Dedicated to the Saints who, by the means of this Missal brought the Light of Christ to the world, and dedicated to those who would continue His mission.
Note: Rubrics that existed in the original text are marked in bold italics. Rubrics or commentary from a later Stowe Missal are marked in bold. Rubrics or comments from the editor according to authorities on Celtic usage and rubrics from the many Irish-influenced missions are marked in italics. The only exception is in the section marked Notes, which is all commentary from the editor. Titles are indented or centered. Text used only on certain feast days is indented a few spaces. The Celebrant says all text that doesn't say "R" (Response) or have another clergy named. Sometimes the Celebrant's text is marked "V" (Verse). There are a few places where words the Celebrant or congregation say are assumed; these are surrounded by square [brackets].
The Rite of Reconcilliation is Completed as the Song of the
Three Children is sung.
In the ancient custom, the women stand to the left of the center
aisle, the men to the right of the aisle.
A Deacon in amice, alb, stole and Dalmatic (or Celebrant in
cassock) begins the Mass in the middle of the nave.
STAND
[Deacon] (V.) (or Celebrant): + O God come to my assistance.
[People] (R.): O Lord make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever unto ages of ages.
R. Amen.
KNEEL. The following prayer is said for all that are present:
Deacon (or Celebrant): We have sinned, O Lord, we have sinned: remit our sins and save us. Hear us, O Thou Who didst guide Noah upon the waves of the Flood, and didst recall Jonah from the abyss by Thy Word; free us. O Thou Who didst offer a hand to Peter as he was sinking; bear us up, O Christ, Son of God. Thou didst perform wonders among our fathers, O Lord: stretch forth Thy hand from on high to answer our necessities. Free us, O Christ: R. Hear us, O Christ. V. Hear us, O Christ : R. Hear us. V. Kyrie eleison.
Saint Mary: R. Pray for us.
Saint Peter: R. Pray for us.
Saint Paul: R. Pray for us.
Saint Andrew: R. Pray for us.
Saint James: R. Pray for us.
Saint John: R. Pray for us.
Saint Bartholomew:R. Pray for us.
Saint Thomas: R. Pray for us.
Saint Matthew: R. Pray for us.
Saint James: R. Pray for us.
Saint Thaddeus:R. Pray for us.
Saint Matthias:R. Pray for us.
Saint Philip: R. Pray for us.
Saint Simon: R. Pray for us.
Saint Mark: R. Pray for us.
Saint Luke: R. Pray for us.
Saint Stephen: R. Pray for us.
Saint Martin: R. Pray for us. [of Tours]
Saint Jerome: R. Pray for us. [homilist and translator]
Saint Augustine:R. Pray for us.
Saint Gregory: R. Pray for us. [the Great]
Saint Hilary: R. Pray for us. [of Poitiers]
Saint Patrick: R. Pray for us. [of Ireland]
Saint Ailbe: R. Pray for us. [of Emly]
Saint Finian: R. Pray for us. [of Clonard]
Saint Finian: R. Pray for us. [of Movilla]
Saint Keiran: R. Pray for us. [of Saigher]
Saint Keiran: R. Pray for us. [of Clonmacnoise]
Saint Brendan: R. Pray for us. [of Clonfert]
Saint Brendan: R. Pray for us. [of Birr]
Saint Columba: R. Pray for us. [of Iona]
Saint Columba: R. Pray for us. [of Terryglas]
Saint Comgall: R. Pray for us. [of Bangor]
Saint Cainnech:R. Pray for us. [of Kilkenny and Aghaboe]
Saint Finbarr: R. Pray for us. [of Gougane Barra in Cork]
Saint Nessan: R. Pray for us. [of Mungret]
Saint Fachtna: R. Pray for us. [of Rosscarberry in Cork]
Saint Lua: R. Pray for us. [of Lismore: 100 monasteries]
Saint Lacten: R. Pray for us. [of Friar's Island]
Saint Ruadhan: R. Pray for us. [of Lorrha]
Saint Carthage:R. Pray for us. [of Rahan and Lismore]
Saint Comghan: R. Pray for us. [of Glendalough]
Saint Mochon: R. Pray for us. [of Glendalough]
Saint Brigid: R. Pray for us. [of Kildare, Abbess]
Saint Ita: R. Pray for us. [of Killeedy, Abbess]
Saint Scetha: R. Pray for us. [virgin]
Saint Sinecha: R. Pray for us. [virgin]
Saint Samthann:R. Pray for us. [of Clonbroney, Abbess]
All you Saints:R. Pray for us.
Be Gracious: R. Spare us, O Lord.
Be Gracious: R. Free us, O Lord.
From all evil: R. Free us, O Lord.
Through Thy Cross: R. Free us, O Lord.
We sinners entreat Thee: R. Hear us, O Son of God.
We entreat Thee: R. Hear us, and grant us peace.
We entreat Thee: R. Hear us.
O Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world:
R. have mercy on us.
Christ hear us: R. Christ hear us:
Christ hear us.
STAND
If the Celebrant did not chant the Litany, he now enters the church
with the Subdeacon and stands at the rear of the Church. If there
is no center aisle, the Celebrant and Subdeacon stand just before
the Sacristy. The Subdeacon stands at the Celebrant's left hand.
The Celebrant is wearing only a cassock. The Subdeacon is vested in
amice, alb, tunicle, and has already said the prayer of vesting as
noted below.
The Deacon goes to the Celebrant and stands at the Celebrant's
right hand. The Celebrant accompanied by the two ministers goes to
the foot of the altar and says:
THE CONGREGATION MAY SIT
I pray Thee, O God of Sabaoth, most high, Holy Father, be pleased to arm me with the tunic of Chastity, Put on amice and alb.
and gird my loins with the cincture of Love of Thee, Tie cincture.
and furthermore, be pleased to inflame the reins of my heart with the fire of Thy Charity Put on stole. Note: Subdeacons do not wear stoles.
enabling me to make an intercession for my sins
and earn remission of the sins of these people who are present,
and moreover sacrifice the peace-making offering of each one.
Also do not abandon me, nor permit me to die when I boldly approach
Thee, but permit me to wash, vest and calmly undertake this service.
The Servers then pour water over the hands of the Celebrant, using pitcher and basin. The servers help the Celebrant put on the Maniple, and then the Chasuble. (The Celebrant may stand with arms straight out to the sides in the form of a Cross, while the servers put the Chasuble on him.) If the Celebrant serves alone he may go to the Credenza or a portable table to wash and vest, and he may put on the Maniple and Chasuble before he washes his hands.
Celebrant: Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who reigneth
with Thee and the Holy Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages.
The Subdeacon takes the Chalice (with Pall, folded veil and
Purificator on top of it) in his left hand and the Paten with the
Host upon it in his right hand. He gives the Chalice and the
linens to the Deacon, and waits in front of the Epistle side of the
Altar, behind the Deacon. (No cleric of rank lower than Subdeacon
may carry the Chalice, Host and Paten.)
The Celebrant ascends to the Altar, and kisses the open Corporal
(the _only_ Procession). The Celebrant faces the Crucifix, praying
with the Congregation. Servers bring the cruets, and wait to the
Epistle side of the Altar.
STAND OR SIT. The Celebrant takes the Chalice and Purificator
from the Deacon. The Celebrant, holds the Chalice and wipes its
interior with the Purificator. He gives the Purificator to the
Subdeacon. The Celebrant makes the Sign of the Cross with the
Chalice over the Corporal and sets the Chalice on the Corporal.
R. Amen.
The Deacon and Subdeacon go to the Credenza which is on the Epistle
side of the Altar. The Deacon takes the Corporal from the Credenza
and unfolds it upon the Altar, and then stands in front of the
Epistle side of the Altar, facing the Crucifix.
The Altar is the image of the inflicted persecution. The Chalice is the image of the Church which has been set and built upon the persecution of the Prophets and of others.The Celebrant blesses the water in the cruet with the Sign of the Cross and takes the water cruet. Water is poured first into the Chalice by the Celebrant:
Celebrant: I pray to Thee, O Father; I ask intercession of Thee, O Son; I appeal to Thee, O Holy Spirit.
The water cruet is given back to the server.
This is an image of the People which are "poured into" the Church.The Celebrant takes the Paten with the Host upon it; makes the Sign of the Cross with the Paten over the Corporal; and tips the Paten, allowing the Host to slip on to the center of the Corporal in front of the Chalice, saying:
Celebrant: Jesus Christ, Alpha and Omega: this is the First and the Last.
The Celebrant then gives the Paten to the Subdeacon who returns it to the Credenza and covers it with the purificator. If the Celebrant serves alone, the Celebrant places the Paten under the right edge of the Corporal and covers the Paten with the Purificator.
The setting of the Host upon the Altar is His Conception. This is an image of Christs Body which has been set in the linen sheet of Mary's womb.The Celebrant takes the wine cruet.Wine is then added to the Chalice by the Celebrant:
Celebrant: May the Father remit, may the Son pardon, may the Holy Spirit have mercy.
This is Christ's Godhead with His humanity that comes upon the People at the time of His Conception.The cruet is given back to the server, who places the cruets on the Credenza. The Celebrant takes the Pall sets it on the Chalice, and covers both the Chalice and the Host on the Corporal with the veil.
STAND
All who are present stand looking upon the Crucifix.
The Celebrant lifts his eyes to the Crucifix, extends and lifts his
hands with palm upward so that they are just above and to the sides
of the gifts and says:
This prayer is to be chanted at all Masses:
Celebrant: Let our prayer ascend to the Throne of Thy Renown,
O Lord, lest emptiness be returned to us in response to our
petitions. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ Who reigneth
with Thee and the Holy Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages.
R. Amen.
All the text of the Mass from now up to the Epistle and the Gradual is an image of the establishment of the Knowledge of Christ in the law of nature through the Members of His Body and by His own deeds.(The Introit from the Roman Missal (pre-Vatican II) may be sung immediately before the Collect of the Day, see the Notes on this Missal in the Appendix.)
In solemnities of Peter and Christ:
Glory to God in the Highest,
Still bowing, the Celebrant joins his hands:
and on earth peace to men of good will. We praise Thee; we bless
Thee; we worship Thee; we glorify Thee; we magnify Thee; we give
thanks to Thee for Thy great mercy. O Lord heavenly King, God the
Father Almighty; O Lord, the Only Begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ;
O Holy Spirit of God, and all of us say, Amen. O Lord the Son of God
the Father: Lamb of God Who takest away the sin of the world, have
mercy upon us. Receive our prayers; Thou Who sittest at the right-
hand of God the Father: Have mercy upon us, for
Thou only art holy,
Thou only art the Lord,
Thou only art the Lord,
Thou only art glorious; with the + Holy Spirit in the glory of
God the Father.
R. Amen.
The Celebrant continues bowed and with joined hands:
Celebrant: O God Who didst prepare unseen good things for those who
are devoted to Thee, send forth an attitude of love of Thee into our
hearts, that we may follow Thee in all things, and above all things
pursue Thine attentive promises which surpass all expectations.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who reigneth with Thee and the Holy
Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages.
R. Amen.
KNEEL
The following prayer, "Who is offended by faults" is said in
daily Masses: at every Mass
The Celebrant extends and joins his hands, bowing deeply, as
he says:
Celebrant: O God Who is offended by faults and appeased by
penitence, consider the groans of the afflicted, and mercifully
avert the evils which Thou dost justly impose, through our Lord
Jesus Christ Who reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, God
throughout all ages of ages.
R. Amen.
The portion of the Mass from the Epistle and gradual to the uncovering of the Chalice is a recounting of the law Letter which prophesies Christ, but what is prefigured is not yet known. The Gospel, Alleluia, and prayers chanted from the half-uncovering of the Host and the Chalice until the prayer "May these Gifts" is a recounting of the Law of the Prophets which specifically foretold Christ, but the significance of the Prophecy is unknown until His Incarnation.STAND OR SIT; NO KNEELING DURING THE EPISTLE.
The Lesson of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians begins: [I Cor. 11:26-32] Brethren: for as often as you shall eat this Bread, and drink the Chalice, you shall show the death of the Lord, until He come. Therefore whosoever shall eat this Bread, or drink the Chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body and of the Blood of the Lord. But let a man prove himself: and so let him eat of that Bread, and drink of the Chalice. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Body of the Lord. Therefore there are those many weak, sickly [and imbecile] among you, and many sleep. But if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastised by the Lord, that we be not condemned with this world.The Congregation makes no response at this time.
The Celebrant extends and joins his hands, saying with raised voice:
The Celebrant bows and says:
Celebrant: Almighty, eternal God, Who didst redeem Thy people by
the blood of Thine Only-Begotten Son, destroy the works of the
devil, break the chains of sin, that those who have attained to
eternal life in the confession of Thy Name may be bound by no thing
to the author of death, through our Lord Jesus Christ Who reigneth
with Thee and the Holy Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages.
R. Amen.
Psalm 104: 1-4The Celebrant, with hands joined upon the Altar, bows and asks:
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his Face evermore.
O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his Name.
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his Face evermore.
Alleluia, Alleluia.The Celebrant, with hands joined upon the Altar, bows slightly and asks:
The Lord is my strength and my praise and
He is become my Salvation
Alleluia.
[The Congregation responds: R. Amen. Thanks be to God.
Deacon (or Celebrant): Let us all say, Lord hear and have mercy:
R. Lord have mercy.
From our whole heart and our whole mind, O Thou Who dost look over
all the earth and make it to tremble, Let us pray:
R. Lord have mercy.
For the greatest peace and tranquillity of our times, for the holy
Catholic Church which is from the borders, yeah unto the ends of the
earth: Let us pray:
R. Lord have mercy.
For the Shepherd and Bishop -N-, and for all the Bishops and Priests
and Deacons and all the clergy: Let us pray:
R. Lord have mercy.
For this place and those living in it, for pious emperors [leaders]
and all the Roman military [our military]: Let us pray:
R. Lord have mercy.
For all who are under the sublime Rule, for virgins, widows and
orphans: Let us pray:
R. Lord have mercy.
For pilgrims, travellers by land, water [air and space]: for penitents,
catechumens and captives: let us pray:
R. Lord have mercy.
For these who in the holy Church give forth the fruits of mercy,
O Lord God of virtues listen to our petitions: let us pray:
R. Lord have mercy.
That we be mindful of the Saints, Apostles and Martyrs, that by
their prayers for us we may merit forgiveness: let us pray:
R. Lord have mercy.
Permit a Christian and peaceful end: we ask of the Lord,
R. Grant it, O Lord, grant it.
And the divine influence to remain with us, a holy chain of Charity:
we ask the Lord:
R. Grant it, O Lord, grant it.
To preserve sanctity and purity of the Catholic Faith: we ask of
the Lord:
R. Grant it, O Lord, grant it.
Let us say:
R. Lord have mercy.
The Celebrant extends his hands and looks to heaven, saying:
Celebrant: O Lord graciously attend the celebration of this
Sacrifice unto Thee, which cleanses us from the fault of our
condition, and restores us to acceptability by Thy Name, through our
Lord Jesus Christ, Who reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, God
throughout all ages of ages.
R. Amen.
THE CELEBRANT STANDS
Bowing deeply, with hands joined, the Celebrant says:
Celebrant: O Lord before Thine eyes I defend myself while accused
by the witness of a guilty conscience. I do not dare to petition for
others because I am unworthy to accomplish it. However, Thou knowest,
O Lord, all which has been done among us of which we are ashamed to
confess. It is because of this that we do not fear to admit that we
obey Thee in words: but we lie in our hearts. We say we are willing;
we prove we are unwilling by our acts. Spare, O Lord, the insolent;
forgive sinners; have mercy on those who call to Thee. Since in Thy
Sacrament my thoughts are refuted: Grant O Lord, Who dost not
receive our words with a hard heart, that, by Thyself, Thou mayest
bestow forgiveness, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who reigneth
with Thee and the Holy Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages.
R. Amen.
ALL STAND:
The Chalice and Host
are half uncovered:
The Celebrant folds back the veil of the Chalice and Host to
expose the Host and the front of the Chalice.
Incense is set in the thurible and blessed.The Censing
The Celebrant censes the Offerings in the form of a Cross three
times, see appendix, saying each time:
Celebrant: Let my prayer be set forth in Thy sight as incense and the lifting of my hand be an evening sacrifice.
This prayer is recited thrice:
The Celebrant moves the censer in two anti-clockwise circles and
one clockwise circle around the Offerings, see appendix; for each
circle saying:
Celebrant: Come, O Lord, the Almighty Sanctifier and bless this
Sacrifice prepared unto Thee.
R. Amen.
Then the Celebrant continues to cense the Altar: see illustration.
Celebrant: We beseech Thee, O Lord Almighty God, that Thou most mercifully
accept our offerings which are sacrificed to Thee, and that Thou
stretch forth Thy right hand unto our defense, through our Lord
Jesus Christ, Who reigneth with Thee, and the Holy Spirit, God
throughout all ages of ages.
When the Celebrant completes the censing, he hands the Thurible to
the server or replaces the censer on the stand if serving alone.
R. Amen. [Glory be to Thee, O Lord.] The response is assumed.
[St. John 6:51-57]SERMON A sermon is said about the Feast, Gospel and Epistle. Only the Bishop, Priest, or Deacon may read the Gospel and give the Sermon. The Congregation may be seated. In the time of the Lorrha Missal, the Congregation brought folding chairs or carpets for this purpose. It is noted that only the Doorkeeper or the Cook of a community was allowed to be absent during the Sermon, or the beginning of the Mass. Notices and Banns (announcements and engagements) having been duly read, all present profess:
The Lesson of the Gospel according to John begins:
Our Lord Jesus Christ said; 'I am the living Bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this Bread, he shall live forever; and the Bread that I will give is my Flesh, for the life of the world.' The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, 'how can this man give us his flesh to eat?' Then Jesus said unto them: 'Amen, amen, I say unto you: Except you eat the Flesh of the Son of man, and drink His Blood, you shall not have life in you. He that eateth my Flesh, and drinketh my Blood, hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day. For my Flesh is meat indeed: and my Blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood, abides in me, and I in him.'
[R. Praise be to Thee, O Christ.]
STAND:
KNEEL OR STAND:
The elevation of the Chalice, after the full uncovering, during
the prayer "May these gifts" is the commemoration of Christ's
Birth and of His Glory through the signs and miracles.
Fully uncovered:
The veil and Pall of the Chalice are removed. Standing erect, the
Priest extends his hands, raises them and joins them, and lifting
his eyes to heaven and lowering them, says:
This prayer is recited thrice:
Celebrant: Show us Thy Mercy O Lord, and grant us Thy Salvation.
The Chalice is elevated, and all look at it:
Celebrant: O Lord, may these gifts which are offered be sanctified,
and cleanse us from the blots of our sins, through our Lord Jesus
Christ, Who reigneth with Thee, and the Holy Spirit, throughout all
ages of ages.
R. Amen.
The Chalice is replaced on the Corporal and is covered by the Pall.
Celebrant: We, Thy servants, beseech Thee, O Lord, that Thou
benignly receive these Offerings of our devotion, through this
glorious Sacrifice and our purified hearts, through our Lord Jesus
Christ, Who reigneth with Thee, and the Holy Spirit, throughout
all ages of ages.
R. Amen.
Celebrant: O Lord, we sacrifice these oblations and sincere
offerings unto Thee, O Jesus Christ Who suffered for us and rose on
the third day from the dead, for the souls of our loved ones -N-
and -N-, whose names we recite, and also of those whose names we do
not recite but whose names are recited by Thee in the Book of Life
Eternal. Of Thy mercy, rescue them, O Thou Who reignest unto ages
of ages.
R. Amen.
COLLECT OF THE PREFACE The "Secret" said audibly. Use the Collect from the Stowe Missal; the Roman "Secret" may be used in addition. See Appendix.
Celebrant: May this oblation of Thy servants be pleasing unto Thee, which we offer unto Thee in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in commemoration of Thy blessed Apostles, and Thy Martyrs and Confessors, of whom we especially remember -N-, and those whose feast is celebrated today, and for the souls of all our Bishops, and our Priests, and our Deacons, and our loved ones, and our children, and our penitents. May all of this be profitable unto salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ Who reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages.Chant the following four lines:
R. Amen.
Celebrant: Let us lift up our hearts.
R. We have unto the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
R. It is worthy and just.
Celebrant: Truly it is worthy and just and right and unto Salvation for us now and here, always and everywhere to give thanks, through Christ our Lord, unto Thee, Holy Lord Almighty and Eternal God. Thou Who with Thine Only-Begotten and the Holy Spirit, O God, art One and Immortal God, Incorruptible and Immutable God, Unseen and Faithful God, Marvelous and Praise-worthy God, Honorable and Mighty God, the Highest and Magnificent God, Living and True God, Wise and Powerful God, Holy and Exemplary God, Great and Good God, Terrible and Peaceful God, Beautiful and Correct God, Pure and Benign God, Blessed and Just God, Pious and Holy, not in one singularity of person but One Trinity of One Substance. Thee we believe; Thee we bless; Thee we adore; and we praise Thy Name unto eternity and unto the ages of the ages: Thou through Whom is the Salvation of the world; through Whom is the Life of men; through Whom is the Resurrection of the dead.
Here insert the proper Preface after the usual Preface
above.
ROMAN PREFACES: These are provided for Festal days on which there
are no specific Prefaces in the Lorrha Missal.. Insert where the
Lorrha directs, either after the usual Preface or, during fasting
seasons, between the usual Preface and the Preface for Penitents.
OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (on the Nativity and in the Octave)
[It is Truly Worthy, and right, and just, and Glorious for us to give Thee thanks all the days of our life, O Lord God Almighty, Because by the Mystery of the Incarnate Word the new light of Thy glory hath shone upon the eyes of our mind: that while we visibly acknowledge God, we may be caught up by Him to the love of things invisible.]________________
[It is Truly Worthy, and right, and just, and Glorious for us to give Thee thanks all the days of our life, O Lord God Almighty, Because that, when Thine only begotten Son manifestly appeared in the substance of our flesh, He restored us by the new Light of His immortality.]________________
[It is Truly Worthy, and right, and just, and Glorious for us to give Thee thanks all the days of our life, O Lord God Almighty, Who by bodily fasting dost overcome vice, dost raise the mind, and dost bestow on us virtue and heavenly rewards: through Christ our Lord.]________________
[It is Truly Worthy, and right, and just, and Glorious for us to give Thee thanks all the days of our life, O Lord God Almighty, Who by the Tree of the Cross didst give salvation unto mankind: that whence death arose, thence life might rise again: and that he, who had prevailed by a Tree, might also be conquered by a Tree: through Christ our Lord.]________________
[It is Truly Worthy, and right, and just, and Glorious for us to give Thee thanks all the days of our life, O Lord God Almighty, but chiefly on this day [OR chiefly at this time], when Christ our Passover is sacrificed. For He is the true Lamb, which hath taken away the sins of the world. Who by His death hath destroyed death, and by His rising again hath restored to us life.]_________________
[It is Truly Worthy, and right, and just, and Glorious for us to give Thee thanks all the days of our life, O Lord God Almighty, Through Christ, our Lord. Who after His Resurrection manifestly appeared to all His disciples, and in their sight ascended up into heaven, that He might make us partakers of His Godhead.]_________________
_____________________________________________________________
Proper Prefaces from the Lorrha Missal:
PROPER PREFACE FOR THE HOLY MARTYRS
O Lord Almighty God Who dost test Thy Saints with a measure and
glorifies without measure, Whose precepts have a goal and rewards
have no end, hear our prayers through the Martyrs and by their
examples and tribulations. May their patronage encourage us: to the
perfection of Faith, the fruition of good works, to the good of
prosperity and of good health, to religious zeal, and to the
increasing of divine fear. May the Holy Martyrs pray for us, and for
our dead, and for our herds, and the abundant crops of our land, and
for all residing in this place. The innumerable multitudes of the
Heavenly and earthly creatures, of Thy Saints and of the Choir of
Angels unceasingly proclaim Thee, Almighty God saying:
_______________________
PROPER PREFACE OF THE APOSTLES AND ALL THE SAINTSIt is Truly worthy, and right, and just, and Glorious for us to give Thee thanks all the days of our life, O Lord God Almighty, but in this day of love and abundance we ought to be grateful with the Joyful Holy Spirit in the solemnity of -N- the Apostle (or Saints, etc.). Grant us, therefore, Almighty God: Faith, Hope and Charity, a Catholic ending, and peacefulness, through the example and the commemoration of Thy Saint -N- in whose honor today's oblation is offered, that altogether it may profit unto salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom all the Angels, Archangels, Prophets and Apostles, Martyrs and Confessors, Virgins, and All of the Saints, with a perpetual hymn and unwearied praises, with the four beasts and the twenty four elders [Re.4:4-11, 5:8-14] harmonize, saying:
_______________________
PROPER PREFACE FOR LIVING PENITENTSIt is truly Worthy, through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Whose Power is to intercede, Whose Mercy is to entreat, Whose Faith is all-encompassing. Who else is there, who is able to ponder the marvels of all Thy power, or to hear with human ears, or to attain with human mind, or to discover by human estimation how much Thou hast prepared for Thine elect? Yet, let us be able to be abundantly ashamed of all that is earthly and lacking in self-control; of Thy mercy, grant a favor of forgiveness and of refuge for Thy suppliants. Furthermore, in commemoration of the Saints through whose intercessions we hope for forgiveness and petition, that Thou grant unto Thy servants, - NN- , remission of their sins, that Thou perfect their works, and that Thou answer their needs. Finally, by Thy servants, the Saints who intercede for them, give these people healing of their souls, since we beg that Thou fulfill their professed needs. O Almighty, grant Thy suppliants pardon, Thy petitioners forgiveness, those who cry unto Thee fulfillment of their longing. 'May the Lord hear thee in the day of tribulation: may the Name of the God of Jacob protect thee. May He send thee help from the Sanctuary: and defend Thee out of Sion. May He be mindful of all thy sacrifices: and may thy whole burnt offering be made fat' (Ps 19:1-3). By these things, give those who petition a divine yearning, and establish their assembly in that which is good, that the hearts of those who petition may be restored to life by Thee, through Christ our Lord, through Whom, unto Thy Majesty, the Angels give praise, the Dominations Worship, the Powers of the Heavens tremble, and the heavenly Virtues and the Blessed Seraphim together with exaltation celebrate. With Whom, we beseech Thee, bid that our voices also be admitted, with suppliant confession saying:
in Seasons of fasting, in addition to any other Proper
_______________________
PROPER PREFACE OF THE DEADIt is truly worthy that we await Him Whose promises are the fulfillment of eternal good things, in Whom the promises are made known, in Whom we know the promises are left here with us: our Lord Jesus Christ, Who truly is the Life of those who believe, and is the Resurrection of Thy servants - NN -. Of these, for whom we offer this Sacrifice, we make our entreaties, that Thou willingly admit those who were cleansed in the font of regeneration and excluded from temptation, to be counted among the Saints. Command that those whom Thou hast made participants by adoption, may share in Thy legacy, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son through Whom, unto Thy Majesty, the Angels give praise, the Dominations Worship, the Powers of the Heavens tremble, and the heavenly Virtues and the Blessed Seraphim together with exaltation celebrate. With Whom, we beseech Thee, bid that our voices also be admitted, with suppliant confession saying:
_______________________________________________________________
The Preface continues here if the text does not contain this or a similar ending. Otherwise the prayer continues at the Sanctus.
Through Whom, unto Thy Majesty, the Angels give praise, the Dominations Worship, the Powers of the Heavens tremble, and the heavenly Virtues and the Blessed Seraphim together with exaltation celebrate. With Whom, we beseech Thee, bid that our voices also be admitted, with suppliant confession saying:
Celebrant:
Blessed is He Who cometh from heaven that He might enter the world,
and didst become man unto the blotting out of the sins of the flesh,
and became a Victim that through suffering He might give eternal
life to those that believe; through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Who
reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, God throughout all ages
of ages.
R. Amen.
Therefore, most clement Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, we humbly beseech and pray Thee, [he kisses the Altar and with hands joined before his breast, says:] that Thou accept and bless these gifts, these offerings, these holy and unspotted sacrifices, [with extended hands he proceeds:] which, first, we offer unto Thee for Thy holy Catholic Church: that Thou graciously keep her in peace, to guard, unify, and govern her throughout the whole world: together with Thy servant -N- our Patriarch, the Bishop of the Apostolic See and all who hold the Orthodox and Apostolic faith, and our Abbot-Bishop [or Bishop] -N- Yeah, remember, O Lord, Thy servants and handmaids -N- and -N-, *(Here the names of the living are recited)* and all who are present here, whose faith and devotion unto Thee are known and manifest, who offer unto Thee this sacrifice of praise, for themselves, and for all of theirs: for the redemption of their souls; for their body of elders; for the purity of all ministers; for the integrity of virgins and the continence of widows; for mildness of weather, fruitfulness of the lands; for the returning of peace and an end to division; for the safety of the king [our leaders] and peace of the people, and the rescue of captives, and for the promises of those here present; for the commemoration of martyrs; for the remission of our sins, and the correction of culprits; for repose for the dead; and good fortune of our journey; for the Lord Patriarch Bishop and all the Bishops and the priests and all in Holy Orders; for the Roman empire [whole world], and all Christian kings [leaders]; for our brothers and sisters; for the brethren who follow the straight way; for the brethren whom the Lord deemed worthy to call from the dimness of this world, from this darkness, may eternal Divine Faith of the Highest and peaceful light take them up; for brethren afflicted by various sorrows of their lot, may Divine Faith be pleased to cure them; for the hope of salvation and safety; for those who pay their vows unto Thee, the eternal, living and true God in communion with
The proper Communicantes of the day or season is inserted here.
_____________________________________
In the Nativity of the Lord. or of the OctaveThe prayer continues here:
and celebrating the most sacred day [or time] on which inviolate virginity brought forth the Savior into this world,_______________________
Circumcision
and celebrating the most sacred day of the circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ,_______________
Epiphany or of the Octave
and celebrating the most sacred day [or time] on which Thine Only-Begotten Son, God coeternal with Thee and Thy majesty, appeared visibly and bodily to the foreign travelers,________________
The institution of the Cup of our Lord Jesus Christ Maundy Thursday
and celebrating the most sacred day on which our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed,________________
Easter or of the Octave
and celebrating the most sacred night or day [or time] of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ,_________________
In the giving up of Easter the day before the Ascension
and celebrating this most sacred day of the end of the Passover of our Lord Jesus Christ,_________________
Ascension or of the Octave
and celebrating the most sacred day [or time] of the Ascension to heaven of our Lord Jesus Christ,__________________
Pentecost or of the Octave
and celebrating the most sacred day [or time] of the Pentecost of our Lord Jesus Christ on which the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles,__________________
The Celebrant extends his hands, palms down, above the Offerings:
BELL
Therefore we offer this oblation of our service and of Thy whole
family, which we offer unto Thee in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and in commemoration of Thy blessed martyrs in this church, which
Thy servants built in honor of Thy glorious Name. We beseech Thee
graciously take it under Thy protection. Moreover, rescue them and
all of the people from the cult of idols and turn them unto Thyself,
the True God, the Father Almighty.
Also order our days in Thy peace, save us from eternal damnation,
and number us among Thine elect; [He joins his hands.]
through our Lord Jesus Christ Who reigneth with Thee and the Holy
Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages.
R. Amen.
The Celebrant makes the Sign of the Cross once over the oblations:
Which oblation do Thou, O God, we beseech Thee, be pleased in all things to make Blessed, + approved, ratified, reasonable and acceptable: that unto us it may become the Body and Blood of Thy most dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
IN MASSES OF THE APOSTLES, MARTYRS, SAINTS OR VIRGINS, BEFORE THE MOST DANGEROUS PRAYER:Truly Holy, Truly Blessed, Truly Wonderous in His Saints, is our God Jesus Christ, Who Himself bestowed virtue and fortitude to His servants. Blessed be God Whom we bless in the Apostles, and in all His Saints who have striven to appease Him from the Beginning of the age, through the Same our Lord Jesus Christ, When the prayer "Who, the day before He suffered, took Bread..." begins, the Celebrant bows three times in repentance of his sins. He offers the Oblations to God, and while this is done:without omitting the previous prayer
THE CONGREGATION KNEELS OR PROSTRATES:
and there must be no other voice lest it disturb the Priest, for his mind must not separate from God while he chants this lesson. For this reason, its name is The Most Dangerous Prayer.
Who the day before He suffered,
he takes the Hosttook bread into His Holy and venerable Hands,
he lifts up his eyes to heavenand with His eyes lifted up to heaven to Thee, God, His Almighty Father,
he bows his headgave thanks to Thee,
he signs over the HostHe + Blessed, He broke, and gave to His disciples, saying:
Holding the Host with both hands between the thumbs and forefingers, he utters the Words of Institution distinctly and attentively over the Host.Take and eat from this all of you, for this is my Body.
BELL The Host is raised to eye-level, Offered and set again in its place upon the Corporal. He bows or genuflects, stands and then removes the Pall from the Chalice.In a similar manner after the supper,
he takes the Chalice in both handsHe took this excellent Chalice in His Holy and venerable Hands:
he bows his headalso giving thanks to Thee,
holding the Chalice in his left hand, he signs over it with his rightHe + Blessed, and gave to His disciples, saying:
He utters the Words of Institution over the Chalice distinctly and attentively, holding it slightly raised.Take and drink from this all of you, for this is the Chalice of my Blood, of the new and eternal testament: the mystery of faith: which is shed for you and for many unto the remission of sins.
BELL The Chalice is raised to eye-level, Offered and set again in its place upon the Corporal. He bows or genuflects, stands, and covers the Chalice with the Pall.Whenever you do these things, you shall do them unto my memory: you will praise my Passion; you will proclaim my Resurrection; you will hope on my coming until I come again to you from heaven.
With extended hands he proceeds:Wherefore, O Lord, we Thy servants, together with Thy holy people, are mindful of the Blessed Passion of the same Holy Christ Thy Son our Lord, as also His Resurrection from hell and glorious Ascension into heaven: do offer unto Thine excellent majesty of Thine own gifts and bounty, a pure + Host, a Holy + Host, a spotless Host, the Holy + Bread of eternal life and the Chalice of everlasting salvation.
Upon which graciously look with a favorable and gracious countenance: and to accept them, even as Thou didst graciously accept the gifts of Thy just child Abel, and the sacrifice of our Patriarch Abraham: and the Holy Sacrifice, the spotless Host, which Thy high priest Melchizedek offered unto Thee.
We humbly beseech and pray to Thee, Almighty God: command Thou these things to be brought by the hands of Thy Holy Angel to Thine Altar on high, in the presence of Thy Divine majesty: that, as many of us as shall receive from the [kisses altar] Altar of Sanctification the most sacred Body and Blood of Thy Son, may be fulfilled with all heavenly benediction and grace.
THE CONGREGATION MAY STAND:
Remember also O Lord the names of those who proceeded us with the sign of faith and rest in the sleep of peace: -N- and -N-.
With all those in the whole world who offer the Sacrifices in spirit unto God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, our senior, the Priest, -N- [Celebrant] with the holy and venerable Priests, offers for himself, for his own, and for all the rest of the Catholic Church assembly; and for the commemoration of the wrestling of the Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles and Martyrs, and of all the Saints, that they may be pleased to entreat the Lord our God for us:
To save space, these have been listed in columns. Say the entire left column, left center, right center, then right.
Abel Zachariah and all other Aiden Seth Malachi Martyrs Laurentius Enoch Tobit Paul Mellitus Noah Ananias Anthony Justus Melchizedek Azarias and other Fathers Aiden Abraham Mishael of the hermitages Dagan Isaac The Machabees of Sceti Tigernach Jacob Also Holy and also Mochti Joseph Innocents the Bishops Ciannan Job John the Baptist Martin Buite Moses Virgin Mary Gregory Eugene Josuah Peter Maximus Declan Samuel Paul Felix Carthain David Andrew Patrick Mel Elijah James Patrick Ruadhan Elisah John Secundinus Also the Priests Isaiah Philip Auxilius Finian Jeremiah Bartholomew Iserninus Kieran Ezechial Thomas Cerbanus Aengus Daniel Matthew Erc Enda Ester James Carthage Gildas Hosea Simon Ibar Brendan Joel Thaddeus Ailbe Brendan Amos Matthias Conleth Cainnech Obidiah MacNissi Columba Jonah Mark Moinenn Columba Micah Luke Senan Colman Nahum Stephan Finbarr Comgall Habacuc Cornilius Colman Kevin Zephaniah Cyprian Cuan Hagai
and all of those at rest who pray for us in the Lord's peace, from Adam unto this day, whose names God has called and renewed.
Unto them O Lord and to all who rest in Christ, we entreat Thee to grant a place of refreshing light and peace.
The Celebrant, Deacon and Subdeacon take three steps backward,
pause briefly, and take three steps forward.
The three steps backward and three steps forward is the three
ways in which everyone sins: in word, in thought, in deed.
These are also the three means by which one is renovated and by
which one is moved to Christ's Body.
To us sinners also, Thy servants, hoping for the multitude of Thy
mercies, graciously grant some part and fellowship with Thy Holy
Apostles and Martyrs: with Peter, Paul, Patrick; John, Stephen,
Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter,
Perpetua, Agnes, Cecilia, Felicitas, Anastasia, Agatha, Lucy and
with all Thy Saints: within whose fellowship we beseech Thee admit
us, not weighing our merit, but granting us forgiveness, through our
Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom, O Lord Thou dost ever create +,
Sanctify +, Enliven +, Bless +, and bestow all these good things
upon us.
He genuflects and bows profoundly, rises and uncovers the Chalice:
The Examination of the Chalice and Host, and the effort with which the Celebrant attempts to break it is an image of the rejection, punches, lashings and the Arrest of Christ.It is through Him, with Him, and in Him, within the unity of the Holy Spirit, that unto Thee, God the Father Almighty,
It is here that the principle Host is lifted up over the Chalice, elevating both:is all honor and glory, through all ages of ages.
This is said thrice as the Host is submerged halfway in the Chalice:Let Thy mercy be upon us even as we have hoped on Thee.
The Subdeacon takes the Paten, Purificator and knife from the Credenza. (The knife must never be placed on the Altar). He gives the Paten and the Purificator to the Deacon who wipes the Paten with the Purificator. After the Celebrant has withdrawn the Host from the Chalice, the Deacon holds the Paten under the Host. The Celebrant places the Host upon the Paten, takes the Paten and Host from the Deacon and sets them on the Corporal before the Chalice.
The Host on the Paten is Christ's Flesh upon the tree of the Cross.It is here that the Bread is broken:
The Fraction of the Host upon the Paten is the breaking of Christ's Body with nails on the Cross.The Celebrant holds the Host between the first and medius fingers and the Thumbs of both hands and breaks it over the Paten, saying:
They have known the Lord - Alleluia -
in the Fraction of the Bread - Alleluia.
The Bread which we break is the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ
- Alleluia -
The Chalice which we bless - Alleluia -
is the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ - Alleluia -
in remission of our sins - Alleluia.
Let Thy mercy be upon us - Alleluia -
even as we have hoped on Thee - Alleluia -.
They have known the Lord. - Alleluia.
The two halves of the Host are submerged totally in the Chalice. After the Celebrant has withdrawn the Host from the Chalice, the Deacon holds the Paten under the Host. The Paten and Host are set on the Corporal before the Chalice.
We believe, O Lord. We believe we have been redeemed in this
Fraction of the Body, and the pouring forth of the Blood; and we
shall rely on the consumption of this Sacrifice for fortification:
that which we now hold in hope, we may enjoy in truth by Heavenly
fruition, through our Lord Jesus Christ Who reigneth with Thee and
the Holy Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages.
R. Amen.
The halves are placed together on the Paten.
The reunion of the two halves after the Fraction is the affirmation of the wholeness of Christ's Body after His Resurrection. The submersion of the two halves in the Blood are an affirmation that at His Crucifixion, Christ's Body was covered in Blood.
The Fracture and Reunion is the oldest written form of the Epiklesis.
Celebrant:
Taught by Divine instruction, and shaped by Divine institution, we dare to say:
All may join the Celebrant in saying:
Our Father, Who art in the Heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Celebrant:
Free us O Lord from every evil: past, present, and to come, and by
the intercessions for us of Thy blessed Apostles Peter, Paul and
Patrick, give us favorable peace in our time, that helped by the
strength of Thy mercy we may be always free of sin and secure from
all turmoil, through our Lord Jesus Christ Who reigneth with Thee
and the Holy Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages.
R. Amen.
Celebrant turns to the people, and makes the Sign of the Cross,
saying:
The + Peace and Charity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Communion
of all the Saints be always with us.
R. And with thy spirit.
Turning to the Altar, he continues:
Thou didst command peace; Thou didst give peace; Thou didst leave
peace: bestow, O Lord, Thy peace from heaven and make this day
peaceful, and establish all the remaining days of our life in Thy
peace, through Thee Who reignest with Thine unoriginate Father and
the Holy Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages.
R. Amen.
If there is a Deacon the Celebrant exchanges the Pax with him, bowing. The Deacon then continues the Pax to the Congregation. The Celebrant must not shake hands with any person at this time, as his hands are purified in order to handle the Holy Eucharist.The Pax being completed, the Celebrant turns again to the Altar, takes the knife from the Subdeacon, cuts a Particle from the bottom of the left hand portion of the Host and rejoins the two halves of the Host on the Paten. The Celebrant gives the knife to the Deacon. The Deacon wipes it with the Purificator and gives it to the Subdeacon who returns it to the Credenza. The Celebrant drops the Particle into the Chalice.
May the commixture of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
be for us live-giving unto life eternal.
R. Amen.
The Particle that is cut from the Bottom of the half which is on the Priest's left hand is the wounding with the Lance in the Armpit of the right side; for Christ was facing Westward as He hung upon the Cross: Facing the City, and Longinus faced Eastward, so what was left to Christ was right to him.
Turning to the people, holding a Particle of the Host over the
Paten, the Celebrant says: [St.John 1:29]
Behold the Lamb of God.
Behold, O Thou Who takest away the sins of the world.
The Congregation may respond with the prayer of the Centurian at
this point,
[Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof,
but speak the word only, and my soul shall be healed. (thrice)]
The Celebrant turns to the altar and if serving alone, begins the
verses (after the illustrations). If it is a large congregation,
the doorwardens may help them line up to receive Communion, but
otherwise they should wait until after the Confraction. The
Celebrant continues to perform the Confraction according to the
number required for the day, breaking the Host and placing the
Particles in correct formation upon the Paten; while the Celebrant
or other clergy say the verses, and choir or congregation sing the
Psalms. At all Masses, these words are said clearly and in order,
not at the same time as other verses. Holy Communion occurs after
these verses are completed.
The Confraction on the Paten: the number varies with the
observance. All of the Confraction is set upon the Paten in the
form of the Cross. There are seven kinds of Confraction.
5 Particles: Daily Mass.Before arranging the Particles:o o o o oFive Particles of the Daily Host as the image of the five senses of the soul;
7 Particles: Masses of Saints and Virgins
o o o o o o oSeven Particles of the Host of Saints and Virgins except the most important ones as the image of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit the Sacraments;
8 Particles: Masses for the Virgin Mary and Holy Martyrs. Form found in the books of Lindisfarne, Kells, and Durrow.
o o o o o o o oEight Particles of the Host of the Holy Martyrs as an image of the octonary New Testament; This has two meanings: 1) the Eighth Day of Creation, 2)The Eight Fold New Testament according to St. Athanasius: 4 Gospels, Acts and Epistles, Revelations, The Apostles' Creed, Pastor of Hermas. Since the time of this Missal, the last two have been deleted from the Bible.
9 Particles: Masses for Sundays and Ferias of Lent. The placement of these Particles is exaggerated. It should look almost like a square.
o o o o o o o o oNine Particles of the Host of a Sunday is an image of the nine Households of Heaven and the nine Grades of the Church;
11 Particles: Masses for the Holy Apostles.
o o o o o o o o o o oEleven Particles of the Host of the Apostles is an image of the incomplete number of the Apostles due to the Sin of Judas;
12 Particles: Masses of Christ's Circumcision and on Holy Thursday.
o o o o o o o o o o o oTwelve Particles of the Host of the Circumcision and of Holy Thursday are in memory of the complete number of the Apostles;
13 Particles: Masses of Low Sunday and Christ's Ascension.
o o o o o o o o o o o o oThirteen Particles of the Host of Low Sunday and the Feast of the Ascension, is an image of Christ with His twelve Apostles, it is not usual to distribute from all thirteen Particles.
65 Particles for Easter, Christmas, and Pentecost.
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o oAdded together, five, seven, eight, nine, eleven, twelve and thirteen come to sixty-five which is the number of Particles of the Host of Easter, Christmas and Pentecost. For all of them are comprised in Christ.
The arrangement of the Confraction at Easter and Christmas is:
14 Particles in the upright of the Cross,
14 Particles in the crosspiece,
twenty Particles in its circlet:
five pieces to each quarter;
16 pieces to the Crosses: 4 to each one.
One Particle, for the Celebrant of the Mass is in the middle as the image of the Secrets kept in the heart.
The upper part of the shaft of the Cross is for the Bishops,
the left portion of the crosspiece is for Priests;
the right portion of the crosspiece is to the grades lower than Priest;
the lower portion of the stem is to monastics and penitents;
the upper left quadrant is for young clerics;
the upper right quadrant is to children;
the lower left is for those who are truly repentant;
the lower right is for those who are married and those who have never before received Communion.
For further information, see the note after the Mass. The outer circle below should be smooth and continuous, and slightly inside of the equal-armed large Cross. ASCII makes poor illustrations.
Abundant peace is for those who are attentive to Thy Law, O Lord - Alleluia - and there is no scandal in them - Alleluia. [Psalm 118:165, (Greek numbering)]
For the King of Heaven with peace - Alleluia [St. Luke 19:38, Zach. 9:9-10]
Who is full of the promise of life - Alleluia [St. John 10:10, 11:25-26]
Sing Ye a new song - Alleluia [Psalms 95:1; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10]
All of ye holy ones come forth - Alleluia. [Re.15:3-4, Heb.4:16; 7:25; Jn 11:43]
Come, eat my Bread - Alleluia - and drink the wine which has been mixed for you - Alleluia. [St. John 21:12]
(Psalm 22) Full Psalms may be said by Reader or Congregation.
The Celebrant now arranges the Particles, saying the short
verses with Alleluias.
The Lord shepherds me I shall not want*
Psalms are the Douay-Rheims translation; matching Septuigint.
He hath made me dwell in a place of green pasture.
He hath made me rest beside the still water.*
He hath converted my soul.
He hath led me on the paths of justice,*
for His own Name's sake.
For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death,*
I will fear no evils, for Thou art with me.
Thy rod and Thy staff,*
they have comforted me.
Thou hast prepared a table before me *
against them that afflict me.
Thou hast anointed my head with oil;*
and my chalice which inebriateth me, how goodly is it!
And Thy mercy will follow me*
all the days of my life.
And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord*
unto length of days.
Whosoever eateth my Body and drinketh my Blood - Alleluia -
Such a one abideth in me and I in him - Alleluia -. [St. John 6:56]
(Psalm 23)
The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof: *
the world, and all they that dwell therein.
For He hath founded it upon the seas;*
and hath prepared it upon the rivers.
Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord?*
or who shall stand in His holy place?
The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who hath not taken his
soul in vain,*
nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor.
He shall receive a blessing from the Lord,*
and mercy from God his Savior.
This is the generation of them that seek Him,*
of them that seek the Face of the God of Jacob.
Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up,
O eternal gates:*
and the King of Glory shall enter in.
Who is this King of Glory? *
the Lord Who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up,
O eternal gates:*
and the King of Glory shall enter in.
Who is this King of Glory?*
the Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory.
This is the Bread of Life which cometh down from Heaven - Alleluia -
whosoever eateth of It shall live unto eternity- Alleluia.
[St. John 6:50, 54, 58.]
(Psalm 24)
To Thee, O Lord,*
have I lifted up my soul.
In Thee, O my God, I put my trust; let me not be ashamed.*
Neither let my enemies laugh at me:
For none of them that wait on Thee shall be confounded.*
Let all them be confounded that act unjust things without cause.
Show, O Lord, Thy ways to me,*
and teach me Thy paths.
Direct me in Thy truth, and teach me; for Thou art God my Savior;*
and on Thee have I waited all the day long.
Remember, O Lord, Thy bowels of compassion;*
and Thy mercies that are from the beginning of the world.
The sins of my youth and my ignorances do not remember.
According to Thy mercy remember Thou me:*
for Thy goodness sake, O Lord.
The Lord is sweet and righteous:*
therefore He will give a law to sinners in the way.
He will guide the mild in judgment: *
He will teach the meek His ways.
All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth,*
to them that seek after His covenant and His testimonies.
For Thy Name's sake, O Lord,*
Thou wilt pardon my sin: for it is great.
Who is the man that feareth the Lord?*
He hath appointed him a law in the way he hath chosen.
His soul shall dwell in good things: *
and his seed shall inherit the land.
The Lord is a firmament to them that fear Him:*
and His covenant shall be made manifest to them.
My eyes are ever towards the Lord:*
for He shall pluck my feet out of the snare.
Look Thou upon me, and have mercy on me;*
for I am alone and poor.
The troubles of my heart are multiplied: *
deliver me from my necessities.
See my abjection and my labor; *
and forgive me all my sins.
Consider my enemies for they are multiplied,*
and have hated me with an unjust hatred.
Keep Thou my soul, and deliver me:*
I shall not be ashamed, for I have hoped in Thee.
The innocent and the upright have adhered to me:*
because I have waited on Thee.
Deliver Israel, O God, * from all his tribulations.
The Lord gave the Bread of Heaven to them - Alleluia -
Man ate the Bread of the Angels - Alleluia. [Psalm 77:24-25]
(Psalm 42)
Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation
that is not holy; *
Deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.
For Thou art God, my strength:*
why hast Thou cast me off?
and why do I go sorrowful, whilst the enemy afflicteth me?
Send out Thy light and Thy truth: they have conducted me *
and brought me unto Thy holy hill, and into Thy tabernacles.
And I will go in to the Altar of God: *
to God Who giveth joy to my youth.
To Thee, O God, my God,*
I will give praise upon the harp:
Why art thou sad, O my soul?*
and why dost thou disquiet me?
Hope in God, for I will still give praise to Him:*
the salvation of my countenance, and my God.
Eat, O my friends - Alleluia -
and be intoxicated, O beloved - Alleluia.
[Song of Songs 5:1]
This sacred Body and Blood of the Lord and Savior - Alleluia -
take you unto yourselves unto life eternal. - Alleluia.
[St. John 6:54]
Upon my lips will I practice the hymn - Alleluia -
which Thou didst teach me - Alleluia -
and I shall respond in righteousness - Alleluia. [Psalm 118:171-172]
I shall bless the Lord at all times - Alleluia -
His praise shall ever be in my mouth - Alleluia -. [Psalm 33:1]
Taste and see - Alleluia -
how sweet the Lord is - Alleluia. [Psalm 33:8]
Wherever I go - Alleluia -
there He shall be and minister unto me - Alleluia.
[Psalm 138:6-10, Psalm 22:4, St. Matthew 28:20]
Suffer the little ones to come unto me - Alleluia -
and do not desire to forbid them - Alleluia -
of such is the kingdom of Heaven - Alleluia. [St. Matthew 19:14]
Devote yourselves to penitence - Alleluia -
for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand - Alleluia. [St. Matthew 3:2]
The kingdom of Heaven tolerates sieges - Alleluia -
and the forceful take it - Alleluia.
[St. Matthew 11:12, Latin and Greek text.]
Blessed Bread: After the Confraction is completed, other loaves of bread, already broken or cut into pieces on a tray and kept on the Credenza, are brought by the Subdeacon to the Deacon or Celebrant, who blesses and passes them over the Paten. This bread will be taken by the Communicants immediately after they have received Holy Communion, to be certain all of the Communion is swallowed. Wine may also be blessed and used in the same way. This blessed but unconsecrated bread and wine must never be set on the Altar.
Still facing the Altar, the Celebrant moves the Particle
immediately above the center Particle slightly to the right
(his left) and downward.
The Celebrant then turns to the people, and shows the people the
completed Confraction, holding the Paten lowered and at a slight
angle, saying:
The upper Particle is moved down to the left side as reminder to
us that "Bowing His head, He gave up the ghost".
The Confraction is completed.
Celebrant:
Come Forth and take possession of the kingdom of My Father
- Alleluia -
which hath been prepared for ye from the beginning of the world
- Alleluia - [St. Matthew 25:34]
Celebrant:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit:
Come forth!
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be unto ages
of ages. Amen. Come forth!
"Moel Caich wrote this." note in the Lorrha MissalThe Celebrant turns back to the Altar, and Communicates himself, saying,
A large Communion Cloth (at least three feet long) is either held
by two servers or set upon the floor where Communion is to be
given. This cloth is not to be stepped or kneeled upon by the
Celebrant or congregation.
Those who are Baptized and Confirmed, including infants, and
prepared to receive Holy Communion
now line up at the Communion Cloth in the following order:
Those who have not been Baptized and Confirmed need these
Sacraments before participation in Holy Communion. Adults and older
children who intend to join the Church must also have Catechism
(instruction).
Bishops, Priests, lower Holy Orders, Monastics, penitents, clerics,
babes in arms with their parents or godparents, children, unmarried
adults, married persons, and new Communicants.
The Celebrant turns and goes to the Communion Cloth.
From the Sacrament of Baptism: (the words are assumed)
The Distribution for Confractions of Nine or More Particles:
The Distribution for Confractions of Less than Nine Particles
The Center Particle is for the Celebrant.
The upper part of the shaft of the Cross is for the Bishops.
The left portion of the Cross-piece is for Priests.
The right portion of the Cross-piece is for those in lower Holy Orders.
The lower portion of the shaft of the Cross is for Monastics and penitents.
The upper left quarter is to young clerics.
The upper right quarter is to children.
The lower left to unmarried adults those who are truly repentant
The lower right quarter is to married persons and new Communicants.
This is inserted for the sake of convenience; it is not in the
original text.
The Center Particle is for the Celebrant.
Upper Center for the Celebrant if 8 Particles.
The Celebrant administers the Body and Blood from the Paten,
saying:
The upper shaft of the Cross is for Bishops.
The left Cross-piece is for Priests, and lower Holy Orders.
The right Cross-piece is for those who are Monastics, penitents,
and clerics.
The lower shaft of the Cross is for children, all adults and new
Communicants.
[May the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be to thee unto
life eternal.
R. Amen.]
Or, from the Sacrament of Unction:
[May the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the
living and most high God, be to thee unto life eternal.
R. Amen.]
Infants may be communicated with a spoon from the Chalice, but all
others receive from the Bread and Wine on the Paten, which the
Celebrant administers with the first two fingers of his right hand
on their tongue (not touching the tongue with his fingers).
No person receives the Holy Communion in their hands, including
clergy other than the Celebrant. Only the Celebrant or another
Bishop, Priest or Deacon may administer the Holy Communion from one
Paten, using Holy Communion consecrated at this Mass. If Holy
Communion is to be reserved for a Pre-Sanctified Mass or sick call,
a piece of the upper Particle is reserved: see the note on the
Confraction into 13 parts. The Confraction usually produces fewer
Particles than there are people; the Particles are subdivided
further during the administration of Communion.
A server holds the tray of blessed bread for those who have just
received Holy Communion, or a movable table may hold the blessed
bread and blessed wine.
This is what God has declared worthy, that the mind be upon the Symbols of the Mass, and that this be your mind: that portion of the Host which you receive is a portion of Christ from His Cross, and that there may be a Cross in the labor of each in his own life since it is that Cross which unites each one of us to the Crucified Body of Christ. It is not proper to swallow the Particle without having tasted it, just as it is improper to not bring savor into God's Mysteries. It is improper for it to be chewed by the back teeth for such an act symbolizes rumination over God's Mysteries, for it is by such rumination that heresy is increased. It is ended. Amen. Thanks be to God.During the Ablutions, the choir may chant the Roman Communion hymn. After all have been Communicated who intended to receive, Ablutions are performed. The Celebrant consumes all of the remaining Body and Blood. The Chalice is set on the Altar to the Epistle side of the Corporal. The Knife and spoon are washed with water then wine over the Chalice and dried with the Purificator. If the Paten has no raised edge caution must be now observed. The Celebrant holds the Paten over the Chalice and pours wine over the Paten into the Chalice. He then dislodges any adhering Particles of the Sanctissimus with his forefinger or thumb, and then pours the wine from the Paten into the Chalice. This action may be repeated if necessary, turning the Paten so that no Particles remain. Then he pours water onto the Paten turning it so that its entire surface is washed, and pours the water from the Paten into the Chalice. The Paten is then dried with the purificator. The Celebrant then drinks the wine and water.
End of the Lorrha Missal commentary, as found in Gaelic and Latin.)
He then holds the Chalice with both hands so that the fingers which came into contact with the Body and the Blood are over the top. Wine and then water is poured over the fingers of the Celebrant into the Chalice by the servers to make certain that no Particles or Blood of Christ that had been on his fingers remain. The Celebrant drinks the water and wine. Wine is poured into the Chalice. The wine in the Chalice is then drunk by the Celebrant who turns the Chalice, making certain that no Particles or Blood of the Lord remain. (Additional washings may use water alone.) The inside of the Chalice is dried with the Purificator. The Purificator is put on top of the Chalice and both are covered with the Pall. The Paten and the Chalice are returned to the Credenza by the Subdeacon and covered with the veil. The Corporal is now carefully folded by the Deacon (or the Celebrant serving alone) and returned to the Credenza. The Communion Cloth is folded flag style and returned to the Credenza by the servers.
The Proper Postcommunion Prayer of the day (using the Propers for this Mass, or from the Roman Missal) may be substituted for or inserted before the following:
Grant, O Lord, that those whom Thou hast satisfied with the Heavenly gift may be cleansed of all that is hidden, and that we may be freed from the snares of our enemies.The Thanksgiving is always said: We give Thee thanks, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and eternal God, Who has satisfied us by the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ Thy Son, and we humbly apply for Thy mercy: that this Thy Sacrament, O Lord, may not be unto our condemnation unto punishment: but may it be unto intercession of Salvation unto forgiveness; may it be unto the washing away of wickedness; may it be unto strengthening of the weak; a mainstay against the dangers of the world; may this Communion purge us of all guilt; and may it bestow the Heavenly joy of being partners, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, God throughout all ages of ages.
The Mass has been given in Peace. (During Paschaltide: Alleluia.)
R. Thanks be unto God. (During Paschaltide: Alleluia.)
The following prayers are included because these prayers, including the Final Benediction, are assumed. They are taken from the office of the Sacrament of Unction, where they were written out. See the notes about this Mass.
[For He hath satisfied the empty soul and hath filled the hungry
soul with good things - Alleluia, Alleluia. [Ps 104:9]
Visit us, O God, in Thy Salvation - Alleluia. [Ps 105:4]
The Lord is my strength and my praise, and He is become my
Salvation - Alleluia. [Ps 117:14]
I will take the Chalice of Salvation, and I will call upon the
Name of the Lord - Alleluia. [Ps 115:13]
Refreshed by the Body and Blood of Christ, may we ever say unto
Thee, O Lord - Alleluia.
O Praise the Lord, all ye nations, praise him all ye people.
For His mercy is confirmed upon us and the truth of the Lord
remaineth for ever. [Ps 116]
Offer up the Sacrifice of justice and trust in the Lord. [Ps 4:6]
O God, we give Thee thanks, O Thou through Whom we have celebrated
the Holy Mysteries, and we claim the gift of Holiness from Thee Who
reignth unto ages of ages.
R. Amen.]
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord reveal His face
unto you and have mercy. May the Lord turn His Face to you and give
you peace.
R. Amen.
Then signing the Congregation with his right hand, says:,br>
You are marked with the Sign + of the Cross of Christ.
Peace be with you unto life eternal.
R. Amen.
Thus ends the Order of Communion.
The Lorrha Missal did not print the text of the Final Gospel,
St. John 1:1-14, but it was often read now at the place where the
Deacon read the Gospel.
Note found at the end of Unction.
STAND:
[In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things
were made by Him: and without Him was not any thing made that was
made: in Him was life, and the life was the light of men: and the
light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came
for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all men through
him might believe. He was not that light, he was sent to bear
witness of that light. That was the true Light, which lighteth
every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the
world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His
own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to
them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that
believe on His Name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the
will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
all genuflect And the Word was made flesh, all rise
and dwelt among us: and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the
Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
R. Thanks be to God.
Afterwards the Celebrant unvests in the midst of the Church, unless there is a special procession such as a funeral, in which case he may wear a cope. He does not carry the Chalice out. The clergy may lead the Congregation in other Thanksgiving Prayers such as the Song of the Three Youths, etc.
An imprimatur is being sought for this edition.
Typeset edition printed by:
Ascension Western Rite Orthodox Church
P.O. Box 72102
Akron, Ohio 44372