History for Masses

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

Fr. Alfred McBride, O.Praem., has written a gem of a book on the Mass that deserves to be read by every Catholic.

A Short History of the Mass (St. Anthony Messenger Press, Cincinnati, 2006), is ideal for individuals or study groups. Each of the six chapters ends with discussion questions.

Fr. McBride, a member of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, and the author of numerous books, traces the Mass from its origins up to today.

Each chapter looks at the Mass in a particular era. He starts by examining the Last Supper, the various elements of the meal and their sacramental and theological meanings.

Chapter two deals with the Mass from the time of the Apostles to the mid-third century, a key era in shaping the Mass. "By the year 150," Fr. McBride writes, "the general structure of the Eucharistic liturgy had been established. In its fundamental structure, it remains the same to the present time."

The conversion of Constantine in the early fourth century led to numerous conversions as the church was freed from persecution. Suddenly, house churches were too small and the large basilica - modeled after the Roman law courts - became the norm. Everything changed: Stone altars replaced the simple wood tables; liturgical texts were standardized; processions, the Creed and Gloria were added; Gregorian chant, vestments and liturgical books were developed; and special vessels went from wood or ceramic to precious metals. The homily also came into its own.

In the Middle Ages, monasteries played a key role. Choir stalls and wooden or stone barriers cut the people off from the sanctuary, leading to the addition of side altars. Plus, "I" replaced "we" in prayers; Communion was received on the tongue while kneeling, rather than in the hand while standing and many people quit receiving Communion. Private devotions during the Mass developed that had nothing to do with the liturgy.

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The Council of Trent led to more change. Unfortunately, Fr. McBride said, the council and church had so many things to deal with after the Protestant Reformation that they did not look into the origins of the Mass. That wouldn't be done until the 19th century. What the scholars learned then paved the way for the changes made after Vatican II, which brought the Mass closer to the liturgy of the early church.

The whole story is there in a highly readable and concise book - 119 pages - that traces both the history of the Mass and its theology. It's impossible to recommend A Short History of the Mass too highly.