Pagan Sacrifice and the Mass

[Maximian]

Im currently studying the Iguvine Tablets which are really the only major evidence for the Umbrian Language which existed before the Romans spread Latin in Italy. They date to between 100 and 300 years before Christ. They are, if I can use the expression, the GIRM of their day, instructions to priests on how to perform sacrifices on behalf of the City of Iguvium.

Two things resonate with the Traditional Latin Mass. (a) the priest is instructed to warn off the people (apart from the server) and (b) he is instructed to say the crucial prayers in a murmur.

Now, it is tempting to speculate that the Roman Rite took over these practices from existing pagan rites. But it seems to me also possible that this is the natural way to perform this sort of ritual and comes instinctively.

Any views?

 

[Gertabelle]

Now, it is tempting to speculate that the Roman Rite took over these practices from existing pagan rites.

The Apostles did not celebrate the Tridentine Latin mass. I don’t think we have any evidence regarding whether or not the prayers of consecration were murmured in those early centuries, though I’d love to see sources from that time (if any exist) that did discuss this!

 

[Maximian]

The Apostles did not celebrate the Tridentine Latin mass

The Apostles celebrated the Mass which grew into the state at which it was found by the Council of Trent, which was essentially concerned with preservation rather than innovation.

During those centuries much had accrued. But the Canon is certainly the most ancient and venerable part and the practices associated with it date back to a time when pagan ritual still existed.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Pretty sure the Jewish ritual sacrifices in the OT also didn’t have priests inviting people in to watch up close and said the crucial prayers in a private manner most of the time.