The Traditional Mass: History, Form, and Theology of the Classical Roman Rite

by Michael Fiedrowicz, Rose Pfeifer (Translator)

In view of ever deepening interest in the traditional form of the Roman rite of Mass—which, according to Benedict XVI’s Summorum Pontificum , demands “due honor for its venerable and ancient usage”—a comprehensive but concise introduction to its history, form, and theology is more than ever desirable. In contrast to conventional explanations of the Mass that offer practical or allegorical explanations of particular moments in the rite, the present work attends to the organic process by which the Roman rite was built up from its foundations into a magnificent structure, marked by the accumulated riches of each age through which it passed, and characterized by order, beauty, and piety in its texts, gestures, rubrics, chants, and calendar—ranging from the major elements to the most minute details. Treated as well are the reality of the sacred and how it is encountered, the irreducible role of ritual action, the eastward direction of prayer, the formation and value of a specialized sacred language, and liturgical participation correctly understood. The author brilliantly expounds the dogmatic fidelity, anthropological realism, pastoral advantages, and inexhaustible theological depth of the traditional Latin Mass, in and through which the harmony of the Catholic lex orandi and lex credendi achieves its most perfect expression and its most powerful impact. “Readers will find here much with which to grow in their appreciation of Pope Benedict XVI’s insistence that, in respect of the older ‘What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too, and it cannot be all of a sudden entirely forbidden or even considered harmful. It behooves all of us to preserve the riches which have developed in the Church’s faith and prayer, and to give them their proper place.’ The publication of this English translation marks another important step towards achieving that goal.”— DOM ALCUIN REID , Founding Prior, Monastère Saint-Benoît “This historically rigorous and theologically informed book is indispensable for anyone who cares about Pope Benedict XVI’s liturgical vision. I am delighted that this outstanding introduction to the traditional form of the Roman Mass is now available to Anglophone readers.”— FR. UWE MICHAEL LANG , Cong. Orat., St. Mary’s University “Michael Fiedrowicz here accomplishes something well-nigh a comprehensive introduction to the elaborate history, complex structure, and sublime theology of the traditional Latin Mass—supported by abundant scholarship—all within the scope of a single highly readable volume. His treatment of organic development, Latin, Gregorian chant, the orations, the Offertory, the Roman Canon, eastward orientation, and the benefits of fixed ritual are among the best I have ever seen. His respectful but incisive critique of defects in last century’s liturgical reform runs like a countermelody against the principal theme. Quite simply, this is the best one-volume work on the classical Roman Mass published since the Second Vatican Council.”— PETER A. KWASNIEWSKI , author of Noble Beauty, Transcendent Holiness “I am pleased that Angelico Press has made available in English translation Prof. Fiedrowicz’s substantive achievement—the fruit of careful research, orthodox faith, and reverence for the riches handed on in tradition.”— FR. THOMAS KOCIK , Society for Catholic Liturgy “The Roman Church has been rendered a great service with the publication of The Traditional Mass . Whereas previous tomes on the Roman Liturgy have often been too technical to appeal to the average Catholic, Fiedrowicz’s style—simple, informative, yet profound—grips and guides the reader from the outset. I heartily recommend this masterpiece to all Catholics who desire to better understand and appreciate the traditional Roman Mass.”— LOUIS J. TOFARI , Romanitas Press

Genres: Theology, Catholic

350 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2011

Reviews

[Sam U · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on the Roman liturgy that I have ever come across. It is not just a collection of already well-known points that one can come across on traditionalist blogs. In fact the book presumes the readers already know most of the basics and proceeds to present a lot of original and eye-opening points that are less ready to be found on popular traditionalist sites, and through these informs the readers of the origin and richness of the traditional liturgy, the Roman liturgy.
Definitely recommend this book to any liturgist who wishes to learn more about the history and beauty of the traditional Mass.

[Darrick Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is pretty much the best single book on the historical, theological and spiritual aspects of the "Traditional Mass," the rite of the Roman Church prior to 1970. Divided into three parts, the first gives a precis of the historical development of the Roman rite from earliest times up to 1962. The second part, entitled "Form," contains chapters on the structure of the mass, the liturgical year, the direction of prayer and liturgical Latin, as well as a chapter on ritual, which both defends the ceremonies of the Old Roman rite but also ritual in general as necessary to sacred worship. The final section deals with the theology of the classical Roman rite, which examines the prayers of the old mass for their theological content. To understand the old mass, you really need to have some experience with it, as well as some theological learning (you DON'T need to know Latin, though it helps). It takes some doing, and is not merely about book learning. But if you want to learn about it and study it, this is by far the best single book on the subject I have read. Highly recommend.

[Deborah Steenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Fiedrowicz' "The Traditional Mass" provides an in-depth, profound yet concise look into the into the riches of the history and form of the Mass of All Time. He also shows us the sound and unmistakably Catholic theology under-girding it all. Fiedrowicz has very much deepened my understanding, appreciation and reverence for the the classic Mass. He also surprised me, leading me to a renewed sense of awe and wonder before the Lord who invites us into His sacrificial liturgy in the heavenly timeless present.

[Bo Majors · Rating 5 out of 5]

an incredible and fascinating study of the traditional Roman rite

The author not only shares his academic findings of how we worshiped basically at the Mass for over1700 years but the spiritual riches as well that one finds In the traditional Roman rite. I intend to read it again.