The priest's actions during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass are the most sublime on earth. This is especially so in the traditional Roman Rite which minutely prescribes the celebrant's ritualistic motions.
Unfortunately the sacred and profound acts of the traditional Mass are often not readily visible to those in the pews or perhaps occur too quickly to be fully appreciated.
Not anymore! In 80 classic black and white photographs, this new large format (8.5 x 11 inches) pictorial book freezes in time the awesome ritual of the venerable Roman Mass.
Not only do these pictures reveal the priestly actions during Low Mass (some not usually depicted in other pictorial demonstrations), but also from the best vantage points!
Another advantageous feature of these pictures is the use of simple liturgical appointments which help the viewer to focus upon and contemplate the priest's supernatural actions rather than on decorations.
In addition to demonstrating the celebrant's acts during Low Mass, each picture is accompanied with a short description of the ritualistic movement and sometimes an associated prayer from the Mass.
Originally printed in 1944 as a set of cards, never before has this collection of images been available in book format. This project took several years to complete as the vintage pictures had to specially scanned, digitally cleaned and enhanced.
To allow this pictorial book to lay open flat, it was bound as a saddle-stitched softcover (or magazine format). To provide durability (especially when used by children), a heavy stock was employed for both the cover and text pages.
The Mass: Up-Close in Pictures is ideal for any Catholic (lay or cleric) who desires to make a closer examination and appreciation of the ritual of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. But we must especially recommend this pictorial booklet for children, who will be fascinated by the images of the priest's actions frozen in time.
80 pages, softcover, saddle-stitched.
BOOK REVIEWS
From the Rorate Caeli blog:
...this book consists of carefully planned black and white photos of the most significant gestures in the unfolding of the Low Mass. It is a "sanctuary bird's-eye view" that almost no one could have unless he were seated in one of those old Baroque balconies seen in some European churches or chapels.
The benefit of the still photos is to give one a moment to contemplate the beauty of the gesture in its various components and to think about its meaning. The classic, mellow, and non-distracting monochrome format fits this purpose well.
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The Mass: Up Close in Pictures will prove to be a valuable tool for priests learning the Mass and an aide to the layman who wants to better understand the actions of the priest.
The simple, straightforward layout even makes it ideal for introducing young children to the Traditional Mass.
The classic black & white images capture the essence of every moment of the Holy Sacrifice.
Romanitas Press has done us, priest and layman alike, a great service by bringing these long forgotten images back to life. Joe Gallante (Cape Cod Latin Mass Apostolate).