Certain parts in the Solemn High Mass are sung by the assistants and simultaneously prayed silently by the priest. What is the reason for this repetition of prayers? Continue reading “Why certain prayers in the Latin Mass are said twice”
It is a fact that may not appear obvious but the use of silk or even cotton is not approved for the liturgy. Continue reading “Why the Catholic Church does not allow the use of silk for the liturgy”
Some people think they do not need to dress up for Sunday Mass, since “God loves me as I am”. Continue reading “Why we should dress up for Sunday Mass”
“Ankle-length garment” is the literal meaning of the corresponding Latin term. Continue reading “Why priests should wear cassocks?”
Ever noticed that candles at churches are always white? There’s a reason for that. Continue reading “Why church candles are white in color?”
It is a fact that may not appear obvious but the use of cotton or silk is not approved for the liturgy. Continue reading “Why the Church prescribes the use of linen for the liturgy, instead of cotton”
For one reason, precisely because it is dead! Continue reading “Why does the Church cling to Latin, a dead language?”
In the Epistle to the Hebrews, you will find these words, “For every high priest taken from among men, is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins.” (Hebr. 5:1) Continue reading “Why do priests say Mass in Latin?”
In the course of past centuries the ceremonies of the Holy Mass organically grew to what have now in the 1962 Solemn High Mass, i.e. the High Mass with deacon and subdeacon. Continue reading “Why the priest in the 1962 Low Mass says certain parts up loud and others silently”
At the solemn start of the Sung Mass in the extraordinary form, an ‘ouverture’ is sung by the choir, namely the Introit (Introitus). Continue reading “Why we sing the Introit at Sung Mass”
You may have noticed it sometimes: The priest’s hand is kissed during a Mass ceremony or by one of the faithful when greeting him.
Origin
The reason why the hand of a priest is kissed (for example during the liturgy), is because the hands of bishops and priests are consecrated.
This makes the hands the ultimate symbol for the priesthood. By kissing their hand, we render praise to God for the sacraments Christ has entrusted to the Church and her consecrated servants, the priests.
Outside the liturgy
In many countries it was traditional to kiss the consecrated hand of a priest even outside the liturgy. This tradition is still practiced in Latin America and certain parts of Eastern Europe.
What about bishops?
Bishops generally do not get kissed on the hand, but on their episcopal ring. To find out more why that is, read our other article: Why we kiss the ring of a Bishop.
Semper Excelsius is a website for the defense of the Catholic faith through instruction and informative articles. Its focus is on explaining the rich history and traditions of the holy Roman Catholic Church, while defending her teachings against false assumptions and doctrinal errors.
The traditional way whereby one greets a bishop, is by kneeling in front of him and kissing his ecclesiastical ring… Continue reading “Why we kiss the ring of a Bishop”
Hyssop is mentioned in the ‘Asperges Me’ in the liturgy of the Tridentine High Mass… Continue reading “Why the ‘Asperges Me’ mentions the ‘hyssop’ plant”
During the rite of ordination to the priesthood there is remarkable moment where the bishop places his hands upon the head of the priest to be ordained or ‘ordinandi’… Continue reading “Why the clergy places their hands upon newly ordained priests”
Ever wondered why we make a genuflection during the Credo, Last Gospel and Angelus when the words “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (Jn. 1:14) are being said? Continue reading “Why we genuflect during the Last Gospel”
While reciting the Confiteor we hit of our chest during the Mea Culpa… Continue reading “Why we hit our chest during the ‘Confiteor’”
