Where is this quote from?When the Mass of Paul VI was being developed the model was the low Mass since that was the more normal experience of Catholics.
Not according to Fr. Zuhlsdorf:
“The paradigm for Holy Mass is not the ‘low Mass’. This is a common mistake. The template is the most solemn form: the bishop’s solemn celebration. Other Masses of decreasing solemnity imitate the ‘higher’ more solemn forms to the extent they can within the bonds of common sense and resources.”
I’d like to know the context for this statement. According to the documents from the experts who were working on the Mass they started from the Low Mass. It is certainly true that the Solemn High Mass is the fullest form or the Mass of Pius V, it is also true that most Catholics never experienced this Mass. Rather, they tended to experience the Missa Cantata – s sung High Mass. But even that wasn’t the normal Mass in any given parish. It would be celebrated once on Sunday while the Low Mass would be multiple time on Sunday and all weekday Masses.When the Mass of Paul VI was being developed the model was the low Mass since that was the more normal experience of Catholics.
Not according to Fr. Zuhlsdorf:
“The paradigm for Holy Mass is not the ‘low Mass’. This is a common mistake. The template is the most solemn form: the bishop’s solemn celebration. Other Masses of decreasing solemnity imitate the ‘higher’ more solemn forms to the extent they can within the bonds of common sense and resources.”
I am not certain what it means to reply with a quotation. Beside I do not have one.I am not sure if it makes you old fashioned. You probabl feel like I do - the solemnity and holiness - the gravity of what is happening at the mass are not felt as much nowadays- a Latin mass is more appealing than electric guitars and tambourines(which have their places I guess), gum chewing, walking up and down the aisles during the gospel and homily, etc…hang in there!
John,I am not certain what it means to reply with a quotation. Beside I do not have one.
What I do want to do is say THANK YOU
We are in agreement
John Fitzgerald
I agree with this statement. FrDavid. While I myself have never experienced any of the crazy stuff that so many on these forums write about, I have noticed over the last few years a subtle shift in the reverence at Mass. It’s hard to explain because as I said, I have been spared the irreverence and abuses. It has always been obvious in the parishes that I have attended that it is the Sacrifice of the Mass and not a community meal. Now it seems that the whole atmosphere has changed somehow. Almost like a lifting of the spirit toward a future of hope.John,
Hang in there. The days of experimentation are over (Cardinal Arinze). The days of restoring holiness and reverence are now upon us. There’s a lot of hope in our new priests and seminarians. It will take time, and there will be a lot of “growing pains” but we’re finally moving in the right direction (the one we never should have left).
The distinction between Low Mass, Missa Cantata (technically a sung Low Mass) and Solemn High Mass are still very much with us in the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, also known as the Tridentine or Traditional Latin Mass.My son told me that the Low Mass is obsolete, there is no sich thing.
I believe you are thinking of the Pontifical Mass (said by a bishop, not just the Pope). A Solemn High Mass requires only a priest, deacon and sub-deacon.There was also a solemn High Mass that required a bishop, priest and deacon.
I think what people usually mean is that the precise categories are not defined.I fail to understand how some can say that the same four types of Mass are not celebrated in the OF of the Mass. The first three are celebrated every Sunday at our Cathedral when the Bishop is not visiting another parish in the diocese. It is very obvious what type of Mass is being celebrated. The same in my regular parish. The early Mass on Sunday is most definitely a Low Mass while the later one is a Miss Cantata. Whether said in Latin or in the vernacular, they are still the same types of Mass.
According the the Catholic Encyclopedia at the back of my Bible which was published in 1952 there were four distinct types of Mass.
It is interesting to note that the use of incense was not the universal norm but required a special indult.
- Pontifical Mass is celebrated solemnly by a bishop assisted by a priest, a deacon [or deacons], and a sub-deacon. From the Introit to the Offertory the celebrant remains at his throne, and at the end of Mass he says the Last Gospel while returning to his throne or to the vestry.
- *Solemn Mass *is sung by a priest assisted by a deacon and sub-deacon, acolytes and a choir. Incense is used after the introductory prayers and before the Lavabo.
- Sung Mass or Missa Cantata [commonly called high Mass in the United States] is sung by the priest with the assistance of a choir, but without deacon and sub-deacon. Incense is not used except by special indult.
- Low Mass is celebrated without music, the entire Mass being said by the priest instead of being sung. Servers or altar boys are the only assistants.
I fail to understand how some can say that the same four types of Mass are not celebrated in the OF of the Mass. The first three are celebrated every Sunday at our Cathedral when the Bishop is not visiting another parish in the diocese. It is very obvious what type of Mass is being celebrated. The same in my regular parish. The early Mass on Sunday is most definitely a Low Mass while the later one is a Miss Cantata. Whether said in Latin or in the vernacular, they are still the same types of Mass.
I wish to thank all of you , you have taken the time to help me with my enquiery… I am thankful for itAccording the the Catholic Encyclopedia at the back of my Bible which was published in 1952 there were four distinct types of Mass.
It is interesting to note that the use of incense was not the universal norm but required a special indult.
- Pontifical Mass is celebrated solemnly by a bishop assisted by a priest, a deacon [or deacons], and a sub-deacon. From the Introit to the Offertory the celebrant remains at his throne, and at the end of Mass he says the Last Gospel while returning to his throne or to the vestry.
- *Solemn Mass *is sung by a priest assisted by a deacon and sub-deacon, acolytes and a choir. Incense is used after the introductory prayers and before the Lavabo.
- Sung Mass or Missa Cantata [commonly called high Mass in the United States] is sung by the priest with the assistance of a choir, but without deacon and sub-deacon. Incense is not used except by special indult.
- Low Mass is celebrated without music, the entire Mass being said by the priest instead of being sung. Servers or altar boys are the only assistants.
I fail to understand how some can say that the same four types of Mass are not celebrated in the OF of the Mass. The first three are celebrated every Sunday at our Cathedral when the Bishop is not visiting another parish in the diocese. It is very obvious what type of Mass is being celebrated. The same in my regular parish. The early Mass on Sunday is most definitely a Low Mass while the later one is a Miss Cantata. Whether said in Latin or in the vernacular, they are still the same types of Mass.