Understanding the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

[Sadly, many Catholics no longer know which of the following vestments our priests are required to wear while celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and what each vestment symbolizes. The following synopsis of this information will aid us in better understanding Who is present at and What is really happening at the Mass.]

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The vestments worn by the priest have the following symbolic meanings: the amice symbolizes the linen cloth that the soldiers put over our Lord’s head to blindfold him before they struck him; the alb is the garment which Herod clothed our Lord; the cincture is the cord that bound our Lord to the pillar when he was being scourged; the maniple represents the rope whereby our Lord was led and the chains which bound His Sacred hands; the stole is the cords with which Jesus was tied and because it is worn over the shoulders, a reminder of the cross which our Lord carried; and the chasuble is the purple cloak which our Lord wore when He stood before Pilate.

Father Winfrid Herbst, S.D.S.

Look Up! Look Up With the Eyes of Your Mind, Heart and Soul!

en t “When the Host is held on high and a chalice lifted…look up! Look up and see what Mary saw. See a naked man squirming as He bleeds against a blackened sky; see a battered human body, writhing on a tree, prisoned there by savage spikes that have torn through Sacred hands and feet; see thorn-tortured head tossing from side to side as anguished torso labors, lifts and strains; see the eyes of God roll towards heaven beseeching, as broken lips blurt out that soul piercing cry: “My God, My God, Why has Thou forsaken Me?” What is this? This is the Mass. This is Crucifixion. This is what Mary saw at the elevation of Christianity’s first Mass. This is what you should see at the Elevation of every Mass!” (From The Way to God by Father M. Raymond, O.C.S.O. )

Looking for the Worse or the Best?

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) In dealing with ourselves, we should look for what is worse and make it, with God’s grace, the occasion of spiritual growth. But in dealing with others, we should look for what is best, in order that, as we show mercy to others, God may show His grace and His mercy to us. Venerable Fulton J. Sheen

Do Not Think This Message Got Through

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons ) Pastors should ensure that, unless there is a grave reason against it, churches in which the Blessed Sacrament is normally reserved should be open every day for at least some hours, at the most suitable times, so that the faithful may be easily able to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. (Vatican Council II - Sacramentum Concilium )

Forgotten Truths To Set Faith Afire!

Search This Blog