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The Mass Explained to Children
2017 Reprint of 1933 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition software. Every conceivable element of the traditional Latin Mass unfolds before the eyes of children 8 to 15 in this classic work by Maria Montessori. She employs abundant illustrations—36 in all— to · The Meaning of the Mass · What Is Necessary for the Mass · Introduction to the Mass · The Mass of the Catechumens · The Mass of the Faithful These chapter headings hint at the richness of detail in the best book on the Mass ever written for older · Famous Eucharistic miracles · History of the Mass · Why we fast for Communion · Liturgical colors have meaning · Meaning of the altar…altar cloths…crucifix and candles · Sacred vessels, bells, incense—all the items used at Mass explained · Why we do more than watch when Mass is under way · Meaning/origin Sign of the Cross, sacrifice, the priest’s whisperings · Meaning of key prayers (Credo, Kyrie, Gloria, Confiteor, etc.) · Why is so much silence required at Mass? · the priest’s motions (e.g., keeping thumb and forefinger together after the consecration) “We want our children to love the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Love proceeds from you can only love what you know. The Catechism teaches us that our purpose in life is to know, love and serve God. It is only if you know God, that you can love Him. In The Mass Explained to Children, Maria Montessori gives young readers the knowledge from which a love for the Mass can grow.” —Laura Berquist, Homeschool Specialist
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1932
40 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Maria Montessori
571 books703 followersMaria Montessori was an Italian physician, educator, philosopher, humanitarian and devout Catholic; she is best known for her philosophy and the Montessori method of education of children from birth to adolescence. Her educational method is in use today in a number of public as well as private schools throughout the world.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 31, 2021
Summary:
This book is a classic and a gem. It was written in 1932, and corresponds to the Mass the way in which it was celebrated then. Yet, it is written in such a Sacred way, that its relevance transcends time and form. It is a walk through of the Mass, and takes care to explain even the finest of details. While it was originally intended to be a primer for adults to explain the Mass to children, it can very well be used as a primer on the Mass for all.
This book should be a mandatory read for all Catechists, and those parents whose children are approaching the age of First Communion.
Style:
It is written in a very straight forward style, but Montessori is careful to capture the mystery and Sacred within her explanation of the physical acts which occur at the Mass. While it is instructional in its structure, its words capture the theological and Sacred qualities of those acts and words that we encounter at the Mass.
Audience:
While the book was originally written to help adults explain the Mass to children, I think it could be read by both adults and children alike. It is an easy read, and yet is thorough in its explanations. This would definitely benefit catechists, parents, and students approaching first communion; it would also be a great book for RCIA Catechumens and confirmation students. While it does describe the Mass as it was celebrated back in 1932, it still is a worthwhile read due to the way it treats the Mass overall.
Content:
The biggest flaw this book has is that it was written so long ago, and some may argue it isn't relevant because it pertains to a form of the Mass that is no longer celebrated. Yet, this flaw is actually a great strength. In the fact that it describes the "way things used to be" it informs the reader of what has been "lost" in Catechesis nowadays.
The book is a walk through, a survey if you will, of the Mass. It details everything from prayers, to postures, to the Sacred items used in the celebration of the Mass. It does in just over 100 pages, what some textbooks and entire courses fail to due over the course of an entire class. It not only explains what is happening at Mass... but the Sacred why.
Overall:
This book is worth the read, and worthy of adding to your collection. It is the type of book that I can see being lent to others, and passed from person to person. It would be a great gift for any of the above mentioned recipients. Add to that, the fact that it is a quick and easy read, and I think that it makes the perfect gift for holidays and "just because." In all honesty, it is one of the most succinct and yet thorough descriptions of the Holy Mass that I have ever read. I am surprised that more people I know haven't read it, and plan to promote it as the hidden treasure that it is. I can see this small book becoming a key to unlocking the Sacred understanding of the Mass for all who read it.
This book is a classic and a gem. It was written in 1932, and corresponds to the Mass the way in which it was celebrated then. Yet, it is written in such a Sacred way, that its relevance transcends time and form. It is a walk through of the Mass, and takes care to explain even the finest of details. While it was originally intended to be a primer for adults to explain the Mass to children, it can very well be used as a primer on the Mass for all.
This book should be a mandatory read for all Catechists, and those parents whose children are approaching the age of First Communion.
Style:
It is written in a very straight forward style, but Montessori is careful to capture the mystery and Sacred within her explanation of the physical acts which occur at the Mass. While it is instructional in its structure, its words capture the theological and Sacred qualities of those acts and words that we encounter at the Mass.
Audience:
While the book was originally written to help adults explain the Mass to children, I think it could be read by both adults and children alike. It is an easy read, and yet is thorough in its explanations. This would definitely benefit catechists, parents, and students approaching first communion; it would also be a great book for RCIA Catechumens and confirmation students. While it does describe the Mass as it was celebrated back in 1932, it still is a worthwhile read due to the way it treats the Mass overall.
Content:
The biggest flaw this book has is that it was written so long ago, and some may argue it isn't relevant because it pertains to a form of the Mass that is no longer celebrated. Yet, this flaw is actually a great strength. In the fact that it describes the "way things used to be" it informs the reader of what has been "lost" in Catechesis nowadays.
The book is a walk through, a survey if you will, of the Mass. It details everything from prayers, to postures, to the Sacred items used in the celebration of the Mass. It does in just over 100 pages, what some textbooks and entire courses fail to due over the course of an entire class. It not only explains what is happening at Mass... but the Sacred why.
Overall:
This book is worth the read, and worthy of adding to your collection. It is the type of book that I can see being lent to others, and passed from person to person. It would be a great gift for any of the above mentioned recipients. Add to that, the fact that it is a quick and easy read, and I think that it makes the perfect gift for holidays and "just because." In all honesty, it is one of the most succinct and yet thorough descriptions of the Holy Mass that I have ever read. I am surprised that more people I know haven't read it, and plan to promote it as the hidden treasure that it is. I can see this small book becoming a key to unlocking the Sacred understanding of the Mass for all who read it.
February 18, 2019
Very useful, particularly in the explanations (the descriptions are found in many sources).
I wish there could have been a bit more Latin instead of only English translations. Particularly with regard to the missa catanta, the Latin is plainly heard by all.
There seems to be at least one nitpicky error - p.47 states, "No other colours but those five are normally allowed at the altar," but the five named (red, white, violet, black, green) do not include the rose of Gaudete and Laetare Sundays. I suppose the "normally" could be a way of excusing this omission, though the color is absolutely normal every year on those days. Rose is not like blue, which has very particular restrictions on when and where/by whom it may be used.
I wish there could have been a bit more Latin instead of only English translations. Particularly with regard to the missa catanta, the Latin is plainly heard by all.
There seems to be at least one nitpicky error - p.47 states, "No other colours but those five are normally allowed at the altar," but the five named (red, white, violet, black, green) do not include the rose of Gaudete and Laetare Sundays. I suppose the "normally" could be a way of excusing this omission, though the color is absolutely normal every year on those days. Rose is not like blue, which has very particular restrictions on when and where/by whom it may be used.
November 22, 2019
A-MAZ-zing! I wish I had read this as a child, but I’m glad to have read it ever. It will be a First Holy Communion present ad nauseum from now on 😆
March 7, 2019
Excellent for first communion preparation as well as a great introduction to anyone new to the extraordinary form of the Holy Mass (Latin).
February 21, 2020
A wonderful little book on the authentic Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Traditional Latin Rite. Great for young and old alike.
December 10, 2011
Summary:
This book is a classic and a gem. It was written in 1932, and corresponds to the Mass the way in which it was celebrated then. Yet, it is written in such a Sacred way, that its relevance transcends time and form. It is a walk through of the Mass, and takes care to explain even the finest of details. While it was originally intended to be a primer for adults to explain the Mass to children, it can very well be used as a primer on the Mass for all.
This book should be a mandatory read for all Catechists, and those parents whose children are approaching the age of First Communion.
Style:
It is written in a very straight forward style, but Montessori is careful to capture the mystery and Sacred within her explanation of the physical acts which occur at the Mass. While it is instructional in its structure, its words capture the theological and Sacred qualities of those acts and words that we encounter at the Mass.
Audience:
While the book was originally written to help adults explain the Mass to children, I think it could be read by both adults and children alike. It is an easy read, and yet is thorough in its explanations. This would definitely benefit catechists, parents, and students approaching first communion; it would also be a great book for RCIA Catechumens and confirmation students. While it does describe the Mass as it was celebrated back in 1932, it still is a worthwhile read due to the way it treats the Mass overall.
Content:
The biggest flaw this book has is that it was written so long ago, and some may argue it isn't relevant because it pertains to a form of the Mass that is no longer celebrated. Yet, this flaw is actually a great strength. In the fact that it describes the "way things used to be" it informs the reader of what has been "lost" in Catechesis nowadays.
The book is a walk through, a survey if you will, of the Mass. It details everything from prayers, to postures, to the Sacred items used in the celebration of the Mass. It does in just over 100 pages, what some textbooks and entire courses fail to due over the course of an entire class. It not only explains what is happening at Mass... but the Sacred why.
Overall:
This book is worth the read, and worthy of adding to your collection. It is the type of book that I can see being lent to others, and passed from person to person. It would be a great gift for any of the above mentioned recipients. Add to that, the fact that it is a quick and easy read, and I think that it makes the perfect gift for holidays and "just because." In all honesty, it is one of the most succinct and yet thorough descriptions of the Holy Mass that I have ever read. I am surprised that more people I know haven't read it, and plan to promote it as the hidden treasure that it is. I can see this small book becoming a key to unlocking the Sacred understanding of the Mass for all who read it.
This book is a classic and a gem. It was written in 1932, and corresponds to the Mass the way in which it was celebrated then. Yet, it is written in such a Sacred way, that its relevance transcends time and form. It is a walk through of the Mass, and takes care to explain even the finest of details. While it was originally intended to be a primer for adults to explain the Mass to children, it can very well be used as a primer on the Mass for all.
This book should be a mandatory read for all Catechists, and those parents whose children are approaching the age of First Communion.
Style:
It is written in a very straight forward style, but Montessori is careful to capture the mystery and Sacred within her explanation of the physical acts which occur at the Mass. While it is instructional in its structure, its words capture the theological and Sacred qualities of those acts and words that we encounter at the Mass.
Audience:
While the book was originally written to help adults explain the Mass to children, I think it could be read by both adults and children alike. It is an easy read, and yet is thorough in its explanations. This would definitely benefit catechists, parents, and students approaching first communion; it would also be a great book for RCIA Catechumens and confirmation students. While it does describe the Mass as it was celebrated back in 1932, it still is a worthwhile read due to the way it treats the Mass overall.
Content:
The biggest flaw this book has is that it was written so long ago, and some may argue it isn't relevant because it pertains to a form of the Mass that is no longer celebrated. Yet, this flaw is actually a great strength. In the fact that it describes the "way things used to be" it informs the reader of what has been "lost" in Catechesis nowadays.
The book is a walk through, a survey if you will, of the Mass. It details everything from prayers, to postures, to the Sacred items used in the celebration of the Mass. It does in just over 100 pages, what some textbooks and entire courses fail to due over the course of an entire class. It not only explains what is happening at Mass... but the Sacred why.
Overall:
This book is worth the read, and worthy of adding to your collection. It is the type of book that I can see being lent to others, and passed from person to person. It would be a great gift for any of the above mentioned recipients. Add to that, the fact that it is a quick and easy read, and I think that it makes the perfect gift for holidays and "just because." In all honesty, it is one of the most succinct and yet thorough descriptions of the Holy Mass that I have ever read. I am surprised that more people I know haven't read it, and plan to promote it as the hidden treasure that it is. I can see this small book becoming a key to unlocking the Sacred understanding of the Mass for all who read it.
May 26, 2016
Good primer, introduction, to the spirituality of the Holy Sacrifice. Written by Montessori back in the day, when the pre-Conciliar Mass was the norm for Roman Rite Catholics. I especially appreciated the parts of the book wherein she explains the different vessels, vestments, and symbolism involved in a Holy Mass.
August 21, 2014
I don't know why this book isn't more popular in Catholic homeschooling circles. If I only got a single detail to take away, it was the reminder that we, as participants in the Mass, are standing with the Apostles at the Last Supper.
June 9, 2014
Just started... But I am a big Montessori fan...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews