A History of the Mass and Its Ceremonies in the Eastern and Western Church

by John O’Brien

Publisher:

The Catholic Publication Society Co.

, 1881

Overview

A History of the Mass and Its Ceremonies in the Eastern and Western Church begins with a brief dissertation of the principle liturgies in use in the East and the West at the turn of the last century. It then gives an account of the origin and meaning of the word Mass before providing a full account of the liturgy as it is performed in Catholic churches of the extraordinary rite. Starting with the preparations of the priest before the celebration, O'Brien takes the reader step-by-step through the ceremony, giving the literal and mystical meaning of everything that is done in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

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Key Features

• Provides definitions and explanations for each component of the Holy Mass
• Moves step-by-step through the liturgy
• Excellent for quick reference

Contents

• The Mass—Origin of the Word
• Sacred Vestments
• Sacred Vessels
• Chalice Linens
• The Manner of Reserving the Blessed Sacrament
• Incense
• Sacred Music and Musical Instruments
• The Varying Rites within the Church
• The Altar
• Relics
• Crucifixes and Crosses
• Lights
• The Tabernacle
• The Missal
• Bells
• Bread Used for Consecration
• Wine
• Number of Masses That a Priest May Say upon the Same Day
• Concelebration
• Customs Relating to the Celebration of Mass
• The Celebration of Mass—The Introit
• The Sermon
• The Celebration of Mass—The Creed
• The Celebration of Mass—The Offertory
• The Celebration of Mass—The Preface
• The Celebration of Mass—The Canon
• The Celebration of Mass—The Consecration
• The Celebration of Mass—The Pater Noster
• The Celebration of Mass—Communion of the People

Top Highlights

“Low Mass.—Low Mass is so called from its being said in a low tone of voice, in contradistinction to High Mass, which is chanted aloud.” (Page 4)

“Hence, also, the twofold division known as the ‘Mass of the Catechumens’ and the ‘Mass of the Faithful,’ the former extending from the beginning to the Offertory, the latter from the Offertory to the end.” (Page 2)

“Dry Mass.—When neither the consecration nor consumption of either element takes place the Mass is said to be a Dry Mass.” (Page 10)

“t is called high from the fact that the greater part of it is chanted in a high tone of voice.” (Page 4)

“For many years Rome preserved this sacred chant in its original purity, and watched with jealous care to exclude from it everything that smacked of the world’s music. But, careful as Rome was, innovations and corruptions set in; so much so that, after a few years, hardly a trace of Gregorian music could be distinguished in what was once the pride of the Church. As might naturally be expected, the corruption began in France. For the space of seventy years (from Pope Clement V., in 1309, to Pope Gregory XI.) the Roman pontiffs resided at Avignon, and, as was reasonable to expect, the papal choir was composed entirely of French performers.” (Page 98)

Praise for the Print Edition

There are many excellent works in the English language, both Catholic and Anglican, treating of liturgical history and cognate topics. Father O'Brien has compiled the one which for the practical use of Catholics, and also of non-Catholics who wish to understand our rites and ceremonies, is the best and the most interesting.

—Catholic World

The work is a valuable one for Protestants, as well as for Roman Catholics. The present volume is well adapted to give an idea of the Roman Catholic ceremonial as it is explained by those who practice it.

—Bibliotheca Sacra

Product Details

• Title: A History of the Mass and Its Ceremonies in the Eastern and Western Church
• Author: John O'Brien
• Publisher: The Catholic Publication Society Co.
• Publication Date: 1881
• Pages: 414

About John O’Brien

John O'Brien (1841–1879) was a Roman Catholic clergyman and educator. He was a professor of liturgy, ecclesiastical history, and sacred theology at Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland.