About the Latin Mass: Eucharistic Prayers

The Eucharistic Prayer, known in the Latin Mass as the Canon, is central to the structure of the Mass. It surrounds and includes the Words of the Institution, beginning with the Sanctus and ending with the Minor Elevation.

The Church in both heaven and on earth is brought forth to celebrate and be present for the culmination of the sacrifice of Abel, the offering of the only son of Abraham, and the presentation of bread and wine by Melchizedek, to be taken to the heavenly altar, and through Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, become the Eternal and Living Sacrifice of Christ for His Church. We hope to join in union with the Church Triumphant through His eternal redemption.

Recent editorials have stated that, because the Eucharistic Prayers of the early Church were spontaneous and presented many varying themes, our Eucharistic Prayers of today should also vary. Four Eucharistic Prayers were approved post Vatican II for English Mass use, with Prayer I being similar to the Canon. Eucharistic Prayers have since been made available for reconciliation, for childrens’ masses, and for unity.

The counterargument is this: When do the variations become excessive such that the Mass no longer feels like a Mass, and the core of what we believe becomes confusing? The Canon developed into the very elements that are central to our belief about the Eucharist, which deepened during the early middle ages. It is something that is a constant in our lives, to return to and have renewed by the priest each time we attend Mass, more important than ever in the ever-changing world around us.

Do the Unity prayers include and adequately stress all of the essential elements? At several points during the Unity prayers, the congregation is supposed to respond “Unify us, O holy and faithful God”. Does “us” mean the congregation, or the Church of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, in heaven and on earth, including our union with our Lord? Do the Unity prayers ask for or assume redemption? Does the Reconciliation prayer cloud our understanding of receiving reconciliation and renewed state of grace prior to attending Mass?

Variation has its use, but we need to remember that everything has a place and a purpose.

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