The Saints Mentioned in the Mass

[GoodTony]

Dear Catholic Answer Friends:
Our Mass has a number of saints mentioned in succession in one of the prayers. Does anyone know when that list of saint-martyrs first was written into the Mass? I am under the impression that the list is composed of saint-martyrs of the first 300 years of our faith.

 

[YoungTradCath]

That is probably the Litany of the Saints.

 

[JGMendes4049]

Perhaps it’s the two optional lists of saints in Eucharistic Prayer I:

In communion with those whose memory we venerate,
especially the glorious ever-Virgin Mary,
Mother of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ,
† and blessed Joseph, her Spouse,
your blessed Apostles and Martyrs,
Peter and Paul, Andrew,
James, John,
Thomas, James, Philip,
Bartholomew, Matthew,
Simon and Jude;
Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus,
Cornelius, Cyprian,
Lawrence, Chrysogonus,
John and Paul,
Cosmas and Damian]
and all your Saints;
we ask that through their merits and prayers,
in all things we may be defended
by your protecting help.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.]

and

To us, also, your servants, who, though sinners,
hope in your abundant mercies,
graciously grant some share
and fellowship with your holy Apostles and Martyrs:
with John the Baptist, Stephen,
Matthias, Barnabas,
Ignatius, Alexander,
Marcellinus, Peter,
Felicity, Perpetua,
Agatha, Lucy,
Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia]
and all your Saints;
admit us, we beseech you,
into their company,
not weighing our merits,
but granting us your pardon,
through Christ our Lord.

 

[jimrob]

In the early days of the Church, the apostles and martyrs were added to the Canon of the Mass (what we now call the Eucharistic prayer). That’s why we call the process canonisation. However, the Church decided to stop adding names to the Canon because the list was getting too long.

In the modern rite, the ancient Canon lives on as Eucharistic Prayer I and reciting many of the saints’ names is optional. I knew one old priest who always said them all. He said he hoped to meet them all soon and didn’t want to have to explain why he’d left anyone out.

 

[GwenL]

I am told that the priest must use the Roman Canon on the Feast or Memorial of any of these saints mentioned in the Canon.

I wonder if anyone knows that is true?

Our rector does this (sometimes in Latin) and it’s quite beautiful.

 

[DeaconsSon87]

I am told that the priest must use the Roman Canon on the Feast or Memorial of any of these saints mentioned in the Canon.

I wonder if anyone knows that is true?

Our rector does this (sometimes in Latin) and it’s quite beautiful.

I don’t think it’s required…but it is HIGHLY recommended.

(Side note: Some of these Saints are no longer on the Universal Calendar…)

 

[MarkThompson]

I am told that the priest must use the Roman Canon on the Feast or Memorial of any of these saints mentioned in the Canon.

I wonder if anyone knows that is true?

Our rector does this (sometimes in Latin) and it’s quite beautiful.

It is not required, but it is indeed suggested in the guidelines for the choice of Eucharistic Prayer, which are set out in ¶ 365 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal:
365. The choice between the Eucharistic Prayers found in the Order of Mass is suitably guided by the following norms:

a) Eucharistic Prayer I, or the Roman Canon, which may always be used, is especially suited for use on days to which a proper text for the Communicantes (In communion with those whose memory we venerate) is assigned or in Masses endowed with a proper form of the Hanc igitur (Therefore, Lord, we pray) and also in the celebrations of the Apostles and of the Saints mentioned in the Prayer itself; likewise it is especially suited for use on Sundays, unless for pastoral reasons Eucharistic Prayer III is preferred.

b) Eucharistic Prayer II, on account of its particular features, is more appropriately used on weekdays or in special circumstances. Although it is provided with its own Preface, it may also be used with other Prefaces, especially those that sum up the mystery of salvation, for example, the Common Prefaces. When Mass is celebrated for a particular deceased person, the special formula given may be used at the proper point, namely, before the part Remember also our brothers and sisters.

c) Eucharistic Prayer III may be said with any Preface. Its use should be preferred on Sundays and festive days. If, however, this Eucharistic Prayer is used in Masses for the Dead, the special formula for a deceased person may be used, to be included at the proper place, namely after the words: in your compassion, O merciful Father, gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world.

d) Eucharistic Prayer IV has an invariable Preface and gives a fuller summary of salvation history. It may be used when a Mass has no Preface of its own and on Sundays in Ordinary Time. On account of its structure, no special formula for a deceased person may be inserted into this prayer.

 

[GwenL]

Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you.

Thanks guys.