A little surprised

[elizabeth_anne_1]

How many of you have the prayers memorized in latin? I would like to go to one of these, but I fear I will have to seriously study for 6 months before going!!

Actually, if there are booklets that have the prayers in Latin and English it is not so bad.

 

[Faithdancer]

According to this abbreviated history of the Mass, when low Masses became common, the priest would say in a low voice at the low Mass those parts that others would have said or sung at a high Mass. And later, priests began saying those same prayers in a low voice at high Masses, too.

So it was sort of a historical accident, each step along the way a consequence or development of what preceded it, without the whole thing ever being designed from scratch. There was probably a practical aspect, too, to keeping most of the Mass fairly quiet, in times when there might be multiple Masses being said at the same time in a church. More peaceful, less distracting. (You can still see side altars in many older churches).

And I St. Francis de Sales as well. A great saint!

Good explanation, Mike. While the priest does say many of the prayers in a low voice, this does not make them “private” prayers. The people are still very much included, whether they can hear the prayers or not. What is difficult at first is to keep up in the missal when the priest is saying an extended passage of prayer inaudibly. I’m slowly getting better at it, it’s helpful to understand his movements around the altar, his gestures, and of course the timing of the bells in order not to get behind by a page…or three!

 

[missadeangelis]

How many of you have the prayers memorized in latin? I would like to go to one of these, but I fear I will have to seriously study for 6 months before going!!

Don’t fret. It is a common misconception that the EF requires fluency in Latin. It’s simply not so. If one uses a Missal (I recommend purchasing one if you intend to go regularly) the left page in Latin directly corresponds with the English translation on the right usually with comments describing he actions of the Priest. Don’t worry, it took me a few Masses to get used to the format. One of the beauties of the EF is that there is a lot of meaningful symbolism built in. From the gestures and position of the Priest it’s easy to follow even if you aren’t familiar with the missal. If you know the fundamental elements of Catholic liturgy which you likely have from the OF you won’t have a problem.

It’s not said often enough - the OF and the EF are two forms of the SAME Latin rite.

mda

 

[missadeangelis]

I heard it explained that there are parts of the Mass that are the priest’s private prayer and those are the ones said very quietly. There are some of those in the OF Mass too but we often don’t notice since they often are when we are singing.

Another common misconception is that the Priest says “private” prayers in the EF. No prayer is said that “private” or “personal” even if the Priest is celebrating Mass alone. The Mass is a prayer for the whole Church and all her members - always.

mda

 

[missadeangelis]

Thanks, Corki! I appreciate your answer. It would seem weird to me, however, for almost the entire Eucharistic prayer to be the private prayer of the priest. I guess, as beautiful as this mass is, that I am just used to and more happy with being able to hear and actively participate.

During the Canon of the Mass there are prayers that are not communal in nature and are proper only to the Priest by virtue of his Ordination. It’s actually the same as the OF because the Eucharistic Prayer should not be said by anyone other than the Priest celebrating the Mass.

The EF can only be properly understood with the understanding that the entire Mass is a direct prayer to God (that’s why everyone prays I the same direction, including the Priest) and is less focused on the community.

While many people like the high sung Masses, I now actually prefer a low mass, because it is an opportunity to pray the entire mass with the Priest in an environment that I find very transcendent. I like what Pope Saint Pius X said about active participation:

"The Holy Mass is a prayer itself, even the highest prayer that exists. It is the Sacrifice, dedicated by our Redeemer at the Cross, and repeated every day on the altar. If you wish to hear Mass as it should be heard, you must follow with eye, heart and mouth all that happens at the altar. Further, you must pray with the priest the holy words said by him in the Name of Christ and which Christ says by him. You have to associate your heart with the holy feelings which are contained in these words and in this manner you ought to follow all that happens at the altar. When acting in this way, you have prayed Holy Mass."

On another note, interestingly, Pius X was actually the first Pope to use the term “active participation” ( actuosa participatio) in a Papal document (Omnia Instaurare in Christo) in 1903:

“In order that the faithful may more actively participate in the sacred liturgy, let them be once again made to sing Gregorian Chant as a congregation.”

The term was used by his successors as well, and up until Vatican II “active participation” referred only to restoring the People’s role in singing Gregorian chant during Holy Mass.

mda

 

[Rich_C]

Awww…was disappointed. I do not own a missal and there were no booklets to follow along with the prayers. I understood after my experience with the mass last week why people love the EF and this week I understand why people don’t.

I’m sorry to hear that your recent experience was not as prayerful. Sometimes I forget my missal when I go to weekday Low Mass. Since I’m more familiar with the TLM I know enough of the prayers by heart to pray along, but since you’re not there yet I’d be happy to mail you my red booklet missal, I don’t need it anymore. PM me if you’re interested.

 

[elizabeth_anne_1]

Rich C- Thank you so much for your kind offer! I found a website where I can print off the prayers. I am also saving up for a missal! Thanks again!

 

[Rich_C]

Rich C- Thank you so much for your kind offer! I found a website where I can print off the prayers. I am also saving up for a missal! Thanks again!

A missal will be an invaluable companion at Mass, I’m glad to hear you’re getting one. Always remember you can buy used ones on ebay or amazon if money is tight. Used ones often have interested holy cards and things tucked in them by their former owner 50 years ago.

 

[jilly4ski]

I’m not a fan of the TLM, but I’m happy you enjoyed it. I hope it brings you even closer to God.

You know, the first time I attended an EF, I got lost and I didn’t particularly enjoy it. (I don’t know if enjoy is the right word). But then I attended an OF High Mass in Latin with ad orientem prayers. It was beautiful, when they had an EF the next week, I was able to fully (actively) participate and it just sort of melded into my “Catholic” experience, it was beautiful.

 

[poche]

Why be surprised? Its all from the Holy Spirit.

 

[elizabeth_anne_1]

Why be surprised? Its all from the Holy Spirit.

You are so right!