A Short History of the Roman Mass
Published by TAN Books
Overview
A Short History of the Roman Mass offers a concise yet authoritative account of the development of the Church’s central act of worship. Tracing the liturgy from its institution at the Last Supper to its traditional form as celebrated in the Roman Rite, this work provides readers with a clear understanding of how the Mass grew organically within the life of the Church.
Rather than presenting reform as rupture, the book carefully examines the historical refinements introduced by Popes St. Gregory the Great and St. Pius V. It demonstrates that these reforms did not create a new liturgy, but preserved, clarified, and codified an already ancient sacred heritage. Readers are guided through the evolution of Low Mass, the development of Sacramentaries, and the place of other Western Rites within the broader liturgical tradition.
Richly informed by historical sources and scholarly research, this volume is both accessible and substantial. It reveals the Roman Mass not as a static artifact, but as a living tradition rooted in apostolic worship and shaped through centuries of faithful continuity.
- Trace the Roman Mass from the Last Supper to its traditional form
- Examine the reforms of St. Gregory the Great and St. Pius V in historical context
- Understand the development of Low Mass and the Sacramentaries
- Explore the relationship between the Roman Rite and other Western liturgical traditions
From the Book
The reforms of the great pontiffs did not create a new liturgy, but refined and safeguarded a sacred inheritance already received.
Intended Audience
This book is ideal for clergy, seminarians, altar servers, catechists, and lay faithful who desire a deeper historical understanding of the Roman Mass. It is particularly helpful for those interested in liturgical development and continuity.
It is not a devotional meditation, but a historical and liturgical study grounded in research and documentation, presented in a clear and engaging style.
Practical use cases include parish liturgy study groups, seminary coursework, personal formation in liturgical theology, and reference for discussions about the Roman Rite.
FAQs
Does this book argue that the Roman Mass was created in the sixteenth century?
No. It explains that the reforms of St. Gregory the Great and St. Pius V refined and codified the existing liturgy rather than inventing a new one.
Does it cover Low Mass and Western Rites?
Yes. The book discusses Low Mass, Sacramentaries, and other Western liturgical traditions.
Is this book suitable for non-clergy readers?
Yes. It is written in an accessible style while remaining historically informed and authoritative.
Key Themes
- Development of the Roman Mass
- Liturgical continuity and reform
- St. Gregory the Great and St. Pius V
- Low Mass and Sacramentaries
- Western Rite traditions
- Imprint:
- TAN Books
- Pages:
- 63
- Publication Date:
- 2/1/1997
- Product Format:
- Booklet
- Height:
- 6.00
- Width:
- 3.75
1 Review
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Short History of the Roman Mass
Just Fr. Faber's description of the Roman Mass on page 45 is worth the purchase.!!!!
