The Catholic Mass: Steps to Restore the Centrality of God in the Liturgy

by Bishop Athanasius Schneider, Aurelio Porfiri

Overview

We are going through a period of liturgical exile, explains Bishop Athanasius Schneider in this enlightening book, and the vast proliferation of modern abuses are crying out for liturgical reform. The primary source of most modern abuses, he declares, is man's narcissistic tendency to idolize himself instead of paying homage to God.

In what is sure to be seen as one of the most impressive and authoritative books ever written on the Catholic Mass, Bishop Schneider reestablishes what Catholics have known for centuries but have largely forgotten today: that the Mass is the highest form of Christian prayer, which enables us to express with exterior worship our interior belief.

He describes how saints such as Padre Pio and John Vianney helped the faithful enter into a profound spiritual experience during Mass, and he explains why the Mass should serve as a means to lift our hearts to God so we can surrender to His will. You'll come to understand why the rubrics are vital to preserving the authenticity of the liturgy, and you'll learn why architecture, music, sacred art, and even incense are vital symbols that direct our attention to Heaven. You'll also learn:

• How to recollect and listen to God's Word properly
• The keys to lifting your heart and surrendering to God's will at Mass.
• Why it's essential to celebrate the Mass ad orientem
• How following the rituals assists you in contemplating the spiritual
• Ways you can unite yourself to the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross
• The most profitable ways of spending time in thanksgiving following Holy Communion

Bishop Schneider and coauthor Aurelio Porfiri encourage the revival of public prayers, such as the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharistic adoration. He explains how genuflecting, kneeling, and prostrating oneself are all outward signs of reverence that demonstrate this inward action. Our duty, he declares, is to render “perpetual thanksgiving” to God at Mass. Indeed, as he solemnly asserts, “The Mass is the greatest and most important work of the Church.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781644135402
Publisher:	Sophia Institute Press
Publication date:	01/25/2022
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	541,607
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Bishop Schneider and coauthor Aurelio Porfiri encourage the revival of public prayers, such as the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharistic adoration. He explains how genuflecting, kneeling, and prostrating oneself are all outward signs of reverence that demonstrate this inward action. Our duty, he declares, is to render “perpetual thanksgiving” to God at Mass. Indeed, as he solemnly asserts, “The Mass is the greatest and most important work of the Church.”

Aurelio Porfiri is an Italian composer, conductor, educator, and writer. He is a renowned expert in sacred music and a scholar on China and Catholic traditionalism. He is the co-author, with Bishop Athanasius Schneider, of the bestselling The Catholic Mass, already translated in multiple languages. He is a contributor to major Catholic and conservative blogs in Italy, France, and the United States. The popular American magazine Inside the Vatican included him in the top-ten most influential people in 2021.

Table of Contents

Foreword Aurelio Porfiri xi

Translator's Note xv

1 The Mass Is Prayer 1

2 The Mass Is Adoration 25

3 The Mass Is Ritual 49

4 The Mass Is Sacrifice 73

5 The Mass Is Splendor 99

6 The Mass Is Sacred Action 127

7 The Mass Is Thanksgiving 147

8 The Mass Is Listening 165

9 The Mass Is the Church's Life 189

10 The Mass Is Salvation's Source 209

11 The Mass Is Sacred Service 237

12 The Mass Is the Wedding Feast 259

Conclusion: The Centrality of God 293

About the Authors 301