MyCatholicSource.com - 'Quick Help' Page: Canon Of The Mass

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1. The Canon of the Mass may refer to the central, fixed part of the Traditional Latin Mass. It is considered the most solemn part of the Mass and is said nearly entirely silently. Note that the core of the Canon of the Traditional Mass has existed at least since the end of the fourth century (see here).

As the Council of Trent states...

"Holy things must be treated in a holy way and this sacrifice is the most holy of all things. And so, that this sacrifice might be worthily and reverently offered and received, the Catholic Church many centuries ago instituted the sacred Canon. It is free from all error and contains nothing that does not savor strongly of holiness and piety and nothing that does not raise to God the minds of those who offer the Sacrifice. For it is made up from the words of our Lord, from apostolic traditions, and from devout instructions of the holy pontiffs."

And...

"If anyone says that there are errors in the Canon of the [Tridentine] Mass and that it should therefore be done away with; let him be anathema."

And also...

"If anyone says that the rite of the Roman Church prescribing that a part of the Canon and the words of consecration be recited in a low tone of voice, should be condemned; or that Mass should be celebrated only in the vernacular; or that water should not be mixed with wine offered in the chalice...let him be anathema."

2. Does the Novus Ordo Mass of the 1960's imposed on the Church after the Second Vatican Council contain the Roman Canon?

A modified version of the Roman Canon was added back to the Novus Ordo (New Order) Mass as an option, but it is longer and therefore not often used. Further, parts of it are made optional, and various parts have been mistranslated into vernacular languages.

Did you know? It is still possible – thanks be to God! – to lawfully attend the Traditional Latin Mass. The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass differs from the 1960's Novus Ordo Mass in many & significant ways (try here for more information). To locate a Traditional Latin Mass in your area, try here.

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