Episode 3171: Traditional Mass: Low

Traditional Latin Low Mass (Missa Privata): Full Description

OVERVIEW:
The Low Mass is the simplest form of the Traditional Latin Mass. It is typically celebrated without music, incense, or other solemnities. It is reverent, quiet, meditative, and primarily intended for weekdays or private celebrations. The priest recites the prayers audibly but softly, and only a few responses are made by the server or congregation.

I. Before Mass Begins
A. Preparation of the Altar and Sacristy
Altar is prepared with:

Three altar cards

Chalice, veil, burse, corporal

Candles: 2 lit for a Low Mass

Missal on the Epistle side (right side)

Vestments:

Amice

Alb

Cincture

Maniple (put on last)

Stole (crossed on the chest)

Chasuble (symbol of the yoke of Christ)

Priest prays vesting prayers silently while dressing.

B. Prayers at the Foot of the Altar (Introibo)
Priest approaches the center of the altar, genuflects, and begins:

“Introibo ad altare Dei”

Responses with server: “Ad Deum qui lætificat juventutem meam”

Psalm 42 (Judica me, Deus) is recited

Confiteor is said twice: first by the priest, then by the server

Priest gives absolution: “Misereatur tui...”

"Indulgentiam..." follows.

II. Mass of the Catechumens (Instruction)
A. Ascend to the Altar
Priest kisses the altar

Recites Aufer a nobis and Oramus te, Domine

B. Kyrie Eleison
Said 3 times each: Kyrie, Christe, Kyrie

C. Gloria
Recited on Sundays and feasts (not in Advent or Lent)

Ends with a bow at “Suscipe deprecationem nostram”

D. Collects
Priest turns to the people briefly: “Dominus vobiscum”

Recites Collect(s) from the Missal

E. Epistle
Priest reads Epistle at Epistle side

Server responds “Deo gratias”

F. Gradual/Tract
Recited at the altar

G. Gospel
Missal is moved to Gospel side

Priest bows: “Munda cor meum”

Signs Gospel (forehead, lips, heart)

Reads Gospel

Server responds: “Laus tibi, Christe”

Priest kisses Gospel: “Per evangelica dicta…”

III. Mass of the Faithful (Sacrifice)
A. Offertory
Offertory Antiphon read

Offertory Prayers:

Oblation of the host: “Suscipe, sancte Pater…”

Preparation of the chalice: wine and a drop of water

“Offerimus tibi…”, “In spiritu humilitatis…”

Lavabo: Priest washes hands (Psalm 25)

“Suscipe, Sancta Trinitas…”

B. Orate, Fratres
Turns to people: “Orate, fratres…”

Server replies: “Suscipiat Dominus…”

C. Secret Prayer
Said silently

IV. Canon of the Mass
A. Preface
Dialogue: “Dominus vobiscum… Sursum corda… Gratias agamus…”

Seasonal preface recited

B. Sanctus
Recited softly: “Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus…”

C. Canon (silent)
Begins: “Te igitur…”

Names of saints and living remembered

Consecration:

Words of Institution pronounced softly but clearly

Elevation of Host and Chalice

Bell rung 3 times each elevation

Unde et memores… continues

Commemoration of the dead

Nobis quoque peccatoribus: priest strikes breast

Ends with: “Per ipsum…” and doxology

V. Communion Rite
A. Pater Noster
Priest recites; server responds “Sed libera nos a malo”

B. Libera nos… Pax Domini
Fraction of the Host

“Haec commixtio…” drops a particle into the Chalice

C. Agnus Dei
Recited 3 times

Priest prays silently for peace and mercy

D. Communion of the Priest
Prayers of preparation

“Domine, non sum dignus…” said 3 times

E. Communion of the Faithful (if present)
“Ecce Agnus Dei…”

Faithful respond: “Domine, non sum dignus…” 3 times

Communion given with: “Corpus Domini nostri…”

VI. Post-Communion
A. Ablutions
Wine and water purify the chalice and fingers

“Quod ore sumpsimus…”, “Corpus tuum…”

B. Missal returned to Epistle side
C. Post-Communion Prayer(s)
“Dominus vobiscum…”

Read from Missal

VII. Conclusion
A. Ite Missa Est / Benedicamus Domino
“Ite Missa est” (or Benedicamus Domino if no Gloria)

Server responds: “Deo gratias”

B. Final Blessing
Priest says: “Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus…” making sign of the Cross

C. Last Gospel
Usually John 1:1–14 (In principio erat Verbum…)

Priest signs himself at “Et Verbum caro factum est”

Server replies: “Deo gratias”

VIII. After Mass
Leonine Prayers (often recited after Low Mass):

3 Hail Marys

Hail Holy Queen

Prayer for the Church

St. Michael Prayer

3x “Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us”

IX. OTHER NOTES:
Silence is prominent throughout, encouraging prayerful meditation.

The server makes responses on behalf of the people.

Bell rings at:

Sanctus

Elevation of Host and Chalice

“Domine non sum dignus”

No singing or incense

No homily is required, but may be added between Gospel and Offertory.

TRADITIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
Each movement of the priest is rich in symbolism, representing Christ's Passion.

The altar represents Mount Calvary.

The prayers are directed to God the Father, offered in and through Christ, by the ordained priest.

Reverence, humility, and objective worship are emphasized.