The Second Part of the Mass
Or the Mass of the Faithful
This is the essential part of the Mass, containing the Sacrifice and the Eucharistic Banquet. It is called “The Mass of the Faithful” because in the early centuries none but the baptized were allowed to assist at it.
1. The Offertory
The Offertory is the first act of the Sacrifice, in which the priest offers to God the bread and wine which are later to be consecrated into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Turning to the people, the priest salutes them:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| V. Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. | V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. |
The Offertory Prayer
Psalm LXXXV. 12, 5
I will praise Thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Thy Name forever: for Thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild: and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Thee, alleluia.
At the offering of the bread
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Suscipe, sancte Pater, omnipotens, æterne Deus, hanc immaculatam hostiam, quam ego indignus famulus tuus offero tibi Deo meo vivo et vero, pro innumerabilibus peccatis, et offensionibus, et negligentiis meis, et pro omnibus circumstantibus; sed et pro omnibus fidelibus christianis, vivis atque defunctis; | Accept, O holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, this stainless Host, which I, Thine unworthy servant, offer unto Thee, my God, living and true, for mine innumerable sins, offenses, and negligences, and for all here present; as also for all faithful Christians, both living and dead, that it may be |
| ut mihi et illis proficiat ad salutem in vitam æternam. Amen. | profitable for my own and for their salvation unto life eternal. Amen. |
At taking wine and water
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Deus, qui humanæ substantiæ dignitatem mirabiliter condidisti, et mirabilius reformasti: da nobis per hujus aquæ et vini mysterium, ejus divinitatis esse consortes, qui humanitatis nostræ fieri dignatus est particeps, Jesus Christus, Filius tuus, Dominus noster; qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum. Amen. | O God, Who hast wonderfully framed man’s exalted nature, and still more wonderfully restored it: grant us, by the mystic signification of this commingling of water and wine, to become partakers of His Godhead Who vouchsafed to become partaker of our manhood, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God for ever and ever. Amen. |
At the offering of the wine
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Offerimus tibi, Domine, calicem salutaris tuam deprecantes clementiam, ut in conspectu divinæ Majestatis tuæ, pro nostra et totius mundi salute cum odore suavitatis ascendat. Amen. | We offer unto Thee, O Lord, the chalice of salvation, beseeching Thy clemency that, in the sight of Thy divine Majesty, it may ascend with the odor of sweetness, for our salvation, and for that of the whole world. Amen. |
Invocations
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| In spiritu humilitatis, et in animo contrito, suscipiamur a te, Domine, et sic fiat sacrificium nostrum in conspectu tuo hodie, ut placeat tibi, Domine Deus. | In a humble spirit and a contrite heart may we be received by Thee, O Lord; and let our Sacrifice be so made in Thy sight this day that it may please Thee, O Lord God. |
| Veni, sanctificator, omnipotens, æterne Deus, et benedic hoc sacrificium, tuo sancto nomini præparatum. | Come, O Sanctifier, Almighty, Eternal God, and bless this Sacrifice set forth to Thy holy name. |
Blessing of the incense at Solemn Mass
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Per intercessionem beati Michaelis Archangeli, stantis a dextris altaris incensi, et omnium electorum suorum, incensum istud dignetur Dominus benedicere, et in odorem suavitatis accipere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. | By the intercession of blessed Michael the Archangel, standing at the right hand of the Altar of Incense, and of all His elect, may the Lord vouchsafe to bless this incense, and receive it as an odor of sweetness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Incensing of the offerings and altar
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Incensum istud a te benedictum ascendat ad te, Domine, et descendat super nos misericordia tua. | May this incense which Thou hast blessed, O Lord, ascend to Thee, and may Thy mercy descend upon us. |
Then the priest incenses the altar, saying:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Dirigatur, Domine, oratio mea sicut incensum in conspectu tuo: elevatio manuum mearum sacrificium vespertinum. Pone, Domine, custodiam ori meo, et ostium circumstantiæ labiis meis. Ut non declinet cor meum in verba malitiæ, ad excusandas excusationes in peccatis. | Let my prayer, O Lord, be directed as incense in Thy sight: and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and a door round about my lips. That my heart may not incline to evil words, to make excuses in sins. |
Giving the censer to the deacon, the priest says:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Accendat in nobis Dominus ignem sui amoris, et flammam æternæ caritatis. Amen. | May the Lord enkindle in us the fire of His love, and the flame of everlasting charity. Amen. |
Here at Solemn Mass the Celebrant is incensed by the deacon, who next incenses the clergy present in choir and the other ministers at the altar.
At the washing of the fingers
Psalm XXV
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Lavabo inter innocentes manus meas: et circumdabo altare tuum, Domine. Ut audiam vocem laudis: et enarrem universa mirabilia tua. Domine, dilexi, decorem domus tuæ, et locum habitationis gloriæ tuæ. Ne perdas cum impiis, Deus, animam meam; et cum viris sanguinum vitam meam. In quorum manibus iniquitates sunt: dextera eorum repleta est muneribus. Ego autem in innocentia mea ingressus sum: redime me et miserere mei. Pes meus stetit in directo: in ecclesiis benedicam te, Domine. | I will wash my hands among the innocent: and I will compass Thine altar, O Lord. That I may hear the voice of praise, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. O Lord, I have loved the beauty of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth. Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked, nor my life with men of blood. In whose hands are iniquities: their right hand is filled with gifts. But as for me, I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. My foot hath stood in the right way: in the churches I will bless Thee, O Lord. |
| Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. | Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
Oblation
Before the middle of the altar the priest says:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Suscipe, sancta Trinitas, hanc oblationem quam tibi offerimus ob memoriam passionis, resurrectionis, et ascensionis Jesu Christi, Domini nostri: et in honorem beatæ Mariæ semper Virginis, et beati Joannis Baptistæ, et sanctorum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli, et istorum et omnium Sanctorum: ut illis proficiat ad honorem, nobis autem ad salutem: et illi pro nobis intercedere dignentur in cælis, quorum memoriam agimus in terris. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. | Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation, which we offer unto Thee, in memory of the passion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honor of blessed Mary ever Virgin, of blessed John the Baptist, of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, of these and of all Thy saints: that it may be to their honor and to our salvation: and may they vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven, whose memory we celebrate on earth. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Invitation to prayer
The priest kisses the altar, and turning toward the people, says:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Orate, fratres, ut meum ac vestrum sacrificium acceptabile fiat apud Deum Patrem omnipotentem. | Pray, my brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Father almighty. |
The ministers answer:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Suscipiat Dominus sacrificium de manibus tuis, ad laudem et gloriam nominis sui, ad utilitatem quoque nostram, totiusque Ecclesiæ suæ sanctæ. | May the Lord receive the Sacrifice from thy hands, to the praise and glory of His Name, to our benefit, and to that of all His holy Church. |
The priest replies in a low voice, Amen, and proceeds to say:
The Secret Prayer
May Thy blessing, most merciful God, by which every creature liveth, sanctify, we beseech Thee, this our sacrifice, which we offer unto Thee to the glory of the Name of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: that it may please Thy majesty as an act of praise, and profit us unto salvation. Through the same Lord, etc.
2. The Preface
The Preface is an introduction to the Canon, or most solemn part of the Mass. It varies according to seasons. The one that follows is that of the Nativity, which is said on the Feast of the Holy Name.
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. R. Amen. V. Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. V. Sursum corda. R. Habemus ad Dominum. V. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. R. Dignum et justum est. | World without end. R. Amen. V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. V. Lift up your hearts. R. We lift them up unto the Lord. V. Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God. R. It is worthy and just. |
| Vere dignum et justum est, æquum et salutare, nos tibi semper et ubique gratias agere, Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, æterne Deus. Quia per incarnati Verbi mysterium, nova mentis nostræ oculis lux tuæ claritatis infulsit: ut dum visibiliter Deum cognoscimus, per hunc in invisibilium amorem rapiamur. Et ideo cum Angelis et Archangelis, cum Thronis et Dominationibus cumque omni militia cælestis exercitus hymnum gloriæ tuæ canimus sine fine dicentes: | It is truly worthy and just, right and profitable unto salvation, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God. For by the mystery of the Word made flesh the light of Thy glory hath shone anew upon the eyes of our mind: so that while we acknowledge Him as God seen by men, we may be drawn by Him to the Love of things unseen. And therefore with the Angels and Archangels, the Thrones and Dominions, and the whole host of the heavenly army we sing the hymn of Thy glory, saying again and again: |
Here the bell is rung thrice to give notice of the beginning of the Canon.
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt cæli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis. | Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. |
3. The Canon
This is the most sacred part of the Mass. It consists of many prayers of very great antiquity; some of its words were used by Our Lord Himself at the Last Supper; it is called “Canon,” i.e., rule or standard, because it is unchangeable with but few exceptions.
Prayer for the Whole Church
The priest now prays in secret:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Te igitur, clementissime Pater, per Jesum Christum Filium tuum Dominum nostrum, supplices rogamus ac petimus, uti accepta habeas et benedicas hæc dona, hæc munera, hæc sancta sacrificia illibata, in primis, quæ tibi offerimus pro Ecclesia tua sancta catholica: quam pacificare, custodire, adunare, et regere digneris toto orbe terrarum, una cum famulo tuo Papa nostro N., et Antistite nostro N., et omnibus orthodoxis, atque catholicæ et apostolicæ fidei cultoribus. | We, therefore, humbly pray and beseech Thee, most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, that Thou wouldst accept and bless these gifts, these presents, these holy unspotted sacrifices, which, in the first place, we offer Thee for Thy holy Catholic Church: which vouchsafe to pacify, guard, unite, and govern throughout the whole world together with Thy servant N. our Pope; N. our Bishop; as also all orthodox believers and professors of the Catholic and Apostolic faith. |
The Commemoration of the Living
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Memento, Domine, famulorum famularumque tuarum, N. et N., | Remember, O Lord, Thy servants and handmaids, N. and N., |
The priest pauses, and, joining his hands, prays silently for those he wishes to pray for in particular; and proceeds:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Et omnium circumstantium, quorum tibi fides cognita est, et nota devotio: pro quibus tibi offerimus, vel qui tibi offerunt hoc sacrificium laudis, pro se, suisque omnibus, pro redemptione animarum suarum, pro spe salutis et incolumitatis suæ: tibique reddunt vota sua, æterno Deo, vivo et vero. | And all here present whose faith and devotion are known to Thee; for whom we offer, or who offer up to Thee this Sacrifice of praise for themselves and all pertaining to them, for the redemption of their souls, for the hope of their salvation and well-being, and who pay their vows unto Thee, the eternal, living and true God. |
Prayer in honor of the Saints
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Communicantes, et memoriam venerantes, in primis gloriosæ semper Virginis Mariæ, Genitricis Dei et Domini nostri Jesu Christi: sed et beatorum Apostolorum ac Martyrum tuorum, Petri et Pauli, Andreæ, Jacobi, Joannis, Thomæ, Jacobi, Philippi, Bartholomæi, Matthæi, Simonis et Thaddæi; Lini, Cleti, Clementis, Xysti, Cornelii, Cypriani, Laurentii, Chrysogoni, Joannis et Pauli, Cosmæ et Damiani: et omnium Sanctorum tuorum; quorum meritis precibusque concedas, ut in omnibus protectionis tuae muniamur auxilio. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. | In communion with, and honoring the memory, especially of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ; as also of Thy blessed apostles and martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus; of Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian: and of all Thy saints; by whose merits and prayers grant that we may in all things be defended by the aid of Thy protection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Another Prayer of Oblation
Here the bell is rung once to warn the faithful of the approaching consecration of the bread and wine.
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Hanc igitur oblationem servitutis nostræ, sed et cunctæ familiæ tuæ quæsumus, Domine, ut placatus accipias; diesque nostros in tua pace disponas, atque ab æterna damnatione nos eripi, et in electorum tuorum jubeas grege numerari. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. | This oblation, therefore, of our service, and that of Thy whole family, we beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously to accept; and to dispose our days in Thy peace, and to command us to be delivered from eternal damnation, and to be numbered in the flock of Thine elect. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Consecration and Elevation
The words of consecration which the priest uses are the same as those employed by Christ at the Last Supper, and effect the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of our Saviour.
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Quam oblationem, tu Deus, in omnibus, quæsumus, benedictam, adscriptam, ratam, rationabilem, acceptabilemque facere digneris: ut nobis corpus et sanguis fiat dilectissimi Filii tui Domini nostri Jesu Christi. | Which oblation do Thou, O God, we beseech Thee, vouchsafe to make in all things blessed, approved, ratified, reasonable, and acceptable: that it may become for us the Body and Blood of Thy dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. |
| Qui pridie quam pateretur, accepit panem in sanctas ac venerabiles manus suas, et elevatis oculis in cælum, ad te Deum Patrem suum omnipotentem: tibi gratias agens, benedixit, fregit, deditque discipulis suis, dicens: Accipite, et manducate ex hoc omnes. | Who, the day before He suffered, took bread into His holy and venerable hands, and with eyes lifted up toward heaven, unto Thee, O God, His almighty Father, giving thanks to Thee, did bless, break, and give unto His disciples, saying: All of you take and eat of this. |
While holding the Host with both hands, the priest pronounces over it the words of consecration:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Hoc est enim corpus meum. | For this is my body. |
After genuflecting, the priest elevates the Sacred Host for the adoration of the faithful, and the bell is rung thrice.
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Simili modo postquam cœnatum est, accipiens et hunc præclarum calicem in sanctas ac venerabiles manus suas: item tibi gratias agens, benedixit, deditque discipulis suis, dicens: Accipite, et bibite ex eo omnes. | In like manner, after supper, taking also this excellent chalice into His holy and venerable hands: and giving thanks to Thee, He blessed, and gave to His disciples, saying: All of you take and drink of this. |
The priest then pronounces the following words of consecration over the Chalice:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Hic est enim calix sanguinis mei novi et æterni testamenti: mysterium fidei; qui pro vobis et pro multis effundetur in remissionem peccatorum. | For this is the chalice of my blood of the new and eternal testament: the mystery of faith; which shall be shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. |
He then replaces the Chalice on the corporal, and says:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Hæc quotiescumque feceritis, in mei memoriam facietis. | As often as ye do these things, ye shall do them in remembrance of Me. |
Making a genuflection, he adores; then, rising, he elevates the Chalice, and, replacing it upon the corporal, makes another genuflection. At the elevation of the Chalice the bell is rung thrice.
Commemoration of the Chief Mysteries of the Life of Our Lord
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Unde et memores, Domine, nos servi tui, sed et plebs tua sancta, ejusdem Christi Filii tui Domini nostri tam beatæ passionis, necnon et ab inferis resurrectionis, sed et in cælos gloriosæ ascensionis: offerimus præclaræ majestati tuæ, de tuis donis ac datis, hostiam puram, hostiam sanctam, hostiam immaculatam, panem sanctum vitæ æternæ, et calicem salutis perpetuæ. | Wherefore, O Lord, we Thy servants, and likewise Thy holy people, calling to mind the blessed passion of the same Christ Thy Son, our Lord, together with His Resurrection from the grave, and also His glorious ascension into heaven, offer unto Thy excellent majesty, of Thy gifts and presents, a pure victim, a holy victim, an immaculate victim, the holy bread of eternal life, and the chalice of everlasting salvation. |
Prayers for the Benefits of the Sacrifice and Communion
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Supra quæ propitio ac sereno vultu respicere digneris, et accepta habere, sicuti accepta habere dignatus es munera pueri tui justi Abel, et sacrificium Patriarchæ nostri Abrahæ; et quod tibi obtulit summus sacerdos tuus Melchisedech, sanctum sacrificium, immaculatam hostiam. | Upon which do Thou vouchsafe to look with favorable and gracious countenance, and accept them, as Thou didst vouchsafe to accept the gifts of Thy just servant Abel, and the sacrifice of our patriarch Abraham, and that which Thy high-priest Melchisedech offered unto Thee, a holy sacrifice, an unspotted victim. |
Bowing over the altar the priest prays:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Supplices te rogamus, omnipotens Deus, jube hæc perferri per manus sancti angeli tui in sublime altare tuum, in conspectu divinæ majestatis tuæ, ut quotquot ex hac altaris participatione, sacrosanctum Filii tui Corpus et Sanguinem sumpserimus, omni benedictione cælesti et gratia repleamur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. | We humbly beseech Thee, almighty God, command these to be carried 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, by partaking at this altar, receive the most sacred Body and Blood of Thy Son, may be filled with all heavenly blessing and grace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Commemoration of the Dead
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Memento etiam, Domine, famulorum famularumque tuarum N. et N., qui nos præcesserunt cum signo fidei, et dormiunt in somno pacis. | Remember, O Lord, Thy servants and handmaids, N. and N., who have gone before us with the sign of faith, and sleep the sleep of peace. |
The priest then prays for the dead:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Ipsis, Domine, et omnibus in Christo quiescentibus, locum refrigerii, lucis et pacis, ut indulgeas, deprecamur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. | To these, O Lord, and to all who rest in Christ, grant, we pray Thee, a place of refreshment, of light, and of peace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. |
Prayer for those Assisting at the Holy Sacrifice
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Nobis quoque peccatoribus famulis tuis, de multitudine miserationum tuarum sperantibus partem aliquam et societatem donare digneris, cum tuis sanctis Apostolis et Martyribus; cum Joanne, Stephano, Matthia, Barnaba, Ignatio, Alexandro, Marcellino, Petro, Felicitate, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucia, Agnete, Cæcilia, Anastasia, et omnibus Sanctis tuis: intra quorum nos consortium, non æstimator meriti, sed veniæ, quæsumus, largitor admitte. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. | To us also, Thy sinful servants, who hope in the multitude of Thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with Thy holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and all Thy Saints: into whose company, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses, we beseech Thee to admit us. Through Christ our Lord. |
| Per quem hæc omnia, Domine, semper bona creas, sanctificas, vivificas, benedicis, et præstas nobis. | By whom, O Lord, Thou dost always create, sanctify, quicken, bless, and bestow upon us all these good things. |
Concluding Doxology, or Prayer of Praise, of the Canon
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Per ipsum, et cum ipso, et in ipso, est tibi Deo Patri omnipotenti, in unitate Spiritus Sancti, omnis honor et gloria. | Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, is unto Thee, God the Father Almighty, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory. |
4. The Pater Noster and the Breaking of the Host
The Our Father is the most perfect of all prayers and was taught by Our Lord Himself to His disciples. For this reason it has been added to the Canon, and has been placed here as a fitting preparation for Communion. It is preceded by a brief introduction, and followed by a short conclusion.
The breaking of the Host symbolizes the Passion of Christ. In the days of the apostles the Eucharistic celebration was called “The Breaking of Bread,” in memory of the action of Our Lord at the Last Supper.
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| V. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. R. Amen. | V. World without end. R. Amen. |
| Oremus Præceptis salutaribus moniti, et divina institutione formati, audemus dicere: | Let us pray Admonished by Thy saving precepts, and following Thy divine institution, we make bold to say: |
| Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificetur nomen tuum: adveniat regnum tuum: fiat voluntas tua sicut in cælo, et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie: et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. R. Sed libera nos a malo. | Our Father, Who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil. |
The priest says inaudibly:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Amen. | Amen. |
At Solemn Mass, the deacon here goes to the right of the priest and receives the paten from the subdeacon and in turn delivers it to the priest.
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Libera nos, quæsumus, Domine, ab omnibus malis, præteritis, præsentibus, et futuris: et intercedente beata et gloriosa semper Virgine Dei Genitrice Maria, cum beatis Apostolis tuis Petro et Paulo, atque Andrea, et omnibus Sanctis, da propitius pacem in diebus nostris: ut ope misericordiæ tuæ adjuti, et a peccato simus semper liberi, et ab omni perturbatione securi. | Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, present, and to come: and by the intercession of blessed and glorious Mary ever Virgin, Mother of God, together with Thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and Andrew, and all the Saints, graciously give peace in our days: that, aided by the help of Thy mercy, we may be always free from sin, and secure from all disturbance. |
The priest breaks the sacred Host, saying:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Per eumdem Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus. V. Per omnia sæcula sæculorum. R. Amen. | Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. V. World without end. R. Amen. |
5. The Communion
The priest now prays for peace and forgiveness of sins as a proximate preparation for receiving the sacred Body and Blood of Christ. Immediately after Communion he recites various prayers of thanksgiving and petition.
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| V. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. | V. May the peace of the Lord be always with you. R. And with thy spirit. |
The priest drops a particle of the sacred Host in the Chalice, saying:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| HÆC commixtio et consecratio corporis et sanguinis Domini nostri Jesu Christi fiat accipientibus nobis in vitam æternam. Amen. | May this mingling and consecration of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be unto us that receive it effectual unto life everlasting. Amen. |
Bowing, and striking his breast, the priest says:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem. | Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us Thy peace. |
Leaning toward the altar, he says the following prayers:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Domine Jesu Christe, qui dixisti Apostolis tuis, Pacem relinquo vobis, pacem meam do vobis: ne respicias peccata mea, sed fidem Ecclesiæ tuæ; eamque secundum voluntatem tuam pacificare et coadunare digneris. Qui vivis et regnas Deus in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. | O Lord Jesus Christ, Who saidst to Thine Apostles, Peace I leave you, My peace I give you: look not upon my sins, but upon the faith of Thy Church; and vouchsafe to her that peace and unity which are agreeable to Thy will. Who livest and reignest God world without end. Amen. |
| Domine Jesu Christe, Fili Dei vivi, qui ex voluntate Patris, cooperante Spiritu Sancto, per mortem tuam mundum vivificasti: libera me per hoc sacrosanctum corpus et sanguinem tuum ab omnibus iniquitatibus meis, et universis malis: et fac me tuis semper inhærere mandatis, et a te numquam separari permittas: qui cum eodem Deo Patre et Spiritu Sancto vivis et regnas Deus in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. | Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who, according to the will of the Father, through the cooperation of the Holy Ghost, hast by Thy death given life to the world; deliver me by this, Thy most sacred Body and Blood, from all my iniquities and from all evils; and make me ever cling to Thy commandments, and never suffer me to be separated from Thee; Who with the same God the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest, and reignest, etc. Amen. |
| Perceptio corporis tui, Domine Jesu Christe, quod ego indignus sumere præsumo, non mihi proveniat in judicium et condemnationem; sed pro tua pietate prosit mihi ad tutamentum mentis et corporis, et ad medelam percipiendam. Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre, in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus per omnia sæcula sæculorum. Amen. | Let not the partaking of Thy Body, O Lord Jesus Christ, which I, though unworthy, presume to receive, turn to my judgment and condemnation; but by Thy mercy be it profitable to the safety and health both of soul and body. Who with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God world without end. Amen. |
The priest takes the sacred Host in his hands:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Panem cælestem accipiam, et nomen Domini invocabo. | I will take the Bread of heaven, and will call upon the Name of the Lord. |
Here the bell is rung thrice to call attention to the approaching Communion, while the priest striking his breast repeats the following three times:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum; sed tantum dic verbo, et sanabitur anima mea. | Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed. |
At the Priest’s Communion
The priest receives the sacred Host, saying:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi custodiat animam meam in vitam æternam. Amen. | May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life everlasting. Amen. |
| Quid retribuam Domino pro omnibus quæ retribuit mihi? Calicem salutaris accipiam, et nomen Domini invocabo. Laudans invocabo Dominum, et ab inimicis meis salvus ero. | What return shall I make the Lord for all He has given to me? I will take the chalice of salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord, and shall be saved from my enemies. |
The priest receives the Precious Blood:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Sanguis Domini nostri Jesu Christi custodiat animam meam in vitam æternam. Amen. | May the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to life everlasting. Amen. |
At the Communion of the Faithful:
The server or, at Solemn Mass, the Ministers now say the Confiteor on behalf of the faithful who are to receive Holy Communion.
After taking from the tabernacle of the altar the ciborium, or vessel containing the Blessed Sacrament; and placing it upon the corporal, the priest makes a genuflection, and, turning to the communicants, pronounces the Absolution:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Misereatur vestri omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis vestris, perducat vos ad vitam æternam. R. Amen. | May Almighty God have mercy upon you, and forgive you your sins, and bring you unto life everlasting. R. Amen. |
| Indulgentiam, ✠ absolutionem, et remissionem peccatorum vestrorum tribuat vobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus. R. Amen. | May the Almighty and Merciful Lord grant you pardon, ✠ absolution, and remission of your sins. R. Amen. |
The priest elevates a particle of the Blessed Sacrament, and turning toward the people, says:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccata mundi. | Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who taketh away the sins of the world. |
Then he says three times:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum; sed tantum dic verbo, et sanabitur anima mea. | Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed. |
Descending the steps of the altar, the priest administers the Holy Communion, saying:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi custodiat animam tuam in vitam æternam. Amen. | The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy soul unto life everlasting. Amen. |
The priest, returning to the altar, replaces the ciborium in the tabernacle. Then the server pours a little wine into the chalice, and the priest takes the first ablution, saying:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Quod ore sumpsimus, Domine, pura mente capiamus; et de munere temporali fiat nobis remedium sempiternum. | What we have taken with our mouth, O Lord, may we receive with a pure heart; and of a temporal gift may it become to us an everlasting healing. |
Here the server pours wine and water over the priest’s fingers, and the priest, returning to the middle of the altar, wipes his fingers and takes the second ablution, saying:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Corpus tuum, Domine, quod sumpsi, et Sanguis quem potavi, adhæreat visceribus meis: et præsta, ut in me non remaneat scelerum macula, quem pura et sancta refecerunt sacramenta. Qui vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. | May Thy Body, O Lord, which I have received, and Thy Blood which I have drunk, cleave unto my inmost parts; and grant that no stain of sin may remain in me who have been refreshed with pure and holy mysteries. Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen. |
Going to the book, the priest reads the Communion Antiphon.
Psalm lxxxv. 9, 10. All the nations Thou hast made shall come and adore before Thee, O Lord; and they shall glorify Thy Name, for Thou art great and dost wonderful things. Thou art God alone. Alleluia.
From the center of the altar the priest, turning to the people, says:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| V. Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. | V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. |
Returning to the missal, the priest reads the Post-communion Prayers.
O almighty and eternal God, Who hast created and redeemed us, graciously regard our prayers, and vouchsafe to accept with a benign and favorable countenance the sacrifice of the saving victim which we have offered to Thy Majesty, in honor of the Name of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: that, through the infusion of Thy grace into us, we may rejoice to see our names written in heaven under the glorious Name of Jesus, as a pledge of eternal predestination. Through the same Christ our Lord, etc.
6. Conclusion of the Mass
The Communion being over, the priest announces the conclusion of the Mass, and utters a last prayer that the action he has performed may be acceptable in God’s sight and profitable to those for whom it has been offered.
The Dismissal
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| V. Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. V. Ite, missa est. | V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. V. Go, the Mass is ended. |
Or, when the Gloria in Excelsis has been omitted, he turns to the altar and says:
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| V. Benedicamus Domino. R. Deo gratias. | V. Let us bless the Lord. R. Thanks be to God. |
Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Placeat tibi, sancta Trinitas, obsequium servitutis meæ; et præsta, ut sacrificium quod oculis tuæ majestatis indignus obtuli, tibi sit acceptabile, mihique, et omnibus pro quibus illud obtuli, sit, te miserante, propitiabile. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. | May the performance of my homage be pleasing to Thee, O Holy Trinity; and grant that the sacrifice which I, though unworthy, have offered up in the sight of Thy majesty, may be acceptable unto Thee, and may, through Thy mercy, be a propitiation for myself, and all those for whom I have offered it. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. |
The priest turns toward the people at the word Deus, making the sign of the cross over them.
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus, Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus. R. Amen. | May almighty God bless you; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. R. Amen. |
Going to the left corner, the priest reads the Last Gospel.
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| V. Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. ✠ Initium sancti Evangelii secundum Joannem. R. Gloria tibi, Domine. | V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. ✠ The beginning of the holy Gospel according to John. R. Glory be to Thee, O Lord. |
| In principio erat Verbum, et Verbum erat apud Deum; et Deus erat Verbum. Hoc erat in principio apud Deum. Omnia per ipsum facta sunt, et sine ipso factum est nihil quod factum est: in ipso vita erat, et vita erat lux hominum; et lux in tenebris lucet, et tenebræ eam non comprehenderunt. Fuit homo missus a Deo, cui nomen erat Joannes. Hic venit in testimonium, ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine, ut omnes crederent per illum. Non erat ille lux; sed ut testimonium perhiberet de lumine. Erat lux vera quæ illuminat omnem hominem venientem in hunc mundum. In mundo erat, et mundus per ipsum factus est, et mundus eum non cognovit. In propria venit, et sui eum non receperunt. Quotquot autem receperunt eum, dedit eis potestatem filios Dei fieri, his, qui credunt in nomine ejus, qui non ex sanguinibus, neque ex voluntate carnis, neque ex voluntate viri, sed ex Deo nati sunt (He genuflects, saying:) Et Verbum caro factum est et habitavit in nobis; et vidimus gloriam ejus, gloriam quasi Unigeniti a Patre, plenum gratiæ et veritatis. R. Deo gratias. | 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 made nothing that was made: in Him was life, and the life was the light of men: and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to testify concerning the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but he was to testify concerning the light. This was the true Light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this 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 He gave power to be made the sons of God, to those who believe in His name, who are born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (He genuflects, saying:) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, the glory as it were of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. R. Thanks be to God. |
When a feast falls on a Sunday, or other day which has a proper Gospel of its own, the Gospel of the day is read instead of the Gospel of St. John.
