The Order and Ceremonial of the Most Holy And Adorable Sacrifice of the Mass

This is a wonderful explanation of the ceremonies of the Tridentine Mass and their sublime meaning. Consider this: ""Orate Fratres" are the first two words of an address which, at this part of the Mass, the priest makes to the fruitful present, and they signify, "PRAY, BRETHREN." The whole prayer is aS follows: "PRAY, BRETHREN, THAT MY SACRIFICE AXD YOURS MAY BE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD THE FATHER ALMIGIITY." Of this prayer the first two words only are E'aid aloud towards the people, the rest in secret towards the altnr. Thus the priest, distrusting his own merits, and knowing- himself to be compassed with infirmities, invites those present to join their prayers with his own, to the end the Sacrifice he is to offer for himself and for them, may be wellpleasing in the sight of their common Father."