Eucharistic Revival—Year 3

         A Closer Look at the Holy Mass

Throughout this time of Eucharistic Revival, our bulletin has carried quotes of saints and scholars on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. In this final year of the revival, the bulletin will provide weekly explanations of the various parts of the Holy Mass.

The Introductory Rites

Procession

The celebrant and other ministers process to the altar as an entrance song is sung.  The hymn calls to attention that the celebration is beginning. The traditional way to handle the entrance song is the responsorial singing of a psalm between the congregation and the choir. The entrance antiphon of the Mass with a Glory Be (the Introit) may also be sung or another hymn appropriate to the day’s liturgy.  Ministers with the cross, candles, and incense lead the procession.  The cross is placed near the altar so that the people can see it throughout the Mass. If there is already a fixed cross in the sanctuary, the processional cross should not be introduced as a double but put aside to be taken up later for the recession. 

Homage to the Altar

When the celebrant and other minsters reach the sanctuary, they reverence the altar. There are various acts of homage: profound bow, genuflection (if the Eucharist is reserved in the tabernacle), kissing the altar and when used, the incensation of the altar. The profound bow is no less a sign of reverence than the genuflection, although today, it is regarded as a lesser sign. A genuflection is now made only to the Blessed Sacrament and on this account is regarded as the higher expression of veneration. A kiss is given to the altar by the celebrant and deacon since it represents Christ. It is an expressive bodily sign that symbolizes a union desired or received. The kissing of things was introduced into the liturgy by way of the court ceremonial. In earlier times the kiss was also directed to the relics of the saints that were enclosed in the altar (no longer a requirement) The incensation of the altar is optional. It was introduced into the liturgy by way of court ceremonial. The fragrant smoke symbolizes purification, sanctification, and also creates the ambiance of heaven…symbolic of the cloud; the glory of the Lord manifested by the cloud in the Old Testament

The rising smoke, moreover, is symbolic of our prayers rising to God.