Wednesday, June 3, 2020 –
Today (and tomorrow) we are going to answer some last-minute questions I have received over the years on the Traditional Latin Mass and a few “traditional” minded things surrounding the “old” Mass. A few may have already been answered in previous posts, so I apologize if I repeat…repeat…repeat myself.
Bonus twofer question: Will it be quiet? –AND– Will I be able to hear the Priest?
Yes, it will be quiet and yes/no on hearing the Priest.
A Low Mass is sometimes known as a “quiet” Mass because there is no singing, and sometimes there isn’t even a homily. The bulk of the Mass cannot be heard by the congregation because the Priest does not wear a microphone. This is because the priest uses three tones (types) of voices: low (quiet), medium (conversation), and high (loud). More on this in a separate question. Typically, the only time the Priest uses a microphone is at the ambo when he re-reads the Epistle and Gospel in the vernacular (your language) and when he gives his homily.
Side note: traditionally, in Latin Mass Parishes, the Holy Rosary is prayed aloud by the congregation before Mass. Likewise, the Leonine prayers (see below) are prayed together after Low Mass, before the Priest recesses out.
More on the three voices of the Priest:
During the Mass, the Priest uses three tones (types) of voices: low (quiet), medium (conversation), and high (loud).
Low voice is used for the prayers surrounding and during the Consecration. This is an incredibly intimate moment where the bread and wine is transubstantiated into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. You will not be able to hear this at all, but this sacred silence lets us delve deeper into contemplative prayer.
Medium voice is used when the ministers and servers need to hear. For example, the server has several responses throughout the Mass. The Priest uses medium voice so the server knows when to respond. You *may* be able to hear this if you have great hearing or are towards the front of the nave.
Loud voice is heard by all. These are brief phrases and parts of certain prayers to let us, the people, know where we are. Practically speaking, most people are praying during Mass, so these little bits of “loud voice” help us to keep track of what is going on.
What is a Subdeacon?
Subdeacon is part of the Minor/Major Orders structure (i.e. “steps to the Priesthood). They have been around since about the 3rd century, and are still maintained today by FSSP, Christ the King, and a few other TLM groups.
What are the Minor and Major Orders?
There are 4 minor orders and 3 major orders. Before all this begins is Tonsure. So, here are the basics:
- Tonsure: clipping of the hair by the Bishop; the candidate dedicates himself to service of the altar. His symbol is the clipped hair on the back of his head.
Minor Orders –
- Porter: charged with guarding the church, ringing bells, etc. His symbol are the keys.
- Lector: charged with reading (except Gospel) and to teach the fundamentals of the faith. His symbol is the Bible.
- Exorcist: given the power to invoke the Name of the Lord over those possessed by unclean spirits. His symbol is the Rituale
- Acolyte: charged with carrying the candles, presentation of wine and water, etc. His symbol is the thurible and cruets
Major Orders –
- Subdeacon: first of the sacred Major Orders. He is charged with preparing the altar, vessels, etc. He also reads the Epistle (Lesson). His symbol is the Epistolarium (the Epistles).
- Deacon: second of the Major Orders. He is charged with standing by the Bishop (or principal Celebrant) at Mass and reading the Gospel. His symbol is the Evangeliarium (the Gospels)
- Priest: Highest of the Major Orders. He is ordained and consecrated to God by the lawful imposition of hands and solemn vows. He has the powers and faculties to give us the Sacraments. His symbol is holding up the Blessed Sacrament.
Saint Cornelius, pray for us!
