The Latin Mass Explained: A Book Review by Felicitas
The Latin Mass Explained
By: Msgr. George Moorman.
191 pages. Paperback.
TAN Books and Publishers, Inc.
Originally published in 1920 as The Mass:
The Eucharistic Service of the Catholic Church.
Foreword by Msgr. R. Michael Schmitz.
Since the publication of Summorum Pontificum, we have witnessed a huge increase in the number of Traditional Latin Masses being celebrated as well as a surge in the number of Catholics either casually intrigued or wholeheartedly committed to attending the Mass. The timely reprinting of this book offers the reader guidance to know and understand the Traditional Latin Mass. For those new to the Latin Mass this book is indispensable in order to fully appreciate this great gift that we have been given. For those familiar with the Mass, there is so much more to be learned, that this book will deepen our commitment to
the Mass.
In the author’s introduction, Monsignor George Moorman states,
“Nothing is so consoling, so piercing, so thrilling so overcoming as the Mass, said as it is among us. I could attend Masses forever and not be tired. It is not a mere form of words – it is a great action, the greatest action that can be on earth. It is not the invocation merely, but, if I dare use the word, the evocation of the Eternal. He becomes present on the altar in flesh and blood, before Whom angels bow and devils tremble. This is that awful event which is the scope, and is the interpretation, of every part of the solemnity.”
By: Msgr. George Moorman.
191 pages. Paperback.
TAN Books and Publishers, Inc.
Originally published in 1920 as The Mass:
The Eucharistic Service of the Catholic Church.
Foreword by Msgr. R. Michael Schmitz.
Since the publication of Summorum Pontificum, we have witnessed a huge increase in the number of Traditional Latin Masses being celebrated as well as a surge in the number of Catholics either casually intrigued or wholeheartedly committed to attending the Mass. The timely reprinting of this book offers the reader guidance to know and understand the Traditional Latin Mass. For those new to the Latin Mass this book is indispensable in order to fully appreciate this great gift that we have been given. For those familiar with the Mass, there is so much more to be learned, that this book will deepen our commitment to
the Mass.In the author’s introduction, Monsignor George Moorman states,
“Nothing is so consoling, so piercing, so thrilling so overcoming as the Mass, said as it is among us. I could attend Masses forever and not be tired. It is not a mere form of words – it is a great action, the greatest action that can be on earth. It is not the invocation merely, but, if I dare use the word, the evocation of the Eternal. He becomes present on the altar in flesh and blood, before Whom angels bow and devils tremble. This is that awful event which is the scope, and is the interpretation, of every part of the solemnity.”
The contents are arranged in three sections: Part One, “The Teaching
of the Church on the Sacrifice of the Mass.” In this section, Moorman
discusses the nature of sacrifice and then specifically the Sacrifice
of the Cross and the Sacrifice of the Mass and the relationship between
the two. In Part Two, “The Name, Language and Things Necessary for the
Celebration of Mass” the reader will find a description of the
language, the Eucharistic elements, vestments, ceremonies and
postures. In Part Three, “The Prayers and Ceremonies of the Mass” the
parts of the Mass are discussed in more detail.The Latin Mass Explained
is easy to read, containing details on rubrics as well as clear
explanations for those unfamiliar with the Latin Mass. It is
recommended for clergy, altar servers, and the laity.
