About the Latin Mass: The Alleluia

Al-le-lu-ia. This sung word of praise to God in the English Mass is the prelude for the reading of the Gospel. The Alleluia is accompanied by a brief sung verse from the Gospel, thematic in nature but not necessarily related to the Gospel reading. While the Alleluia is sung, the priest moves to the left and prays before the altar, before continuing to the lectern on the left to read the Gospel, unless it is read by a deacon.

The sung Alleluia, as is the case for many elements of the English Mass, actually comes from the Latin Mass. The various sung Alleluia tones heard in the English Mass are based upon the Latin Mass Alleluia tones and accompanying sung verses available for each feast of the liturgical year.

In the Latin Mass, the Alleluia completes the theme presented by the Psalm portion of the Introit reading, which was read prior to the Kyrie. Portions of the Psalm are reinforced, and present themes of mercy, hope, salvation, joy, or the desire to not be foresaken. The Alleluia, at a Missa Cantata or a High Mass, is sung by the cantor and choir, but is also always read by the priest. When the priest is finished reading the Alleluia, he proceeds in the silence of all to the left to pray before the center of the altar, in preparation to continue to the left side of the altar to read the Gospel.

The Latin Mass is celebrated Sundays at Blessed Sacrament at 8:30 and Nativity at 9:00.