Expert: Fr. Michael - 12/11/2008

Question
I recently attended my first Latin Mass recently (I offically joined RCC this year).  I was completely confused the whole time, the incense made my eyes water, and I LOVED every minute of it, and I want to know more.  It was a great blessing for me to attend.  What resources are out there for me to learn more about the mass, and the prayers and songs that are in it?

Thank you and God Bless you!

Answer
First of all, "Tridentine" is a misnomer, as the true Mass was not issued from the Council of Trent.  The correct term is "Traditional Latin Mass."

According to Roman Catholic Tradition, the Traditional Latin Mass in all its essentials was passed on by St. Peter, the first pope, to the Church.  The Apostles themselves, according to St. Ambrose, worked at its elaboration.  It reached its complete perfection with Popes St. Damasus (fourth century) and St. Gregory the Great (sixth century).  As the great liturgical scholar, Fr. Adrian Fortescue, wrote, this Mass is "the most venerable in all Christendom, with a history of unbroken use far longer than that of any Eastern rite, there being no doubt that the essential parts of the Mass are of Apostolic origin."

There are many resources for the true Mass.  Some are given at www.traditio.com/tradlib/faq05.txt.  The Official Traditional Catholic Directory is available at www.traditio.com/nat.htm.