The Incredible Catholic Mass: An Explanation of the Catholic Mass
By Fr. Martin von Cochem · Published by TAN Books
Overview
Every single time the Holy Sacrifice of the Altar is celebrated, an event of infinite majesty takes place right before our eyes—yet so many Catholics sit in the pews entirely blind to its supernatural reality. We struggle with distractions, view the liturgy as a mere social gathering, or forget that the Mass is a literal, unbloody representation of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary. If we truly understood the staggering spiritual riches poured out at every Consecration, we would crawl on hands and knees just to attend one more Mass.
In The Incredible Catholic Mass, the venerable Fr. Martin von Cochem delivers an unmatched, profoundly illuminating explanation of the Eucharistic liturgy. Drawing seamlessly upon Sacred Scripture, strict dogmatic theology, and the ecstatic private revelations of the saints, Fr. Cochem strips away the veil hanging between heaven and earth. He systematically demonstrates why the Mass is the highest possible form of prayer, adoration, penance, and thanksgiving available to humanity. Written with the traditional Latin Mass as its structural paradigm, its deep mystical principles apply universally to the essence of the Holy Sacrifice, changing forever how you enter the doors of a Catholic church.
- The Infinite Value: Discover why a single Holy Mass possesses more spiritual merit and pleasing adoration to God than all the private prayers and severe penances of the saints combined.
- Angelic Intercession: Learn how choirs of invisible angels descend in trembling adoration around the priest during the Consecration to carry your personal intentions to the throne of God.
- The Power of Reparation: Understand how actively offering the Mass safely satisfies the temporal punishment due to your sins, offering a direct path of purgatorial cleansing while still on earth.
- Fruits for the Deceased: Explore the profound canonical and mystical reality of how the Holy Sacrifice brings immediate, cooling relief and swift release to the Poor Souls suffering in Purgatory.
- Active Interior Participation: Move beyond superficial, external behaviors and learn how to align your heart, mind, and soul with the Paschal Mystery being enacted upon the altar.
What Traditional Treasures Await You Inside:
- Theology Made Luminous: Complicated concepts regarding transubstantiation and Christ’s eternal high priesthood are explained in simple, moving, and beautifully pious prose.
- Clergy and Laity Resource: An invaluable tool for priests looking to renew their liturgical zeal and for lay Catholics seeking to banish routine tepidity from their Sunday obligation.
- A Defense of Reverence: Reclaims the unyielding historical truth that the Mass is first and foremost a propitiatory *sacrifice* rather than a sentimental community meal.
Intended Audience
This masterpiece is perfectly designed for any practicing Catholic (ages 15 and up) who wants to thoroughly shatter distractions and lukewarmness during worship. It is an incomparable text for individuals going through RCIA/OCIA, youth preparing for Confirmation, seminarians studying the liturgy, and any believer desiring to unlock an unshakeable, lifelong devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament.
FAQs
Is this book only relevant if I attend the Traditional Latin Mass?
No. While Fr. Cochem writes during an era where the traditional Latin rubrics were universal, he focuses entirely on the *essence* of the Mass—the sacrifice, the consecration, and the supernatural reality of Christ’s body and blood. Its truths apply beautifully to and will enrich your participation in any valid Catholic rite.
Who was the author, Fr. Martin von Cochem?
Fr. Martin von Cochem (1634–1712) was a holy German Capuchin Franciscan priest, theologian, and highly successful missionary preacher. He was renowned for his ability to translate the highest concepts of ascetical and dogmatic theology into deeply engaging, accessible, and life-changing books for the everyday lay faithful.
Can I use this book as a guide for making better Holy Hours?
Yes, seamlessly. The chapters are short, inspiring, and completely saturated with the wisdom of the saints, making them perfect to read and meditate upon during Eucharistic Adoration or right before attending Holy Mass.
Key Themes
- The Eucharistic Sacrifice: Anchoring the soul in the unbloody re-presentation of the Crucifixion on Calvary.
- The Wealth of Grace: Unveiling the metric of infinite merits applied to those who attend Mass devoutly.
- Apostolic Continuity: Discovering the scriptural, patristic, and saintly consensus surrounding the beauty of the altar.
- Liturgical Wonder: Reviving a holy fear of God and childlike awe before the real, physical presence of Jesus Christ.
- SKU:
- 1523
- ISBN-13:
- 9780895556080
- Product Format:
- Paperbound
- Pdf:
- https://tanbooks.com/content/1523_Preview.pdf
- Height:
- 8.50
- Width:
- 5.50
21 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Amazing!
There Incredible Catholic Mass,ù has deepened my love for the Mass through explaining what is actually happening. It is lifting mystical veils and Im only half way through the book. For me, its to be read slowly and to ponder prayfully over.
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Good
Great
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A Must Read
It is a must read to help increase the depth of love both for the mass and the Eucharist. Most chapters are only 8-10 pages so reading a chapter a day is usually doable. I have bought and given away several dozen of them for I believe this is something that many many Catholics don;t really appreciate or understand today. We really need priests if we are to continue to be able have a mass that we can go to. Pray for our priests as we are all in need in this great spiritual warfare in which we are engaged.
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One of the Most important Books you will ever read.
I consider this one of the most important books all Catholics should read. If you want to know what is happening in the Holy Mass then this book will tell you exactly what you need to know. I have read my copy many times and each time I read it I learn something new. It truly shows you how the Holy Mass is the life of Jesus. Just imagine, at every Mass you have the opportunity to stand below the Cross to worship and adore our dying Jesus and to see him rise again. Please buy this book to understand better what is happening in the Holy Mass.
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Excellent Book
This book is an excellent book for those who want to come to know how awesome the Holy Mass is. It is an easy read with simple and well organized breaking down of the meaning of the mass and its value. This book won;t be boring because its explanations are followed with amazing stories and examples to better understand the point of each topic covered in the chapter. I am a priest and I have found this book inspirational and motivational in appreciating the power and value of the mass. This book is not only worth reading and your time, but it will truly change your attitude towards the Holy Mass. In my humble opinion it would benefit any Catholic faithful, a lay or clergy. I am glad that I was able to read this book it change me in a way I offer the Holy Mass. I would highly recommend this book to any Catholic. If the Holy Mass has become to you a routine or you are bored when present at Holy Mass then you definitely need to read this book.
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The Incredible Catholic Mass
It, along with the diary of Sister Faustina, was the most informative book about our salvation besides the Bible I'veread. Years ago, Vince Lombardi after an early-season loss, took his professional American football team and began lessons in the basics of football.... the size of the ball, the stitching, the field measurements and divisions, cleats, the uniform of the players, the rules, etc. It was these fundementals which allowed his team - the very famous Green Bay Packers - to win many titles and honors. It's the same with "The Incredible Catholic Mass." This fabulous book explains the beginning of the sacred Mass, the vital rituals, the secret prayers said from the altar, how to include your intentions with those of the Celebrant, the consecration, and so much more. It's the basics of the Mass with theological proof, historical information and references, and intelligently written for the everyday reader. Highly recommended... in fact, I purchased eight more copies today for my children and friends.
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I Can't wait to get
I Can't wait to get this book read. I absolutely LOVE daily mass and love explaining it to my friends and family and students.
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Wonderful book!
I read this book recently and bought a second copy for my son. It has a lot of helpful anecdotes about the value of the Mass from many different aspects!
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A must read...
This book is so good that I had to buy more to give to my friends!
