nature, didst wonderfully dignify it, and hast still more wonderfully renewed it, grant that, by the mystery of this water and wine, we may be made
partakers of His divinity Who vouchsafed to become partaker of our humanity, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of, etc.
The host must be unleavened wheat bread, and the wine must be the pure unadulterated juice of the grape; for they must be similar to the offerings used by Christ at the Last Supper.
The water poured into the wine signifies the union of the divine and human natures in Christ, and also our union with Him in holy communion.
Then the priest takes the chalice, and offers it, saying:
We offer unto Thee, O Lord, the chalice of salvation, be seeching Thy clemency that in the sight of Thy divine Majesty it may ascend with the odor of sweetness, for our salvation, and for that of the whole world. Amen.
Then he makes the sign of the cross with the chalice, places it upon the corporal, and covers it with the pall. Then, with his hands joined upon the altar, and slightly bowing down, he says:
In the spirit of humility, and with a contrite heart, let us be received by Thee, O Lord ; and grant that the sacrifice we offer in Thy sight this day may be pleasing to Thee, O Lord God.
The priest, elevating his eyes towards heaven, and stretching out his hands, which he afterwards joins, makes the sign of the cross over the host and chalice, while he says:
Come, O sanctifier, almighty, eternal God, and bless | this sacrifice prepared to Thy holy name.
The priest, with his hands joined, goes to the epistle side of the altar, where he washes his fingers. At the LAVABO the priest recites a part of the 25th Psalm, as follows:
I will wash my hands among the innocent, and will compass Thy altar, O Lord.
That I may hear the voice of Thy praise ; and tell all Thy wondrous works.
I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth.
Take not away my soul with the wicked, nor my life with bloody men.
In whose hands are iniquities : their right hand is filled with gifts.
But as for me, I have walked in my innocence : redeem me and have mercy on me.
My foot hath stood in the direct way ; in the churches I will bless Thee, O Lord.
Returning and bowing before the middle of the altar with joined hands, the priest implores the Most Holy Trinity to receive the offering , in union with the sacrifice of the Saviour and the merits of His saints, in these words:
Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which we make to Thee in memory of the passion, resurrection, and ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honor of the blessed Mary ever virgin, of blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, of these and of all the saints, that it may be available to their honor and our salvation: and may they vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven whose memory we celebrate on earth. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Then he kisses the altar, and having turned himself towards the people, extending and joining his hands, he raises his voice a little, and says the ORATE, FRATRES.
Brethren, pray that my sacrifice and yours may be accept able to God the Father Almighty.
R. May the Lord receive the sacrifice from thy hands, to
the praise and glory of His name, and to our benefit, and that of all His holy Church.
P. Amen.
Then the Secret Prayers are recited. They are so called because uttered by the priest in a low voice. We again beg, with a special reference to the feast of the day, to have our offerings accepted by God. After this comes the Preface. This marks the transition or introduction to the second part of the Mass. This thanksgiving and glorifying of God in the Preface is governed by the feasts and time of the ecclesiastical year.
THE PREFACE.
P. Forever and ever.
R.Amen.
R. And with thy spirit.
Here he lifts up his hands.
P. Lift up your hearts.E. We have lifted them to the Lord.
He joins his hands before his breast and bows his head while he says:
R. It is just and right.
He then disjoins his hands, and keeps them in this posture until the end of the PREFACE, after which he again joins them, and lowing, says, SANCTUS, etc. When he says BENEDICTUS, etc., he crosses himself.
THE PREFACE.
It is truly meet and just, right and salutary, that we should always, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God. Who together with Thy only begotten Son and the Holy Ghost art one God and one Lord ; not in a singularity of one person, but in a trinity of one sub stance. For that which by Thy revelation we believe of Thy glory, the same we believe of Thy Son, and the same of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or distinction ; that in the confession of a true and eternal Deity, distinctness in the per sons, unity in the essence, and equality in the majesty may be adored. Whom the angels and archangels, the cherubim also and seraphim praise ; and cease not daily to cry out with one voice, saying.
Here the bell is rung thrice.
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts. The heavens and the earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest ! Blessed is He that cometh in +the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest !
These last are the words with which the people of Jerusalem greeted the Saviour on Palm Sunday. They call on us to greet Him in like manner, now that He is about to come to us in the Blessed Eucharist.
THE CANON OF THE MASS.
This most solemn part of the holy mysteries is so called because the word means, in Greek, a rule. The language is very grave and dignified, and it is -read in a low voice to express the silence of Christ in His passion, and His hiding at that time His glory and divinity, as well as to signify the vast importance of that common cause to all mankind, which the priest is then representing to the ear of God, and the reverence and awe with which priest and people ought to assist at these tremendous mysteries. The priest extending, raising, and joining his hands, (raising, too, his eyes, as if to direct his attention, and immediately lowering them), bows over the altar, and with his hands
resting on the altar, invokes the Father of mercies, through Christ His Son, on the Church militant on earth. He continues :
We therefore humbly pray and beseech Thee, most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord (he kisses the altar), that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to accept and bless these + gifts, these + presents, these holy + unspotted sacrifices, which in the first place we offer Thee, for Thy holy Catholic Church ; to which vouchsafe to grant peace, as also to preserve, unite, and govern it throughout the world ; together with Thy servant N. our Pope, N. our Bishop, as also all orthodox believers and professors of the Catholic and apostolic faith.
THE COMMEMORATION OF THE LIVING.
The preceding prayer contained the offering of the sacrifice for the whole Church, but with holy importunity the priest renews the oblation for those recommended to him, and for all who hear the Mass.
Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaids N. and N.
Here the priest joins his hands, and prays, as we all should, for those for whom he specially intends to pray; then extending his hands, he proceeds:
And of all here present, whose faith is known and devotion apparent unto Thee, for whom we offer, or who offer up to Thee this sacrifice of praise for themselves, their families and 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.
Then putting himself in communion with those blessed members of the Church triumphant in heaven, he implores them to unite with him in the sacrifice.
Communicating with, and honoring the memory, in the first place, of the ever-glorious Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord and God Jesus Christ; as also of the blessed apostles and martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus, Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence. Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and of all Thy saints, through whose merits and prayers grant that we may be always defended by the help of Thy protection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Spreading the hands, in the manner of the ancient sacrifices, over the host and chalice, he again renews the oblation, saying, while the server rings the bell to recall the attention of the people :
We therefore beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously to accept this oblation of our service, as also of Thy whole family, and to dispose our days in Thy peace; preserve us from eternal damnation, and number us in the flock of Thine elect. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
As the priest closes this prayer, he joins Ms hands, and continues solemnly signing the oblation with the sign of the cross; imploring the Almighty to effect the miraculous change which His divine Son instituted and first performed.
Which oblation do Thou, O God, vouchsafe in all respects to make in all things (he makes the sign of the cross three times over the oblation) +blessed, + approved, + ratified, reasonable, and acceptable (he makes the sign of the cross once over the host and once over the chalice), + that it may become
to us the + body and + blood of Thy most beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
THE CONSECRATION.
The awful moment of the Mass has come. The bread and wine are to be consecrated in Christ s own words, pronounced by the priest. While the angels, in adoring awe, bow around the altar, the priest performs this most essential part of the sacrifice, in which the body and blood of Christ are really exhibited and presented to God, and Christ is mystically immolated. Who the day before He suffered (he takes up the host], took bread into His holy and venerable hands (raising his eyes towards heaven), and with His eyes lifted up towards heaven, to God, His Almighty Father : giving thanks to Thee (he makes the sign of the cross over the host), did bless, break, and give to His disciples, saying : Take and eat ye all of this :
Holding the host between his forefingers and thumbs he pronounces the words of consecration secretly , distinctly, and attentively.
FOR THIS IS MY BODY.
Having pronounced the words of consecration, while all the people kneel in profound and silent adoration, the priest, kneeling, adores the sacred host: rising, he elevates it, amid the ringing of the bell; and then placing it on the corporal, again adores it.
After this he never disjoins his forefingers and thumbs, except when he is to take the host, until the ablution.
In like manner, after He had supped (he takes the chalice in both hands), taking also this excellent chalice into His holy and venerable hands, and giving Thee thanks (holding the chalice in the left hand, the priest makes the sign of the cross over it with his right], He bless+ed, and gave to His disciples, saying : Take and drink ye all of this:
The priest then pronounces the words of consecration over the chalice, holding it slightly elevated, saying:
FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL TESTAMENT ; THE MYSTERY OF FAITH I WHICH SHALL
BE SHED FOR YOU, AND FOR MANY, TO THE REMISSION OF SINS.
The words of consecration having been pronounced, he places the chalice on the corporal, and says in secret:
As often as ye do these things, ye shall do them in remembrance of Me.
Kneeling, he adores ; rising, he elevates the chalice for the adoration of the faithful while the bell rings thrice again; then the priest replaces the chalice on the corporal, covers it, and again adoring, proceeds, ex tending his hands :
Wherefore, O Lord, we Thy servants, as also Thy holy people, calling to mind the blessed passion of the same Christ Thy Son our Lord, His resurrection from hell, and glorious ascension into heaven, offer unto Thy most excellent Majesty, of Thy gifts and grants, Here the priest joins his hands, and makes the sign of the cross three times over the sacred host and chalice simultaneously. A pure +host, a holy + host, an immaculate + host.
He then makes the sign of the cross once over the sacred host and once over the chalice, saying
:
The holy + bread of eternal life, and the chalice +of ever lasting salvation.
Then extending his hands, he proceeds :
Upon which vouchsafe to look with a propitious and serene countenance, and to accept them, as Thou wast graciously pleased to accept the gifts of Thy just servant Abel and the sacrifice of
our Patriarch Abraham, and that which the high-priest Melchisedech offered to Thee, a holy sacrifice, an immaculate host.
Bowing down profoundly, with his hands joined and placed upon the altar, he says :
We most humbly beseech Thee, Almighty God, command these things to be carried by the hands of Thy angel to Thy altar on high, in the sight of Thy divine Majesty, that as many of us (he kisses the altar) as by participation at this altar shall receive the most sacred (he joins his hands and makes the sign of the cross once over the sacred host and once over the chalice) + body and + blood of Thy Son (making the sign of the cross on himself) may be filled with all heavenly + benediction and grace. (Joining his hands.) Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
COMMEMOEATION OF THE DEAD.
Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaids N. and N.) who are gone before us with the sign of faith, and slumber in the sleep of peace.
Here he pauses to recommend the souls for whom he especially desires to pray; and all should do the same, for it is not only his sacrifice, but theirs.
To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and peace : through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Here striking his breast and raising his voice slightly
:
And to us sinners Thy servants, hoping in the multitude of Thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with Thy holy apostles and martyrs ; with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecily, Anastasia, and with all Thy saints : into whose company we beseech Thee to admit us, not as a rewarder of our merit, but as a free bestower of pardon. Through Christ our Lord.
By whom, O Lord, Thou dost always create (the priest makes the sign of the cross three times over the host and chalice simultaneously, saying :) sancti+fy, quick+en, bless, + and give us all these good things.
The priest then uncovers the chalice, genuflects ; and taking the sacred host in his right hand, and holding the chalice with his left, he makes the sign of the cross three times over the chalice, saying:
Through Him, +and with Him, + and in Him, +; is to Thee, God the + Father almighty, in the unity of the Holy + Ghost, all honor and glory.
He here replaces the sacred host upon the corporal, covers the chalice, and makes a genuflection; and rising again, he says aloud :
P. Forever and ever.
It. Amen.
Let us pray.
Instructed by Thy saving precepts, and following Thy divine instruction, we presume to say :
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name;Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is UL heaven. Give us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation.
P. Amen.
The u Our Father" or " Lord s
Prayer" is here repeated
because by holy communion we become, in the fullest sense,
Children of God ; it is moreover truly a daily bread, preserving us from temptation and evil.
Taking the paten between his first and second fingers, the priest says
:
Deliver us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, from all evils, past and present, and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary Mother of God, Thy holy apostles (here he makes the sign of the cross on himself with the paten) Peter and Paul, and Andrew, and all the saints (kisses the paten), grant peace in our days, that through the assistance of Thy mercy we may be always free from sin, and secure from all disturbance.
Sliding the paten under the host, he uncovers the chalice and makes a genuflection ; and taking the host, breaks it over the chalice, and says:
Placing the part in his right hand on the paten, he breaks a particle from the other part, and says :
Who, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, God,
Placing on the paten what remains in his left hand of the sacred host and holding in his right hand, over the chalice, the particle he has broken off, he says aloud :
V. World without end.
R. Amen.
Making the sign of the cross over the chalice with the particle of the sacred host, he says :
V. May the peace + of the Lord be + always with + you.
R. And with thy spirit.
He then puts the particle of the host into the chalice, saying in a low voice :
May this mixture and consecration of the body and blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ be to us that receive it effectual to eternal life. Amen.
The breaking of the sacred host into three parts is symbolical of the violent death of Christ. A part of the consecrated host is mingled with the precious blood as a sign that Christ is here present as the risen and transfigured Redeemer, His body and blood reunited.
He covers the chalice, makes a genuflection, and then bowing down and striking his breast three times, he says :
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
Then inclining toward the altar with hands joined upon it, the priest says the following prayers :
P. Lord Jesus Christ, Who said to Thy apostles, I leave you peace, I give you My peace, regard not my sins, but the faith of Thy Church ; and grant her that peace and unity which is agreeable to Thy will; Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
P. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who, according to the will of Thy Father, hast by Thy death, through the cooperation of the Holy Ghost, given life to the world, deliver me by this Thy most sacred body and blood from all my iniquities, and from all evils; and make me always adhere to Thy commandments, and never suffer me to be separated from Thee ; Who livest and reignest with God the Father, etc. Amen.
Let not, O Lord Jesus Christ, the participation of Thy body, which I, though unworthy, presume to receive, turn to my judgment and condemnation ; but, through Thy mercy, may it be to me a safeguard and remedy, both for soul and body : Who with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God, forever and ever. Amen.
THE COMMUNION.
Making a genuflection, and taking the host in his hands, the priest says :
I will take the bread of heaven, and call upon the name of the Lord.
Then slightly bending, he takes both parts of the sacred host, and striking his breast, he says three times, humbly and with devotion, while the bell is rung thrice :
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.
Signing himself with the sacred host, he reverently consumes it, saying
:
May the body of Our Lord + Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life everlasting. Amen.
He then joins his hands, and bows down in silent meditation and thanks giving. After which he uncovers the chalice, makes a genuflection, and collecting on the paten any particles which remain on the corporal, says :
What shall I render to the Lord for all He hath rendered unto me? I will take the chalice of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. Praising, I will call upon the Lord, and shall be saved from my enemies.
Taking the chalice in his right hand, and making the sign of the cross with it on himself, he says the following prayer :
+ May the blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to everlasting life. Amen.
He then reverently takes the precious blood.
Those who are to communicate go up to the sanctuary at the Domine, non sum dignus, when the bell rings ; the acolyte or server spreads a cloth before them, and says the Confiteor. During the Confiteor the priest removes from the tabernacle of the altar the ciborium or vessel containing the Blessed Sacra ment ; and placing it upon the corporal he makes a genuflection.
Turning to the communicants, he pronounces the absolution :
May Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to life everlasting.
R. Amen.
Signing them with the sign of the cross, he continues :
P. May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon, + absolution, and remission of your sins.
R. Amen.
Elevating a particle of the Blessed Sacrament, and turning towards the people, he says :
And then he repeats three times :
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof : say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.
Descending the steps of the altar to the communicants, he administers the holy communion, saying to each :
May the body of Our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy soul to life everlasting. Amen.
Returning to the altar, the priest covers the ciborium and replaces it in the tabernacle. The acolyte pours a little wine into the chalice, and the priest takes the first ablution, saying :
Grant, O Lord, that what we have taken with our mouth
we may receive with a pure mind ; and of a temporal gift may it become to us an eternal remedy.
Here the acolyte, at the epistle corner, pours wine and water into the chalice, over the priest s fingers, and the priest, returning to the middle of the altar, wipes his fingers and takes the second ablution, saying :
May Thy body, O Lord, which I have received, and Thy blood which I have drunk, cleave to my bowels ; and grant that no stain of sin may remain in me, who have been refreshed with pure and holy sacraments. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
Then he wipes his lips and the chalice, which he covers, and having folded the corporal, places it on the altar, as at first ; he then goes to the look, and reads
THE COMMUNION.
We bless the God of heaven, and we will praise Him in the sight of all the living : because He hath shown us His mercy.
Then, going to the middle of the altar, he turns to the people, and says :
R.. And with thy spirit.
Then, returning to the missal, he reads the post-communions ; at the end of the first and last of which the server answers, "Amen."
FOR THE POST-COMMUNION.
Pour forth upon us, O Lord, the spirit of Thy love, that, by Thy mercy, Thou mayst make those of one mind whom Thou hast fed with one celestial food. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, etc.
Graciously hear the prayers of Thy family, O Almighty God, and grant that these sacred mysteries which we have received from Thee may by Thy grace be preserved incorrupt within us. Through Our Lord, etc.
Again turning to the people, he says:
R. And with thy spirit.
P. Go, the Mass is ended.
E. Thanks be to God.
When the GLORIA has been omitted, and when violet is worn, instead of "Go, the Mass is ended," he says:
P. Let us bless the Lord.
E. Thanks be to God.
In Masses for the dead, however, he says :
R Amen.
Bowing down before the altar, the priest recites the following :
Let the performance of my homage be pleasing to Thee, O Holy Trinity ; and grant that the sacrifice which I, unworthy, have offered up in the sight of Thy majesty, may be acceptable to Thee, and through Thy mercy be a propitiation for me and all those for whom I have offered it. Through, etc. The priest then kisses the altar, and turning to the people, gives the May Almighty God, + the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless you.
It. Amen.
Then turning to the gospel side of the altar, he says :
R. And with thy spirit.
He then makes the sign of the cross, first upon the altar, and then upon his forehead, lips, and breast, and then reads the Gospel:
P. The beginning of the Gospel according to St. John.
R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was made nothing that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men ; and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world.
He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to be made the sons of God ; to them that believe in His name, who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH (Here all kneel) and dwelt among us ; and we saw His glory, as it were the glory of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
R. Thanks be to God.
A METHOD OF HEARING MASS SPIRITUALLY.
WHICH MAY BE USED BY THOSE WHO ARE PREVENTED
FROM GOING TO CHURCH.
A GOOD INTENTION BEFORE MASS.
I BELIEVE, Lord Jesus, that in the Last Supper Thou didst offer up a true sacrifice ; I believe it because Thou hast made it known to us through the Catholic Church, which from the apostles times has constantly taught it to us. Since Thou didst command the apostles and the priests ordained bj them, to do the same till the end of time, I therefore offer to Thee, with the priest, this holy sacrifice of the Mass (which I believe to be one with that offered on Mount Calvary), to Thy honor and glory, in acknowledgment of my most bounden service, in thanksgiving for the innumerable benefits which Thou hast conferred upon me and upon the whole world, in satisfaction for my sins and the sins of all mankind, and for obtaining the grace of perfect contrition for my sins. I also offer to Thee this holy Mass for my friends, benefactors, for those for whom I am bound, and for whom Thou wiliest me to pray. I also offer it for my enemies, that they may be converted, for all the faithful departed, particularly for my parents and relatives, and for the welfare of all Christendom.
- HEARTFELT DESIRE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HOLY SACRIFICE.
Most Holy Trinity, God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, almighty source of all things; my best Father, my merciful Redeemer, the Fountain of my sanctification and happiness, I, Thy most unworthy creature, venture to appear before Thee, to show Thee, my true God and Creator, all honor, adoration, and trustful submission; to thank Thee for the innumerable benefits which I have received from Thee ; to praise Thee for Thy glory (for I am created for Thy praise) ; to implore Thy mercies, and to appease Thy justice, because I have so often and so grievously sinned against Thee. All this I cannot do in a worthier and more perfect manner than by hearing, with faith and devotion, holy Mass. For in that holy sacrifice is offered to Thee the most sublime sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, the most efficacious sacrifice of supplication and propitiation, the most worthy sacrifice of salvation for the living and the dead. But because I cannot this day be present bodily at the holy Mass, I will, at least in spirit, place myself before the altar where Jesus Christ in an unbloody manner offers Himself, O heavenly Father, to Thee. With this glorious sacrifice I unite my present prayer;
I fervently desire, united with the Son of God, in the strongest manner to praise, love, supplicate Thee, O heavenly Father, to repair all the wrong and shame that I have wrought, and com pletely to accomplish all that can be accomplished by the holy sacrifice of the Mass. To this end give me Thy divine grace, and grant that I may perform all this with sincere devotion. Amen.
II. CONTRITION FOR SINS, WITH FAITH AND CONFIDENCE IN
JESUS CHRIST, AND AN OFFERING OF HIS PRECIOUS MERITS.
Holy Father, I confess with sorrow that I have seldom served Thee with an undivided heart, but rather have often offended Thee, and by my slothfulness and neglect have brought upon myself infinitely great guilt before Thee. I therefore take refuge in the merits of Thy beloved Son, now present upon the altar, Who so freely commends and imparts to us His grace and favor. In the holy sacrifice of the Mass Jesus offers to Thee, for me, the highest veneration and love, the most perfect praise, the most hearty thanksgiving, and the most kind expiation. For the perfect forgiveness of my sins, O heavenly Father, I offer to Thee the whole suffering and death of Jesus Christ, which now, in an unbloody manner, is renewed upon the altar. O most benign Father, Thy Son has suffered and died even for me, a poor sinner. With thankful love I bring before Thee as a precious and pleasing offering, the infinite merits of His suffering and death. I firmly trust that, on account of this inestimable sacrifice of Thy Son, Thou wilt not regard my guilt, and that Thou wilt increase in me Thy graces. Amen.
O Father of mercies, and God of all consolation, to Thee I turn for help and grace. Graciously look upon my misery and wretchedness, and let my supplications come before Thee. That I may the more surely be heard by Thee, I appear before the throne of Thy grace, which for our salvation, is set up in the holy sacrifice of the Mass, where the innocent Lamb of God is mysteriously offered up to Thee, holy Father, Almighty God, for the remission of our sins. Regard, I beseech Thee, the innocence of this holy sacrifice, and for the sake thereof extend to me Thy mercy. O my Saviour, how great is Thy love for me which, to make satisfaction for my sins, and to gain me the grace of Thy Father, impelled Thee to endure for me such bitter pains, and even death itself. Oh, how great is yet Thy love for me, which causes Thee, in every holy Mass to renew, in an unbloody manner, Thy death of propitiation, in order to apply and communicate to me Thy merits. With my whole heart I thank Thee for Thy great love, and from the depths of my soul I beseech Thee to make me a partaker of the fruits of it, and to strengthen and confirm me by the grace of the Holy Ghost, that I may detest sin and all unholy living, that I may crucify my flesh, with all its passions, deny myself, and follow in Thy foot steps, that all my thoughts and words, all that I do or leave undone, may be a living service of God, and a sacrifice well pleasing to Him.
As Thou hast offered up Thyself to Thy heavenly Father, so take me also in the arms of Thy love and mercy, and present me, a poor erring sinner, as an offering to Thy Father, and let me no more be separated from His love. Amen.
III. ADORATION OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS
CHRIST, UNDER THE APPEARANCES OF BREAD AND WINE.
O most holy Jesus, before Thee the heavenly choirs kneel and adore ; with them I lift up my voice and cry. Holy, holy, holy, art Thou, O Lord of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Thy grace and glory. Thou art present, O Jesus, under the appearances of bread and wine. Hear, O hear my prayer. I strike my breast and confess my unworthiness ; but with firm confidence I implore Thee, O Jesus, be merciful to me. O most benign Jesus, forgive me my sins. O holy blood, wash me from my sins. O precious blood of Jesus, O blood of Jesus, rich in grace, cry out to Heaven for mercy upon me. Most holy God, receive this precious blood, together with the love through which it was shed ; receive it as an offering of my love and thankfulness, for the greatest glory of Thy name ; for the forgiveness of my sins ; in satisfaction of the punishments which I have deserved ; for the washing away of the stains of my guilt, as reparation for all my neglects, and as amends for all the sins which I have committed through ignorance or frailty ; receive it also as a sacrifice for the consolation of the afflicted ; for the conversion of sinners ; for the recovery of the sick and suffering; for the strengthening of those who draw near to death; for the refreshment, purification, and deliverance of the souls of the departed in purgatory. Amen.
IV. UNSHAKEN CONFIDENCE IN JESUS CHRIST.
To Thee, O most benign Jesus, I lift up my eyes and my heart. Oh, turn upon me Thy gracious countenance, and Thy true love. Behold, O Lord, my manifest need, and the great danger of my soul. Oh, receive me, Thou Who art my only true mediator and helper. Be Thou, through the holy sacrifice of the Mass, my salvation, and obtain for me the entire remission of my sins. Oh, represent to Thy Father how cruelly Thou wast scourged, crowned, crucified, and put to death for us, and thereby reconcile with the strict justice of God me, a miserable sinner. Amen.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
V. HE WHO ASKS IN THE NAME OF JESUS SHALL RECEIVE.
O Lamb of God, Who suffered for us miserable sinners, have mercy upon me, and offer up to the Father Thy passion for the forgiveness of my sins. O Lamb of God, Who died for us miserable sinners, have mercy upon me, and offer up to God Thy death in satisfaction for my sins! O Lamb of God, Who didst sacrifice Thyself for us miserable sinners, have mercy upon me, and offer up Thy holy blood to the Father for the cleansing of my soul.
Heavenly Father, I offer to Thee this precious and most worthy oblation. My sins are more in number than the hairs of my head, but, O just and merciful God, lay this precious offering in the one scale and my sins in the other, and that will far outweigh my guilt. O merciful, O holy God, give me Thy blessing before I end my prayer, and through this blessing let me obtain grace at once to begin to amend my life, and to renounce whatever is sinful and displeasing to thee. Support me in my weakness ; strengthen me when temptations assail me, and let me never forget that Thou art near me.
O precious day ! but perhaps the last of my life. O happy day ! if it shall make me better. Holy Mother of God, Mary, holy angels and friends of God, pray for me and lead me in the way of truth. O God, grant Thy love to the living, and Thy peace to the dead. Amen.
A METHOD FOR HEARING MASS
FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO UNITE THEIR PRAYERS WITH THOSE OF THE PRIEST.
PRAYER BEFORE MASS.
INTERNAL FATHER, I offer to Thee the sacrifice which Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, offered to Thee by the oblation of Himself upon the cross, and which He is now about to renew upon the altar. I offer it to Thee as a just tribute of adoration and praise, in thanksgiving for the innumerable benefits Thou dost bestow on me, to propitiate Thy justice, which I have out raged, to make due atonement for my sins, to plead for myself, for holy Church, for all mankind, and for the souls of the just suffering in purgatory.
AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE MASS.
How can I venture, O my God, to appear before Thy face, and take part in the sublime and spotless sacrifice which is soon to be offered to Thy divine majesty? I am but duet and ashes, a poor and miserable mortal. Nay, more, I have often and grievously offended against Thee, the infinite God ; my soul is burdened with many sins and stained with guilt. But if in Thy justice Thou art angry with me, I take refuge in Thy merciful loving-kindness, trusting that for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord, my sinful soul can and shall be cleansed in His precious blood. Behold me prostrate before Thee, in deep compunction for my sins, because I have thereby offended against Thee, Who art my strict judge, and also my loving Father, my greatest benefactor, the highest good, most perfect, most worthy of my love. I confess before Thee, O infinite and eternal God, and before the whole company of heaven, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the glorious archangel Michael, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the angels and saints, that I have sinned through my fault, my grievous fault ; but I beseech Thee to pardon me for Christ s sake, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the angels and saints of heaven, that with a joyful heart I may offer to Thee this holy sacrifice in union with the priest. I am fully resolved never again to offend against Thee, but, with the assistance of Thy grace, to serve Thee faithfully unto my life’s end.
JOIN WITH THE PRIEST IN RECITING THREE TIMES
Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
AT THE GLORIA.
Glory be to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will. With all the angelic choirs we praise Thee, we adore Thee for Thy great glory and majesty. We bless Thee, we thank Thee, Eternal Father, for the decree of Thy mercy and charity, whereby Thou hast given Thy only-begotten Son for our salvation. We bless Thee, we thank Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Saviour, for Thy infinite condescension in becoming man for us, in suffering and dying for us, and now renewing upon the altar the mystery of our redemption. We bless Thee, we thank Thee, O life-giving Spirit, for the plenteousness of grace wherewith, for the sake of Christ s merits, Thou dost live and operate in the holy Catholic Church, and in all her faithful children. Manifest in our souls the power of Thy grace ; cleanse and sanctify them, that they may form a diadem of glory for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; that we may honor Him to all eternity, and in His presence praise and magnify God with all angels and saints in the courts of heaven. Amen.
AT THE COLLECTS.
Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast given to Thy servants, in the confession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and to adore the unity in the power of Thy majesty : grant that by steadfastness in this faith we may ever be defended from all adversities. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord Jesus Christ, Who wert subject to Mary and Joseph, and by Thy sublime virtues didst sanctify family life, grant that, by the intercession of the parents who watched over Thee, we may be imitators of the Holy Trinity on earth and be admitted to their blessed company in heaven. Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
FOR THE EPISTLE. (Col. ill. 12-17.)
Brethren: Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience : bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another ; even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also. But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom. Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God. All whatsoever you do, in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
AT THE GOSPEL.
Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth. To whom shall we go : Thou hast the words of eternal life. Purify, O Lord, my heart ; enlighten my understanding, animate my will, that Thy divine word may be to me a seed which shall strike root, spring up, and bear fruit a hundredfold, the fruit of virtue and holiness to Thy glory and my eternal salvation.
(Luke ii. 42-52.) When Jesus was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, and having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and His parents knew it not. And thinking that He was in the company, they came a day s journey, and sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And not finding Him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking Him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His wisdom and His answers. And seeing Him, they wondered. And His Mother said to Him : Son, why hast Thou done so to us? Behold Thy father and I have sought Thee Borrowing. And He said to them : How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father s business? And they understood not the word that He spoke unto them. And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And His Mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age, and grace with God and men.
AT THE CREDO.
When the Creed is read, repeat it silently, with reverence and faith.
AT THE OFFERTORY.
Accept, O Lord, this offering of bread and wine, which we make to Thee by the hands of Thy priest. It will soon be changed, as Thy well-beloved Son has ordained, into His true flesh and blood, and so it becomes a real sacrifice, the only sacrifice worthy to be offered to Thy divine majesty. Grant that these gifts as coming from us may find acceptance in Thy sight ; grant that they may avail to wipe out our countless sins and shortcomings, that they may ascend as an odor of sweetness to the throne of Thy grace, and may thence descend in a copious shower of blessings for our health and salvation, and that of the whole world.
With this oblation we lay our heart and our whole self upon the altar in union with Thy beloved Son. Purify us, sanctify us, dispose of us and of all we have according to Thy good pleasure. From Thy divine hand we will take whatever Thy wise providence shall appoint : toil and weariness, trial and sorrow, sickness and death, for we know that Thou dost guide and direct all things for our greater good and our eternal welfare, and dost only afflict and chastise us for our ultimate advantage. Give us patience and pious resignation to Thy holy will, and the grace to persevere unto the end in the way of Thy commandments.
In this solemn moment we will put far from us all earthly thoughts and desires, and ascend in spirit to heaven, and there take our stand among the blessed company of angels and saints by whom, and for whom, this sacrifice of praise is offered to Thee, O Lord, in thanksgiving for all the favors Thou hast be stowed on them, for the merits they have gained, the heroic acts of virtue they have performed through the help of Thy grace, for the unspeakable glory and felicity which Thou hast given to them as their portion forever. May all these happy denizens of heaven, especially the one whose memory the Church celebrates to-day, or whose relics repose upon this altar, vouchsafe to intercede for us before Thy throne, that what we do to their honor may avail for our profit and salvation.
AT THE PREFACE.
With recollection of mind we lift up our hearts to Thee, O Lord, and render thanks anew to Thy divine majesty. For it is meet and just, right and salutary, that we should always and in all places give thanks to Thee. There is no time, no place, wherein we are not recipients of Thy bounteous gifts; there is no time, no place, wherein Thou, O merciful Father, dost not look upon us, ready to pour out upon us the riches of Thy grace, desirous to make us partakers in the infinite treasure of the merits of Thy Son. May we ever have a lively sense of Thy watchful care over us, of Thy ever-present majesty, for in Thee we live, and move, and are. May we never grow weary of Thy praise here on earth, and hereafter may we continue to laud arid mag nify Thee with the blessed company of heaven, who cease not to cry: " Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest."
AT THE CANON.
The nearer the solemn moment approaches, my God, when Thy only-begotten Son in His divinity and humanity becomes present upon this altar under the form of bread and wine, the deeper is the awe and reverence I feel. Following the example of the priest, I enter into myself, and in silent supplication lay before Thee my desires and my necessities.
By the infinite merits of this Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, we beseech Thee, O merciful Father, look down upon Thy holy Church, protect her, extend her, govern her; bless and guide her visible head, our holy Father the Pope, our prelate, and all her faithful children. Have mercy upon all our parents and friends, all for whom it is our desire or our duty to pray, especially [NN] Keep all evil far from us, preserve us all that is good, and, above all, grant to us Thy blessing and Thy love, and grace to persevere unto the end.
Be mindful, O Lord, of the bitter sufferings and death of Thy Son, our Lord, of the merits and virtues of the Blessed Virgin, of the holy apostles and martyrs and other saints, who during their earthly pilgrimage served Thee faithfully and found favor in Thy sight. All these, our brethren in glory, now plead on our behalf. Grant that by their intercession and the power of Christ s blood we may be delivered from eternal damnation and admitted to the company of the elect in heaven. The same Saviour Who redeemed them and purchased for them everlasting felicity shed His blood for us also. The sacrifice of atonement once offered on Calvary is now about to be renewed in an unbloody manner upon the altar in our sight. Look down, O heavenly Father, upon the face of Thy Christ, upon His wounds and precious blood, and grant us help in time of need.
AT THE CONSECRATION.
At the elevation of the host : Jesus, to Thee I live ; to Thee I die. Jesus, in life and in death I am Thine.
At the elevation of the chalice : Jesus, have pity upon me ;
Jesus, be merciful to me. Jesus, grant me forgiveness of sin, and bring me to life eternal.
AFTER THE CONSECRATION.
And now, my God, in accordance with His own command, we call to mind the bitter passion, the glorious resurrection and ascension, of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord; we present Him to Thee, as the victim of the New Testament, veiled under the lowly form of bread and wine. Vouchsafe to look upon it propitiously, and for the sake of this sublime sacrifice look also upon us, Thy unworthy children, and accept our gift, as Thou wert graciously pleased to accept the sacrifice of Thy just servant Abel, of the faithful patriarch Abraham, and of Melchisedech, the high priest.
We humbly beseech Thee that, together with this holy sacrifice, our hearts may be lifted up to Thy throne on high ; admit them, with Thy beloved Son, to Thy paternal love ; grant that we may be filled with all heavenly benediction, for the sake of Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has made us to be His brethren, and members of His mystical body.
Be mindful also, O Lord, of the souls of those who have gone before us with the sign of faith, and who sleep the sleep of peace. To these and to all that rest in Christ grant for His sake refreshment, light, and eternal rest.
And to us sinners, Thy servants, grant in the time to come, through the intercession of Thy holy martyrs and saints, some share in their felicity, not considering our merits, but pardoning us according to Thy mercy and clemency. Through Christ, and with Him, may we praise and glorify Thee in time and in eter nity. Following His divine command and precept, we venture to approach Thee with filial confidence, and say: "Our Father",etc.
AT THE AGNUS DEI.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
BEFORE COMMUNION.
(If you do not intend to receive holy communion endeavor to awaken with in your heart the desire to receive it as soon and as worthily as possible, and ask this grace of God. )
My God and my Redeemer, Thou hast enjoined upon us, under pain of eternal perdition, to receive the adorable sacrament of Thy body and blood, saying: "Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, you shall not have life in you." But Thou hast also taught us by the mouth of Thy apostle: "Whosoever shall eat this bread, or drink the chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. . . . He eateth and drinketh judgent to himself." Never, O my Saviour, let me so far forget the debt of love I owe Thee as to incur the guilt of profaning the adorable sacrament of Thy love. Grant me grace to approach this heavenly banquet of Thy body and blood with a heart purified by confession and penance, so that I may worthily participate in the rich fruits of grace and sanctity of which it is the source.
AT THE COMMUNION OF THE PRIEST.
Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof ; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed. (Three times.)
Since, O my Saviour, I cannot actually receive Thee as the food of my soul in the Adorable Sacrament, I will at least communicate spiritually, and thus gain some measure of profit. Prostrate before Thee in spirit, I declare my firm and stead fast belief that Thou art really and actually here present in the Most Holy Sacrament under the form of bread present in Thy flesh and blood, Thy body and soul, Thy divinity and humanity, living, glorified, immortal. I believe this because Thou hast said it, and Thou, the Eternal Truth, hast commanded us to believe it.
Who am I that I should venture to draw nigh to Thee? I am poor and weak, a wretched sinner who has often offended against Thee, the infinite God. Thou hast done all that Thy omnipotence, Thy wisdom, Thy love could devise to load me with benefits, and I have returned them with ingratitude. But now from the bottom of my heart I repent of my base unthankfulness and many sins, because they have displeased Thee, my merciful Father, Who art the Supreme Good, beautiful in Thy perfection. I love Thee, O my God, I love Thee above all ; I will never forsake Thy love, nor offend against Thee again. Would that I could now clinch my resolution by receiving the sacrament of Thy love. I long for the blissful moment when I shall be permitted to receive Thee. But now at least let me approach in spirit to kiss the sacred wounds Thou didst receive for my sake ; in spirit hide myself in Thy pierced side, Thy divine heart, that I may live not only by what Thou hast done for me, but may live with Thee and for Thee, as Thy child, Thy brother, as a member of that mystical body of which Thou art the head. Thy infinite goodness and power, Thy gracious invitation, Thy unfailing promise, encourage me to hope that Thou wilt not despise Thy poor suppliant, but wilt receive me in mercy, and enrich me with Thy grace and Thy love.
PRAYER AFTER THE COMMUNION OF THE PRIEST.
We humbly beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that we, whom Thou hast called to the participation of the heavenly banquet of Thy body and blood, may by Thee be fashioned after Thy divine heart, that we may be made meek and humble of heart, and learn to abhor the vain frivolities of the world.
Grant, O Lord, that the effect of this Most Holy Sacrament may so operate in our soul and our body that in all our actions we may no longer follow the natural impulses of our heart, but may in all things obey the inspirations of Thy grace, and ever give thanks to Thee for this celestial gift. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, etc. Amen.
AT THE ITE, MISSA EST, AND THE BLESSING.
Holy Trinity, may this sacrifice be pleasing to Thee. Look not upon my unworthiness, but upon the merits of Christ, and make us through Him to find mercy and forgiveness. May God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, bless us and all whom we love. Amen.
AT THE LAST GOSPEL AND THE CONCLUSION OF MASS.
1 give Thee thanks, Eternal Father, that Thou hast permitted me to assist once more at this sublime sacrifice, enabling me thereby to pay the homage that is meet to Thy infinite majesty, to render Thee adequate thanks for the countless bene fits Thou hast bestowed on me, and to offer Thee abundant sat isfaction for my manifold sins, as well as for the transgressions of the whole world. It is only through Thy grace and bounty that I have been capable of doing this ; and for this I offer Thee my heartfelt thanks. I thank Thee also for all the gifts and graces which, in virtue of this holy sacrifice of the Mass, Thou hast bestowed and will yet bestow upon me for the profit of my soul, and for all the benefits Thou hast conferred upon others in answer to my prayers. Forgive the wandering thoughts, the inattention of which I have been guilty during the celebration of the holy mysteries. And I ask of Thee this one grace : May we never fall away from Thy love, but increase in it more and more, and frequently unite ourselves in all we do or suffer to the intentions of Thy only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Next: Morning and Evening Devotions
