Tridentine Rite Mass introduction on PBS; and a full Mass ...

This four minute video is an introduction to the Tridentine Mass.

Well, what is the Tridentine Mass? It's the Mass used in the Catholic Church for almost 1500 years, until the introduction of the Mass of Pope Paul VI following the Second Vatican Council.

Why is it called the Tridentine Mass? Because it was codified by the Council of Trent in the 16th century. But the Mass itself is far older than that. The Canon, or central part, of the Mass dates back to the time of St Gregory in the sixth century.

Pope Benedict XVI very recently removed restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass, reviving a rite that was all but swept away by the liberalizing reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

The decision, a victory for traditional, conservative Roman Catholics, came over the objections of liberal-minded Catholics and angered Jews because the Tridentine Mass contains a prayer for their conversion.

The video below is an entire Latin Mass. Its running time is just over one hour. It may be that you would like to watch the first fifteen minutes. That would include the Procession and the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar. Very beautiful music attends this liturgy.

There is much to love and respect in this liturgy. Note how unhurried is this celebration and also note the degree of discipline exhibited by the participants. This is worship worthy of the Holy, Holy, Holy God.

You could leave this video running in the background while you did other things. The music alone will bless you richly. GRL3