Salesian Literature

Chapter 14:  Taking part in Holy Mass

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1. Until now I have not drawn your attention to the sun of spiritual exercises, that is, the most holy sacred and supreme Sacrifice and Sacrament of the Mass. It is the centre of the Christian religion, the heart of devotion, the essence of piety.  It is a mystery beyond description that encloses the abyss of divine charity.  Through it God touches us in reality and gives us his graces and favours with abundant generosity.

2. Prayer united to this divine Sacrifice has a power beyond words.  In fact, Philothea, by it each one overflows with heavenly blessings, as if leaning on the Beloved (Songs 8:5).  By him one is completely filled with spiritual fragrance and delight.  Thus one appears as a pillar of smoke from fragrant wood: of myrrh, of incense, and of all the powders of the perfumer, as it is said in the Song of Songs (3:6).

3. Therefore, do your best to attend Holy mass every day.  Thus you can offer with the priest the sacrifice of your Redeemer to God the Father, for yourself and for the whole Church.  St. John Chrysostom says that Angels, in large numbers, are always present to honour this sacred mystery.  Since we are there with them, with the same intention, we certainly receive many beneficial influences from such company. The multitudes of the Church Triumphant and of the Church Militant come together to be united to our Lord in this divine action.  Thus with them, in him and through him they delight the heart of God the Father, making his mercy entirely ours.  Great indeed is the happiness of contributing one’s love devoutly for a good so precious and so desirable.

4. It may happen that you find it impossible to be actually present at the celebration of this supreme Sacrifice, due to some unavoidable reason.  Then at least take your heart there so that you attend by a spiritual presence.  Hence, some time in the morning, go to the Church in spirit, if you are not able to do so physically.  Unite your intention with that of all Christians.  In the place where you are, make the same interior acts you would do if you were personally present.

5. This is how you should assist at Holy Mass in the proper way, either actually or spiritually[1]:

 

(1)   From the beginning until the priest goes up to the altar make your preparation with him.  This includes placing yourself in the presence of God, acknowledging your unworthiness, and asking pardon for your sins.

(2)   From the time the priest goes up to the altar until the Gospel, reflect on the coming of our Lord and his life in this world.  Do this simply and in a general way.

(3)   From the Gospel to the end of the I believe, think about our Lord’s preaching.  Affirm your determination to live and die in fidelity and obedience to his holy word and united to the Holy Catholic Church.

(4)   From the I believe to the Our Father, let your heart be fixed on the mysteries of the Suffering and Death of our Redeemer.  These are represented actually and essentially in this holy Sacrifice.  Offer it, with the priest and the people present, to God the Father for his honour and for your salvation.

(5)   From the Our Father to the Communion strive to stir up a thousand longings in your heart.  Desire earnestly to be joined and united to our Saviour for ever in everlasting love.

(6)   From the Communion to the end, thank our Lord for his Incarnation, his life, his Suffering, his Death and for the love he shows us in this holy Sacrifice.  Beg of him that through it he may be always favourable to you, to your relatives, to your friends and to the whole Church.

 

Humble yourself with all your heart and receive devoutly the blessing which our Lord gives you through the ministry of his priest. 

 

You may want to make your meditation, during the Mass, on the mysteries that you are taking up day by day.  It is not necessary that you set it aside in order to make the acts suggested above.  It will be enough that at the beginning of the Mass you make the intention of wanting to adore and offer the holy Sacrifice by way of your meditation and prayer.  This is because every meditation includes the acts mentioned above, either explicitly or implicitly.

 

 

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[1] The advice which follows is given by St. Francis to people attending Holy Mass celebrated in Latin, and to whom daily Missals in the vernacular were not available.

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