The history of the Mass

The Church has chosen to surround the Mass, this essential act of her worship, with ceremonies and prayers, in order that it may be performed by her children with the surpreme reverence it demands, enlightened by faith and with abundant fruitfulness. She has provided for this both in the preparatory prayers and readings as well as in the specifically sacrificial liturgy, with the communion and the concluding thanksgiving. It is this assemblage of venerable formularies and actions that this volume examines in the light of history--to the end that a better understanding of their development and significance will better unite us to them for our spiritual profit.