The Traditional Latin Mass 

The Traditional Latin Mass is the form of the Roman Rite codified after the Council of Trent (1545–1563) and standardized by Pope St. Pius V in 1570 through the bull Quo Primum. The most common edition used today is the 1962 Roman Missal promulgated by Pope St. John XXIII.

Language & Orientation

Language: Celebrated entirely in Latin, the official language of the Roman Catholic Church.

Orientation: Priest faces ad orientem (“toward the East”), symbolically facing God along with the faithful.

Tone: Deeply reverent, with silence, chant, and precise ritual actions.

Structure

Prayers at the Foot of the Altar
The priest and servers recite Psalm 42 (“Judica me, Deus”) and the Confiteor in preparation for the Holy Sacrifice.

Mass of the Catechumens (Instruction)

Introit (Entrance Antiphon)

Kyrie (Lord, have mercy)

Gloria (on certain days)

Collect(s) (Opening prayers)

Epistle (from Scripture)

Gradual/Tract and Alleluia or Sequence

Gospel (proclaimed facing liturgical north)

Sermon (optional, usually in the vernacular)

Credo (on certain feasts and Sundays)

Mass of the Faithful (Sacrifice)

Offertory (bread and wine offered with prayers)

Lavabo (washing of the priest’s hands, Psalm 25)

Secret (silent prayer)

Preface and Sanctus

Canon of the Mass (silent; includes the Consecration)

Elevation (adoration of the Body and Blood of Christ)

Pater Noster (Our Father)

Agnus Dei

Communion (kneeling, on the tongue)

Postcommunion prayers

Conclusion

Ite, Missa est or Benedicamus Domino

Last Gospel (usually John 1:1–14)

Key Features

Silence & Mystery: Large portions are prayed quietly by the priest, emphasizing the sacrificial nature of the Mass.

Ritual Precision: Every gesture, word, and movement is prescribed.

Sacrificial Focus: Seen as the re-presentation of Calvary, not primarily a communal meal.

Sacred Music: Gregorian chant or polyphony often accompanies the liturgy.