Liturgy and Sacraments
Catholic Ceremonies
And Explanation of the Ecclesiastical Year
- By Fr. Alfred Durand
Fr. Alfred Durand explains the meaning of the Church's worship—the altar, vestments, the Mass, Vespers, Benediction, and the seasons of the ecclesiastical year—in an illustrated handbook for the faithful.
- Source edition
- 1896, Benziger Brothers, New York
- Manualist edition
- September 2026
Why does the priest kiss the altar? What do the colors of the vestments signify? How do the ceremonies of the Mass recall the life, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ? Catholic Ceremonies answers such questions for the faithful, connecting the outward signs of worship with the beliefs and mysteries they express.
The book treats the altar, sacred vessels, vestments, and incense; the traditional Latin Mass, its prayers and gestures; Vespers, Compline, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament; and the seasons from Advent through Pentecost. It includes Latin and English prayers for the Ordinary of the Mass, Sunday Vespers, and Benediction.
This Manualist Press edition was newly typeset from the 1896 Benziger Brothers edition, with the original illustrations. It reflects the Roman Catholic liturgy and calendar of its time.
Why this book
Durand connects the outward signs of Catholic worship with the beliefs, prayers, and mysteries they express, in clear devotional language.
Restoration note
This edition preserves Durand's historical text and original illustrations in a readable presentation. It reflects the Roman Catholic liturgy and calendar of its time.
Source note
Newly typeset from the 1896 Benziger Brothers edition, translated from the French of the Abbé Durand, with the original illustrations.
