Format of the Tridentine Latin Mass

[stasiu1982]

I attended Tridentine Latin Mass last week for the first time. I think it’s excellent that we have this kind of diversity in the liturgy and I think that the link with tradition is very important.

I was curious about the format of the Mass - is the Mass generally meant to be very quiet (apart from singing), with the Priest reciting many parts quietly to himself in front of the altar? For example, from memory, the Eucharistic Prayer was recited very quietly.

 

[bpbasilphx]

The Low Mass, one recited in a merely spoken voice (called Missa Privata in Latin–a Mass deprived of its full ceremonial of music and incense) is actually a concession to human weakness and not having the necessary complement of ministers and singers for the theoretical normative celebration: the Missa Solemnis with singing, assistance of Deacon and Subdeacon, incense, and such (or at least a Missa Cantata, which lacks Deacon and Subdeacon).

Until recently, the Roman tradition had the Anaphora said in a low voice (vox mystica) by the Priest.

However, because it was so frequently encounted, the man in the pew thought that Low Mass was the norm, and Solemn Mass the exception.

Many Popes, such as Pius X and Pius XII urged the “dialogue Mass” with the congregation making audible responses to the Priest, but it never caught on very well.

 

[Hesychios]

The Low Mass, one recited in a merely spoken voice (called Missa Privata in Latin–a Mass deprived of its full ceremonial of music and incense) is actually a concession to human weakness and not having the necessary complement of ministers and singers for the theoretical normative celebration: the Missa Solemnis with singing, assistance of Deacon and Subdeacon, incense, and such (or at least a Missa Cantata, which lacks Deacon and Subdeacon).

Until recently, the Roman tradition had the Anaphora said in a low voice (vox mystica) by the Priest.

However, because it was so frequently encounted, the man in the pew thought that Low Mass was the norm, and Solemn Mass the exception.

Many Popes, such as Pius X and Pius XII urged the “dialogue Mass” with the congregation making audible responses to the Priest, but it never caught on very well.

This was a very interesting as well as informative post.

 

[malphono]

The Low Mass, one recited in a merely spoken voice (called Missa Privata in Latin–a Mass deprived of its full ceremonial of music and incense) is actually a concession to human weakness and not having the necessary complement of ministers and singers for the theoretical normative celebration: the Missa Solemnis with singing, assistance of Deacon and Subdeacon, incense, and such (or at least a Missa Cantata, which lacks Deacon and Subdeacon).

I don’t argue what you say about the term “missa privata” but “deprived” also means deprived of a congregation, so it’s not strictly the difference in ceremony. FWIW, I avoid that term because of the ambiguity and the fact that it has a tendency to be negative.

In any case, Low Mass is normally referred to as missa lecta (read Mass), even in the general instruction

Until recently, the Roman tradition had the Anaphora said in a low voice (vox mystica) by the Priest.

In the EF, the Anaphora (Canon) still is.

Many Popes, such as Pius X and Pius XII urged the “dialogue Mass” with the congregation making audible responses to the Priest, but it never caught on very well.

Sadly, it’s true that the “dialogue Mass” (missa recitata) did not catch on very well in the US. It was, however, fairly popular in France and Germany, and at least in parts of Italy. Perhaps elsewhere as well.

 

[bilop]

However, because it was so frequently encounted, the man in the pew thought that Low Mass was the norm, and Solemn Mass the exception.

Many Popes, such as Pius X and Pius XII urged the “dialogue Mass” with the congregation making audible responses to the Priest, but it never caught on very well.

This is more true of the Irish and American tradition than the European.

I have read in a history of the Archdiocese of NY that the Italian and German immigrants were shocked by a silent low Mass completed in 30 min. They were used to Masses with the full panoply of music and chant.

In reality the server making responses was a concession to the congregation not knowing Latin. In religious houses or Cathedrals with permanent choirs the responses would have always been chanted.

In the NY Archdiocese there is one TLM that I know of that is a dialogue Mass, though I have not attended it yet.

God Bless