Introduction to Our Church
From a text published by Una Voce Mexico in 2010:
In each Mass we assist at the Sacrifice of Jesus. If you could understand this each Sunday at church how would you come dressed ? Would you bring food or toys for your children ? Would you leave in a rush at the end of Mass ? When you come to church:
† Please dress formally, the best that you can. ( The Traditional modesty rules for Rome):
"A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers’ breadth under the pit of the throat, which does not cover the arms at least to the elbow, and scarcely reaches a bit beyond the knees. Furthermore, dresses of transparent material are improper."
† No shorts, tank tops, t-shirts with offensive text/logos.
† Be an example for your children, friends and brethren.
† Take your time at the end to give thanks to God.
VOX CLARA — VOX SECRETA
During the different parts of Mass the priest prayers in two voice tones: Vox Clara which can be heard by everyone and Vox Secreta which can only be heard by the priest himself and not be the laity. In Low Masses the vox clara is used in those parts that are sung at Solemn Mass, additionally the In the Name of the Father…, the Prayers at the foot of the altar, at the words Orate Frates, Sanctus, Benedictus, Nobis Quoque Peccatóribus, Domine non sum Dignus, the formula for the Communion of the Faithful, at the blessing and at the Last Gospel. The Vox Secreta is used at all the other times.
This is my first time here, How can I understand the Mass better ?
† The easiest and deepest way, is to remember at each moment that at Mass we assist at the Sacrifice of Jesus, thus our model of participation will be the Virgin Mary at Calvary. Contemplation and interior recollection will allow us to take advantage of the sacred mysteries.
† On the following occasions that you assist you will be able to go on indentifying in a general way the different parts that go together to make up the Mass and later on you will be able to distinguish with greater ease each prayer and detail of it.
† It is important not to get too lost trying to tiptoe to each word or phrase of the Mass, even though this would seem to be the best way of starting it is not. Consider that the priest says many of the prayers in a low voice and they are not audible from the pews.
† Don’t wait until Sunday to read the missal. You will profit greatly by seeking to learn more about the Mass at home.
† As you will appreciate, the rite is full of treasures.You will be able to learn the truths of our Faith using your sight, hearing and even your sense of smell.
Why in Latin?
† The reply could be very long, but as you may be able to realize as a principle, the use of this language allows us:+ To direct ourselves to God in a way that is different and special from the everyday.
+ Use the same words that have been used by millions of Catholics for centuries with exactly the same meaning.
+ Eliminate the division between people who speak different languages or dialects.
+ Utilize a sensible and concrete sign of our communion and that of all churches of the world with the Church of Rome.
" The Latin language can be called truly catholic. It has been consecrated through constant use by the Apostolic See, the mother and teacher of all Churches, and must be esteemed "a treasure ... A most efficacious bond which unites in an admirable an unalterable continuity the Church of today with that of yesterday and of tomorrow."
Pope John XXIII. Veterum Sapientia
Why doesn‘t the priest look at the laity?
† The expressions the priest prays "with his back to the people" or "facing the wall" are wrong and demonstrate an ignorance of one of the greatest treasures of Catholic liturgical Tradition.
† In the words of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI, in today’s Mass which you will attend:
"The people and priest do not close themselves in a circle, they do not look at one another but, as the journeying people of God, they set off towards the east, towards Christ who approaches and comes to meet us. (…) This is not a case of something accidental, but of what is essential. Looking at the priest has no importance. What matters is looking together at the Lord. It is not now a question of dialogue, but of common worship, of setting off towards the One who is to come. What corresponds with the reality of what is happening is not the closed circle, but the common movement forward expressed in a common direction for prayer."
The Spirit of the Liturgy
† The correct expression is that in this Mass the priest and people pray «ad orientem», facing east, from whence rises the sun each morning, a symbol of our meeting with God.
(Adapted)
