This is the Mass

by Henri Daniel-Rops

Henri Daniel-Rops describes each step of the Mass, explaining the step's history and significance, followed by a prayer for the reader's use in meditations during the Mass. The text is illustrated by photographs of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen celebrating the Mass.

Genres: Religion, Catholic

158 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1959

About the author

Daniel-Rops (Henri Petiot's literary pseudonym) was born in Épinal in 1901 and died in Chambéry in 1965. He was professor of history and director of Ecclesiae magazine (Paris), and became world-famous mainly for works of historiography: (1943), Jesus in his time (1945), and the ten volumes of the History of the Church of Christ (1948 - 1965). He has also authored several essays, works of children's literature and historical novels, among which are Death, where is your victory? (1934) and The Sword of Fire (1938). He was a voter for the French Academy in 1955.

Reviews

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ensayo sobre la simbología del Rito Tridentino o Romano Tradicional. El tono es de fuerte religiosidad. Sin embargo, todo el tiempo se nota el esfuerzo que hace el autor por frenar su ímpetu de historiador mezclado con esa tempestad narrativa mal llevada que se detecta en el sino del novelista. ¿Qué dirá de Rimbaud? Además de novelas y trabajos voluminosos de historia religiosa, Daniel Rops -Henri Petiot- escribió sobre Rimbaud. A conseguir ese raro libro.

[Delmma Vazquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently in the RCIA program, to convert to Catholicism.
This book gives breaks down the components of the celebration of Mass.
Short, digestible, yet there is depth to the explanations.
Interspersed is poetry.
Historical context given to the various parts, and how they came to be incorporated into its current form.
I participated in the Rite of Acceptance in Peoria, where the Celebrant photographed in this Book, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is entombed.
It has been a long strange trip exploring different faith traditions and belief systems after being born into a cult and fading out in my late teens.
I had a problem with patriarchal religion for a Long time.
My gentle, loving Mother-in-Law (yes they do exist) before she passed away encouraged me to look to Mary as a Mother Figure to heal trauma from my mother. I learned to do my Ave Marias in Latin.
To Jesus through Mary.
Having Special Needs children that will require full time attention for the rest of my days, recharging and decompression is imperatively necessary.
Lighting a candle, and kneeling with a rosary in a quiet Eucharistic Adoration, with incense filling the air just feels Right to me. Burdens melt away. Serenity envelops me at last.

[Stephen Heiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that is at once scholarly and devotional. My only quibble is that Daniel-Rops displays some sympathy for the modernist wing of the liturgical movement, in full bloom in 1958 when this was published, though I am sure that had he known where it would go, he would have reconsidered those sympathies.

The photos by Yousuf Karsh are also a beautiful addition to the text.

"It is by the shedding of blood in reparation that man has ever appeased supernatural power...without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin." (p. 121)

[Susannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful classic that breaks down the important pieces of the Eucharistic Celebration. Illustrated with beautiful photos of the greats liks Fulton Sheen. Highly recommend it. Not sure if this title is still in print. I was blessed to find this book in the LA public library. If you're looking for a Eucharistic Revival in your home, you might try having this book (if you're in the area or if you have this title available in your local library) to refresh the majesty behind the Mass for your little ones. Hope they keep it on the shelf everywhere!

[Aaron Schuschu · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I took a shot every time it misrepresented communism and made vague references to unsubstantiated historical claims, I would have to get my stomach pumped.