Mass and Sacraments
The Last Mass of Padre Pio
The Secret Soul of the Stigmatic Saint
by Alessandro Gnocchni and Mario Palmaro
On September 23, 1968 after having borne the stigmata for exactly 50 years, the saintly Padre Pio died. This holy mystic spent his life as a living imitation of Christ and is the only priest in history to bear the stigmata. During his life, in spite of the physical pain he endured, Fr. Pio continued to say his daily Mass. But part of his suffering was unknown. Fr. Pio wrote a petition appealing directly to Pope Paul VI so as to obtain permission, from the highest ecclesiastical authority on earth, to never be required to say the Novus Ordo Missae.
The existence of this petition was kept secret from the public . . . until now.
Things to learn about this holy friar:
- Mystical vision and calling to be an Alter Christus
- Life-long combat with the demonic spirits
- Profound physical suffering especially during the Canon of the Mass
- His loyalty to the traditions of the Church and the Mass of all times
- His pious admonitions to his spiritual children
“Later, as an aged Capuchin friar, the mere thought of the liturgical reform, which would take effect in 1969, was sufficient to raise in him a holy horror. Throughout his life the holy friar had been obedient even unto martyrdom, but at this time the only request he dared to put forth to the authorities of the Church was to be exempted from the novelties of the impending liturgical reform.”
For the first time published in English read the startling testimony and eyewitness accounts of close friends and spiritual sons of Padre Pio as they reveal his thoughts on the sanctity of the Mass, the changes occurring in the Church during his lifetime, and the chilling effects they would have on the future. Look behind the cloister wall and discover a side of Padre Pio you’ve never seen before.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 216 pages, Photographs.
Symbol of the Spouse of Christ
by Elizabeth Black, Emily Sparks
In this beautiful booklet, you will learn what the Sacred Scriptures and Church Fathers said about wearing a veil, as well as the rich theological and symbolic meanings behind the tradition. You will discover how wearing a veil reveals woman’s:
- Esteemed vocation in God’s creation
- Intimate spousal relationship to Christ
- Sacredness as a tabernacle of life
- Mystery as a “garden enclosed”
- Adoration for God and praise of His glory
- Humility and receptivity to God’s love
Booklet, size 6" x 3.75", 48 pages
On the Sacred Liturgy
by Pope Puis XII
A reprimand to innovators. Nature of Liturgy, especially the Mass. Eucharistic worship. Divine Office and Liturgical Year. Pastoral directives. Many novelties of the Novus Ordo are specifically condemned in this encyclical!
Booklet, size 8.5" x 5.5", 80 pages
A Brief Summary of the Status of Tradition
In the aftermath of Pope Francis’s motu proprio Traditionis Custodes on July 16, 2021, there has been much confusion and consternation among Catholics regarding the future of the traditional Roman liturgy. Traditionis Custodes re-asserts the reformed liturgical books promulgated by Pope Paul VI in accordance with the decrees of the Second Vatican Council as the only legitimate expression of the lex orandi of the Roman Rite. In so doing, the text has marginalized the traditional liturgy, including the immemorial Latin Mass.
How should Catholics understand this turn of events? What should they expect in the future? And why is Traditionis Custodes viewed by many as a direct attack on the Church’s patrimony? These are some of the questions addressed at 16th Congress of the Courrier de Rome, held in Paris on January 15, 2022, which took this damaging document as its theme.
Through careful analysis and scholarly discussion, the talks delivered at this congress shed light on the complex and often contentious place of the traditional Latin liturgy in the modern Church.
A must read by all Catholics who wish to know the true status of Tradition.
Table of Contents
- Introduction by Fr. Bernard de Lacoste, Director of Courrier de Rome and Rector of the Seminary in Écône
- Vatican II and the New Mass: 50 Years of Conciliar Changes? by Fr. Nicolas Portail, Professor of Church History at the Institut Universitaire Saint-Pie X
- Does the Tridentine Mass Call into Question Vatican II? by Fr. Alain Lorans, Editor-in-Chief of DICI
- Does the Mass of St. Pius V Divide the Church? by Fr. Jean-Michel Gleize, Professor of Ecclesiology at the Seminary in Écône
- Traditionis custodes or Disdain for the Laity by Dominique Viain, Award-Winning Classics Scholar
- The Application of Traditionis custodes in the Dioceses by Fr. Benoît Espinasse, Editor-in-Chief of La Porte Latine
- Keep Tradition and Pass It On: by Fr. Davide Pagliarani, Superior General of the Society of Saint Pius X
Clothbound, Gilded hardcover, size 9.25" x 6", 171 pages
by Romano Guardini
The profound wisdom found in this Romano Guardini classic will help you to quiet your soul, concentrate your mind, and grow more receptive to God's grace in the Holy Mass.
Written for ordinary Catholics who are struggling to become closer to Christ, Meditations Before Mass is full of wisdom and yet offers practical, straightforward advice that will help you overcome distractions and restlessness while leading you into a more enriching experience when you enter into Holy Communion with God.
Over fifty years ago, Msgr. Romano Guardini resolved to help his parishioners move beyond the petty hindrances to full participation in the Mass—hindrances to which we are all prone. Just before Mass each Sunday, he gave a brief talk on some aspect of the Mass, teaching them week by week, topic by topic, how to prepare themselves to participate more prayerfully.
So helpful were these 32 talks that they were soon published and have since been reprinted countless times in numerous countries and languages, helping generations of Catholics to deepen their devotion during Mass.
In these pages, you'll discover:
- What to do when Mass becomes boring and "routine"
- How to achieve a genuine—not superficial—stillness
- The one indispensible element for a deep liturgical life
- How to gain control over your wandering attention
- One tendency we must overcome when listening to Scripture readings
- The real meaning of "keeping holy" the Sabbath—and its special importance for the family
- The importance of listening, and the inner barriers that prevent it
- Why it's good to arrive early at Mass whenever possible
- The true significance of standing and kneeling in church
- And dozens of other practical ways to enrich your worship
Paperback, size 7" x 5", 208 pages
Holy Thursday - Good Friday - Easter Vigil
The restored Liturgy of Holy Week According to the Traditional Roman Rite
This book is very helpful if you do not have a 1958 or later missal containing the revised rite of Holy Week of Pope Pius XII. Surprisingly, many people who do have the revised Holy Week in their missal, still like to use the Sacred Triduum Missal because the type is fairly large and the entire rite is laid out so that you do not have to flip back and forth.
MULTIPLE CEREMONIES IN ONE BOOK The Sacred Triduum Missal contains the entire ceremonies for Holy Thursday evening, Good Friday's Solemn Liturgy and the Paschal Vigil on Holy Saturday; with parallel Latin and English texts and rubrics in red.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 190 pages
Learning the Mass
A Manual for Seminarians and Priests
by Fr Walter J. Schmitz, S.S., S.T.D.
First published in 1960, this instructive book by rubrician Fr. Walter J. Schmitz, gives detailed instructions on how to properly say the traditional Roman Mass (Missale Romanum), and has been treasured by priests and seminarians for decades for its brief and concise explanations of how the celebrant offers Low Mass.
For the explanation of the Mass, texts are arranged into parallel columns, with one side presenting in English the minute actions made by the celebrant with his hands (especially when dealing with the consecrated Species), eyes and body, while the other side gives the actual Latin text as seen in the missal for comparison. In addition to many helpful tips, authoritative footnotes are also included.
There is also a chapter on bination (celebrating two Masses consecutively, hence how to avoid breaking the necessary fast) rubrics, Requiem Masses, distributing Communion, and executing the ceremonies of Benediction. Also included is a nota bene about some minor revisions made in 1962 not contained within the book due to its publishing date.
This compact book is a must for any cleric learning to celebrate the traditional Roman Mass, or even for just brushing up on the Mass or Benediction rubrics!
Booklet, size 8.5" x 5.5", 58 pages
by Augustine Hayden, O.F.M. Cap.
This inspiring book unveils the incomparable history of the Catholics of Ireland, who clung valiantly to the Faith for hundreds of years through some of the worst persecutions ever inflicted on a people. Their unrelenting love of the Most Blessed Sacrament is a clarion call for us in these times when attendance at Holy Mass has waned and the desacralization of the liturgy advances.
From the golden hour in which St. Patrick, as bishop, said his first Mass on Irish soil down to the coming of the Normans, love of the Blessed Eucharist was one of the dominant characteristics of the Irish race. Even during the Protestant Reformation, with its monastery closures, confiscation of Church treasures, and universally hostile treatment of Catholics, King Henry VIII nevertheless left one thing untouched — the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. But the attacks would soon begin.
You will be astonished by the assaults on the Mass during Queen Elizabeth’s “reign of terror,” which resulted in the martyrdom of more than two hundred Irish Catholics — many killed in the sanctuary! James I continued the rule of terror, which was brought to new depths of cruelty by the ruthless Oliver Cromwell.
In these pages, Fr. Augustine Hayden reveals a myriad of shocking details that are highly relevant to our time, including:
What the Council of Regency did to Protestantize the Mass (Has history repeated itself?)
How the Irish faithful responded when it became unlawful to celebrate Mass (Take note!)
Why the English government sought to cancel the Mass and the sacraments (Surprise, surprise!)
What the English planned following the suppression of the Catholic Mass (And how it backfired)
The Saul-like terrorization and banishment of bishops and priests, and their indomitable courage
The heroic martyrdom of lay Catholics, who bravely hid priests and guarded the Holy Eucharist
“The Mass was the focus of the enemy’s hatred,” wrote Fr. Augustine, “and it was also the magnet of the people’s devotion. Masses infinite in churches, Masses in houses, Masses in every corner — these were the ‘crimes’ with which the people of this country were charged.”
You will see why the heroic Catholics of Ireland believed that the Holy Mass and the Real Presence of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament are worth cherishing — even unto death. Amid war, starvation, and relentless cruelty, our Eucharistic King gave the Irish the graces they needed to remain steadfast and become a bastion of devotion for the world.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 200 pages
by Fr Joseph Dunney
Starting with a description of the Church, windows, Stations and the altar, the book explains the meaning of the vestments, colours and parts of the Mass to help children understand the Mass. This book will help young readers to observe the beautiful ceremonies of the traditional Latin Mass so they will be able to play their role in the Drama of Calvary.
Paperback, size 7.25" x 5", 171 pages
by Rev. William R. Kelly
Instructions in Story Form for Use in the Primary Grades
Follow Tom and Ann as they learn about the Sacraments from their Uncle John. What is grace, and how do we get it? And how do the Sacraments help us? What are the outward signs of each Sacrament? Find the answers to these questions and more in Our Sacraments.
Paperback, size 8" x 5.25", 130 pages
by Fr. Manousos
Originally published by the Catechetical Guild in 1954 (Imprimatur Francis Cardinal Spellman), this is a "comic" book unlike any other. Know Your Mass is a detailed, fully illustrated, step by step explanation of the Traditional Latin Mass now reprinted for the first time in full color!
The book presents the theology of the Mass in a manner easily understood by children and yet is incredibly interesting and informative for adults as well. This should come as no surprise to those who have read The Seven Sacraments, another Angelus Press reprint by Fr. Manousos, who has the amazing ability to take solid theology and present it to children...without dumbing it down. He was truly a gifted writer.
This makes Know Your Mass an excellent catechetical tool for all ages. All parts of the Holy Sacrifice are covered, from the preparation for Mass, the altar, sacred vessels and vestments, liturgical actions, the sanctuary, and some liturgical history as well, including helpful suggestions for children to get the most or should we say GIVE the most at Mass. Ideal, NO, PERFECT, as a First Holy Communion gift. Great for converts as well.
Anyone who delves into this book cannot come away ignorant of the true significance of the liturgical representation of Our Lord's Sacrifice on Calvary that is the Holy Mass. Highly recommended.
Paperback, size 10" x 7", 96 pages
By Fr Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SS.CC.
A student said to a certain priest: “Father, your books set my soul on fire; your style moves me to tears, and my hands burn as they turn your pages. How can you possibly write with such a fiery pen?”
With the goal of evoking this reaction in his readers, Fr. Mateo wrote this short work on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, making an effort to enlighten the mind and enkindle the heart, that is, to shine a bright light on the subject so that a deep and supernatural conviction will be generated in their mind concerning the mystery of our altars.
In addition, he also aimed to kindle a burning love for Jesus Christ in the reader’s soul. There are books enough which give light without warmth, and so here he asks the Heart of Jesus to enliven his thoughts and his pen, that he may write with the fire of love.
“Yes, I want to set my readers on fire.”—Fr. Mateo
Softcover, size 3.75” x 6”, 60 pages
Spiritual And Theological Commentaries
by Bernard-Marie de Chivre, O.P.
Fr. Bernard-Marie de Chivre was a 20th century Dominican priest who spent time as a prior, spiritual director, and military chaplain. A friend of Archbishop Lefebvre, he preached retreats at Econe in the early days of the battle for Tradition. This book is a collection of his conferences given between 1968 and 1970 on the traditional Latin Mass. The writings of Fr. de Chivre are so profound that portions were used in the 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal. These profound and beautiful meditations will help you assist at Mass more fruitfully.
Essential reading for priests, seminarians, and all those within the religious life.
Aufer a Nobis: "Scarcely has he finished the prayers at the foot of the altar than the priest ascends toward the tabernacle,
drawn by his movement of confidence, saying very quietly the following short prayer: "Take away from us, O Lord, all of our
iniquities, that we might deserve to enter into the Holy of Holies with a pure mind."
Kyrie: "The Kyrie is a cry of nature, an echo of the sick and injured waiting patiently along the roadside in order to seize any
opportunity to appeal to Jesus' pity: "Lord, that I may see; that I may walk."
Gloria: "Very few people give a thought to the splendid content of the Gloria in Excelsis. It is so often sung with an
accent of routine which speaks volumes about the monotonous flatlands where we spend most of our time.
Those false accents betray a lack of purity of understanding, because there is no more longing for the mountain crests.
And yet, that is where God is: solely in the heights."
This is My Body: "If Christ had ended His Life with a mere symbol, He would have been lying to His extraordinary Power
manifested in all of His prior activities, after having affirmed Himself irresistible Power in all the kingdoms of creation:
(1) The Vegetable Kingdom: the multiplication of the loaves; (2) The Animal Kingdom: the multiplication of the fishes;
(3) The Mineral Kingdom: the silver coin found in the mouth of the fish; (4) The Absence of Kingdom: the horror of a bodily decomposition, Lazarus. He would have ended with a scam, the scam of a symbol which would have placed Him in contradiction with His own Power."
Hardcover, 281 pages
In this full color reprint, Father Kelly gives the scriptural and historical background for the parts of the Mass. For example, when the altar boy moves the Missal from the right side of the altar to the left, he is representing the shift from the old law (Jewish religion) to the new law (Christian religion). "The Jewish religion was meant to get people ready for Our Lord. When He came, he gave us our perfect religion," Father explains.
A great First Communion prep supplement, this book would be a great gift for any child who wants to understand and follow the Mass.
Paperback, 55 pages, full colour illustrations, 178 x 111mm
This essential booklet gives detailed explanations of the following:
- What to do in Danger of Death
- Sick Calls: How to prepare for Priest and What to Do When He Arrives
- Extreme Unction – Confession and Communion of the Sick - Viaticum
- Apostolic Blessing, Prayers for the Dying
- Visitation and Care of the Sick: Imposition of Hands
- Praying for the Dying Person especially when the Last Agony begins, at the Moment of Death, and after the Soul Has Departed
Bishop, Confessor, Founder of the Redemptorists, Doctor of the Church
by St Alphonsus Liguori
One of the most powerful and compelling spiritual books ever written. Expounding on the theme, "What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul".
St. Alphonsus dwells repeatedly on the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. Relentlessly, he brings the reader to considering his own eternal destiny. No one can read these sermons without being profoundly moved. Impr.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 437 pages
by Father Mark Gregorczyk
Students will learn about the prayers of the Mass, and about the best method of assisting at Mass, by studying The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The emphasis of this spiral bound book is devoted to students becoming more familiar with the old rite of the Latin Mass, sometimes called the Tridentine Rite Mass.This book is a wonderful introduction to the inner sense and mystery of the Mass. The study questions are especially helpful in bringing out the hidden contents of the Church’s deep appreciation of faithful Catholics united in Christ. To study the contents of this book is both an exercise of love as well as of faith.
Softcover, coil binding, size 7" x 4.25", 160 pages
Baptism
Man's Contract with God
by Saint John Eudes
Saint John Eudes wrote many books and is best known today as the Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In fact, he composed the Masses for those feast days. One of his most eloquent and powerful works is this treatise on baptism originally entitled, Le contrat de l’homme avec Dieu par le Saint Baptême.
This treatise is one of the clearest and most lucid explanations of the essential nature of the sacrament ever composed. Due to his Jesuit training and his great sanctity, this saint is able to make such a clear and orderly presentation of the effects of this solemn contract between God and his children that it is hard to imagine anything better ever being written on the subject.
St. John spent years with the Oratorians (founded by St. Philip Neri), and he was also the founder of two religious orders and an experienced missionary and preacher. He knew how to speak clearly and effectively to both Catholics and non-Catholics. Reading this compelling presentation of God’s great plan for us, elucidating the contract that we have entered into by our reception of the sacrament of baptism, and the responsibility that falls upon both God and ourselves for fulfilling our respective ends of that contract is a source of tremendous grace to the reader.
Although not intended as a catechism on baptism, it is strongly recommended that any teenager read it before confirmation and that any adult convert read it before their entrance into the church, as there is no better explanation we have ever seen of the practical (not theological) nature and effect of baptism. Upon reading this book you will come to a deeper understanding of why there can be no salvation outside of the Catholic Church and without sacramental baptism.
Booklet, 68 pages
by A Sister of Notre Dame
This collection of First Communion day stories has remained popular among children ever since they were first published in the early 1920s. They have stood the test of time for two simple reasons: they are wonderful stories, and they are all true. Even those that are sad have the power to inspire young and old with renewed love for our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
Originally published as two separate books, True Stories for First Communicants and First Communion Days, they were reprinted in 1949 with new illustrations by Rosemary de Souza. Years later, in 2003, this 1949 impression was brought back into print by Neumann Press. We have gone back to the original books, combined both sets of stories under one cover, and have restored the original black and white illustrations by Wilfrid Pippet.
Softcover
by Dr Maria Montessori
The Mass Explained to Children presents the beauty, depth, and simplicity of the traditional Latin Mass, helping to make it easily understandable for any and every child. With acute sensitivity to the purity and clarity of a child’s mind and soul, Maria Montessori wisely instructs in how to prepare for Mass, explains how the altar is set up, and clarifies the meaning and use of the sacred vessels and other elements used during Mass. She describes also the role of the priest, the use and symbolism of vestments, and much more. Then she proceeds—in refreshingly straightforward language, and with abundant illustrations—to follow the order of the Mass as it slowly unfolds in word and gesture. This is a sure guide to the beauties of the traditional Mass for children of all ages, and at the same time a wonderful primer for adults who want to deepen their understanding of the Mass of the Ages.
Paperback, 100 pages
by Dr Maria Montessori
The Mass Explained to Children presents the beauty, depth, and simplicity of the traditional Latin Mass, helping to make it easily understandable for any and every child. With acute sensitivity to the purity and clarity of a child’s mind and soul, Maria Montessori wisely instructs in how to prepare for Mass, explains how the altar is set up, and clarifies the meaning and use of the sacred vessels and other elements used during Mass. She describes also the role of the priest, the use and symbolism of vestments, and much more. Then she proceeds—in refreshingly straightforward language, and with abundant illustrations—to follow the order of the Mass as it slowly unfolds in word and gesture. This is a sure guide to the beauties of the traditional Mass for children of all ages, and at the same time a wonderful primer for adults who want to deepen their understanding of the Mass of the Ages.
Hardcover, 100 pages
Includes explanations and illustrations for:
- Palm Sunday
- Holy Thursday
- Stations of the Cross
- Good Friday
- Holy Saturday
- Easter Sunday
Excellent for children 3 year old and up!
by Richer-Marie Beaubien
translated by Ella-Marie Cooper
"Your Mass and Your Life" is a deluxe five-volume box set by Fr. Beaubien. The purpose of the book is to provide an easy-to-read explanation of the Mass in its broad philosophical meaning as well as its finer details. Very few books have been produced for laymen that explain the Mass so completely.
This is a truly important series for all those looking to broaden their understanding and the love of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This five volume set is also an excellent tool for people coming to the Latin Mass for the first time!
“If certain Catholics attend Mass only to avoid serious sin - if they have no love for the Mass - it is because they do not understand it." -Fr. Beaubien.
Explanations include:
The Prayers of the Mass
The Organization and Structure of the Mass
The Rubrics of the Mass for The Priest, Servers, and Faithful
The Significance of the Instruments Used
Step-by-Step Explanation of Each Part of the Mass
Why We Attend Mass
Also includes: Meditations, Prayers, and Reflections
668 pages
Thinking about attending a Latin Mass for the first time or maybe bringing a friend who’s never been before? This is the product for you! This little booklet walks the first time attendee through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, so it can be readily understood by anyone as they are attending! Fully illustrated to further assist newcomers in following the actions of the priest.
Know and love the Mass of all time and help others love it too!
44 pp. Softcover. 5.32" x 8.5".
By Dom Prosper Guéranger
The 19th century background of France during which time Dom Prosper Guéranger classic work, The Liturgical Year, appeared is fundamental to understand the importance of this multi-volumes set.
France was going through such a continuous series of political, social and ecclesiastical upheavals from 1789 (the French Revolution) up to the 20th century that one wonders how it was able to maintain its sanity. The governments changed no less than six times within that period. These wars, revolutions and depressions plagued the French people. And the Church suffered much during and after the French Revolution so that direction was needed to bring it back on track. Seeing the suffering and depression of the French Catholic Church and her people, Dom Guéranger began writing his monumental work in 1841. He died in 1875 after writing nine volumes.
The remaining volumes were completed by another Benedictine under Dom Guéranger's name. Dom Guéranger's belief was that the Mass and the cycle of the Church s year could help restore what had been forsaken. Indeed, one can say that the mission of Dom Guéranger was to restore the more than thousand-year tradition of Christianity and its forgotten riches which were abandoned during the French Revolution and its aftermath. He began in post-revolutionary France by founding the 1st Benedictine community in 1836. In 1841 he began the Liturgical Year to bring back Catholic culture and consequently Western Civilization by turning to the Catholic Mass which is the source of all graces and the soul of Catholic worship. His commentaries, explanations and historical observations as contained in this work are profound, devotional and instructive. Each Mass during the entire Church’s yearly cycle is analyzed and explained in simple terms so as to make the reader appreciate the vast treasure and importance of that particular Mass during the year. The Introits, Collects, Epistles, Gospels, Offertory prayers, etc. all have appropriate explanations which bring out the richness of the Mass.
Preserving Christian Publications’ reprint of this set is made to last many readings with a durable hardback light-blue binding that is sewn. Each volume is numbered on the spine for the season it covers.
Hardcover
This liturgical book is a new version of the Ritual that is similar to what was called the Collectio Rituum, having most of the features of that book. This Latin/English Ritual will certainly be a benefit for all priests who wish to have a useful travel-size book.
This book is designed and printed in the traditional way: real ink, sewn signatures, 2 ribbons, imitation flex black leather, front & back stampings, round & gilt edges, durable end sheets; 314 pages + 16* appendix.
Table of Contents
Baptism: 1-104
Confirmation of the Sick & Danger of Death: 105-109
Sacrament of Penance: 109-120
Administration of Holy Communion outside of Mass: 121-124
Forty Hours: 125-138
Benediction: 139-140
Extreme Unction: 141-149
Communion of the Sick: 150-155
Visitation and Care of the Sick: 156-165
Manner of Assisting of the Dying: 166-184
The Funeral Rite: 185-220
Celebration of Marriage; Silver or Golden Wedding Anniversary, etc.: 221-250
Blessings (most common & frequently used): 251-296
Litanies: 297-308
Prayer for the Church & Civil Authorities: 309-310
Index: 311-314
Appendix 1: Hymns
Appendix 2: Blessing of St Benedict Medal, Solemn Blessing of the Cross, longer act of Consecration of the Sacred Heart: 1*-16*
Don Pietro Leone - PB 122 pages
Don Pietro Leone is the author of this most useful summary of the history of the destruction of the Roman rite and the substitution of a modern rite called the Novus ordo (new order) in its place. In his General Audience of November 9, 1969, Pope Paul VI had this to say (among many other things) about substitution of the new rite for the Roman rite of all times: “This change has something astonishing about it, something extraordinary. This is because the Mass is regarded as the traditional and untouchable expression of our religious worship and the authenticity of our faith.”
No truer words were ever spoken by a pontiff, except perhaps by the high priest who once said: “You know nothing. Neither do you consider that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the sins of the people and that the whole nation perish not.”
Some, upon contemplating these extraordinary changes, go so far as to think that the attempts of the Church’s enemies to eradicate once and for all “Popish superstition” from the world have made significant progress towards their goal when the Pope himself allowed the introduction of, in his own words, “a new rite” into the heart of the Church. Others seek to understand God’s will in these matters and consider that these changes and the resulting chaos in the life of the Church might be among those vague “chastisements” mentioned by Our Lady at Fatima. Still other observers of the Church in the latter half of the 20th Century and into the third millennium believe that the new mass is a great development of human progress and is the harbinger of a new “springtime” in the life of the Mystical Body, while yet others, many of the lay-faithful, struggle to maintain their faith and to live the life of faith somewhat passively in a spirit of docility in the face of the radical changes in liturgy and the life of the Church. Countless others have just dropped out of the daily life of the Church altogether.
There is no question that the new rite has changed the Church. This little book seeks to serve as a scholarly and objective summation of the changes and their effects. The substance of the work is taken largely from the mouths of those who were responsible for promoting and producing the changes as well as from several lengthy and scholarly books published by those who oppose them.
By Fr. Lasance.
This book endeavours, in the first part, by means of thirty-one readings and examples, to explain the doctrine of the Church on the Mass in a plain and interesting manner. The second or practical part offers a variety of devotions for Mass and for Holy Communion, so that the book may be more beneficial and useful to the masses. It discusses practical questions on the Mass from a dogmatic, moral, ascetic, historical, and liturgical point of view, as may be gleaned very readily from a cursory survey of the index. It was planned and compiled with a view to making it useful to inquiring Protestants, prospective converts, devout Catholics, and zealous religious. It aims to exhibit the jewels of the Mass to better advantage; to unfold its hidden treasures before the gaze of all classes; and to stimulate the faithful to a more earnest and constant endeavour to appropriate and apply to themselves its rich and abundant fruits for their temporal and eternal welfare. 704 pp
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