The Catholic Mass: Steps to Restore the Centrality of God in the Liturgy
Steps to Restore the Centrality of God in the Liturgy
We are going through a period of liturgical exile, explains Bishop Athanasius Schneider in this enlightening book, and the vast proliferation of modern abuses are crying out for liturgical reform. The primary source of most modern abuses, he declares, is man’s narcissistic tendency to idolize himself instead of paying homage to God.
In what is sure to be seen as one of the most impressive and authoritative books ever written on the Catholic Mass, Bishop Schneider reestablishes what Catholics have known for centuries but have largely forgotten today: that the Mass is the highest form of Christian prayer, which enables us to express with exterior worship our interior belief.
He describes how saints such as Padre Pio and John Vianney helped the faithful enter into a profound spiritual experience during Mass, and he explains why the Mass should serve as a means to lift our hearts to God so we can surrender to His will. You’ll come to understand why the rubrics are vital to preserving the authenticity of the liturgy, and you’ll learn why architecture, music, sacred art, and even incense are vital symbols that direct our attention to Heaven. You’ll also learn:
- How to recollect and listen to God’s Word properly
- The keys to lifting your heart and surrendering to God’s will at Mass.
- Why it’s essential to celebrate the Mass ad orientem
- How following the rituals assists you in contemplating the spiritual
- Ways you can unite yourself to the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross
- The most profitable ways of spending time in thanksgiving following Holy Communion
Bishop Schneider and coauthor Aurelio Porfiri encourage the revival of public prayers, such as the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharistic adoration. He explains how genuflecting, kneeling, and prostrating oneself are all outward signs of reverence that demonstrate this inward action. Our duty, he declares, is to render “perpetual thanksgiving” to God at Mass. Indeed, as he solemnly asserts, “The Mass is the greatest and most important work of the Church.”
Endorsements
"This book by Bishop Athanasius Schneider, co-authored by M. Aurelio Porfiri, is a great resource to rediscover the beauty of the Mass and to warn us of the many abuses that the liturgy of the Church has to suffer in too many churches around the world." --Cardinal Joseph Zen
"Bishop Schneider convincingly emphasizes the power of this Christocentric liturgy, which is able to overcome every obstacle in an environment fixated on this world. The Church of our time cannot but be grateful for the voice of this courageous witness." --Martin Mosebach
"What men have done to Christ is the culmination of the evil that is committed in all times: a greater evil will never be committed. This book is a precious help to enter such a great Mystery." --Msgr. Nicola Bux
"If we can imbibe even a little of the faith and love out which this book has emerged, we will not only understand why restoring the centrality of God to the liturgy is essential, we shall ourselves take up this necessary work without further delay." --Robert Cardinal Sarah
"Bishop Athanasius Schneider draws abundantly from Sacred Scripture, the saints, and Doctors of the Church. Reading and pondering this book will be transformative and unitive." --Scott Hahn