THE METHOD OF HEARING MASS SPIRITUALLY FOR THE ABSENT (Adapted from The Key of Heaven) TRADITIO Traditional Roman Catholic Internet Site E-mail: traditio@traditio.com, Web: www.traditio.com Copyright 1998-2019 CSM. Reproduction prohibited without authorization. Last Updated: 11/16/19 FIRST AND FOREMOST, THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THE TRUE MASS, THE TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS, IS NEVER A JUSTIFICATION TO ATTEND THE INVALID, PROTESTANT- MASONIC-PAGAN NOVUS ORDO SERVICE OR THE UNTRADITIONAL VATICAN II "LATIN MASSES" THAT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH IT. TO DO SO WOULD BE MORTALLY SINFUL ACCORDING TO THE TEACHING OF THE CHURCH BECAUSE OF ASSOCIATION WITH HERESY. THE SAME IS TRUE OF THE OTHER SACRAMENTS, WHICH, EXCEPT IN SOME CASES, BAPTISM AND MATRIMONY, ARE, IN ADDITION, INVALID (NULL AND VOID). THE NOVUS ORDO SERVICE IS NO MORE A "MASS" THAN A PROTESTANT SERVICE, AFTER WHICH IT IS FABRICATED. NOR IS "REVERENCE" A CRITERION. THE METHODISTS ARE QUITE REVERENT. WOULD YOU GO TO THEIR SERVICE? THE SAME IS TRUE OF THE OTHER SACRAMENTS, PARTICULARLY PENANCE (CONFESSION), WHICH THE NEW ORDER HAS ABANDONED IN FAVOR OF A FABRICATED, UNCATHOLIC "RECONCILIATION" RITE. It often happens that Catholics who are at a significant distance from a traditional Catholic church, for example, more than an hour's drive in the usual case, or because of illness or some other unavoidable impediment, may be unable to hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obligation. Grave causes may excuse bodily presence, but do not dispense us from uniting ourselves in spirit to those who actually enjoy the happiness of being in God's holy temple. The Sundays and Feasts were instituted by the Church that we may render unto God that worship that we owe Him every moment of our lives. This worship includes first the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and it is offered for us even when we are not actually present. But to enjoy the benefits that it procures, we must by a spiritual Communion become partakers of the altar from which we are temporarily or permanently banished. Those who are physically prevented from attending Holy Mass on Sunday must nevertheless abstain from servile work, as much as they are able under the Third Commandment of God. Such persons are strongly urged to set aside a period of time on Sunday for devotional acts, such as meditation upon the Mass of the day in their handmissals. They must pray, make acts of the theological virtues, etc., with sufficient frequency and regularity throughout the year. Excite a desire of visiting the house of God, and let the whole family kneel before a crucifix, a statue of the Blessed Virgin, or a pious picture. Then, transporting themselves in spirit before the altar where Mass is being celebrated, let them endeavor to follow the service there performed. According to some theologians, there is a divine-positive precept of attending Mass several times in the year, even if means taking a longer drive on several occasions, particularly on high feast days (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, etc.). Those who are prevented from being actually present at the celebration of Mass may yet draw glorious fruits from this great ocean of grace. For we may assist in spirit at the adorable Sacrifice, just as we may receive Holy Communion spiritually with great profit to our souls. In fact, we may be physically a long distance from the churches where Mass is being offered, and yet be spiritually nearer than one who assists in a careless, distracted manner. Form of Making a Good Intention Before Holy Mass (To be used when, by reasonable cause, one is hindered from going to church.) I believe, Lord Jesus, that in the Last Supper Thou didst offer up a true sacrifice; I believe it because Thou hast made it known to us through the Catholic Church, which from apostolic times has constantly taught the same to us. Since Thou didst command the Apostles and the priests ordained by them to do the same until the end of time, I, therefore, offer to Thee with the priest this Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (which I believe to be one with that offered on Mount Calvary) to Thy honor and glory, in acknowledgment of my most bounden service, in thanksgiving for the innumerable benefits which Thou hast conferred upon me and upon the whole world, in satisfaction for my sins and the sins of all mankind, and for obtaining the grace of perfect contrition for my sins. I also offer to Thee this Holy Mass for my friends and benefactors, and for those to whom I am bound, and for whom Thou wilt me to pray. I also offer it for my enemies, that they may be converted, for all the faithful departed, particularly for my parents and relatives and for the welfare of all Christendom. Prayers During the Time of Divine Service I. Heartfelt Desire to Participate in the Holy Sacrifice Most Holy Trinity, God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, almighty Source of all things, my best Father, my merciful Redeemer, the Fountain of my sanctification and happiness, I, Thy most unworthy creature, venture to appear before Thee, to show Thee, my true God and Creator, all honor, adoration, and trustful submission; to thank Thee for the innumerable benefits which I have received from Thee, to praise Thee for Thy glory (for I am created for Thy praise); to implore Thy mercies; and to appease Thy justice, because I have so often and so grievously sinned against Thee. All this I cannot do in a worthier and more perfect manner than by hearing, with faith and devotion, Holy Mass. For in that Holy Sacrifice is offered to Thee the most sublime Sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, the most efficacious sacrifice of supplication and propitiation, the most worthy Sacrifice of salvation for the living and dead. But because I cannot this day be present bodily at Holy Mass, I will, at least in spirit, place myself before the altar where Jesus Christ, in an unbloody manner, offers Himself, O Heavenly Father, to Thee. With this glorious Sacrifice I unite my present prayer; I fervently desire, united with the Son of God, in the strongest manner to praise, love, supplicate Thee, O Heavenly Father, to repair all the wrong and shame that I have wrought, and completely to accomplish all that can be accomplished by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. To this end give me Thy divine grace, and grant that I may perform all this with sincere devotion. Amen. II. Contrition for Sins, with Faith and Confidence in Jesus Christ and an Offering up of His Precious Merits Holy Father, I confess with sorrow that I have seldom served Thee with an undivided heart, but rather have often offended Thee, and by my slothfulness and neglect have brought upon myself infinitely great guilt before Thee. I, therefore, take refuge in the merits of Thy Beloved Son, now present upon the altar, Who so freely commends and imparts to us His grace and favor. In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus Christ offers to Thee for me the highest veneration and love, the most perfect praise, the most hearty thanksgiving, and the most kind expiation. For the perfect forgiveness of my sins, O Heavenly Father, I offer up to Thee the whole suffering and death of Jesus Christ, which are now, in an unbloody manner, renewed upon the altar. O most benign Father, Thy Son has suffered and died even for me, a poor sinner. With thankful love I bring before Thee, as a precious and pleasing offering, the infinite merits of His suffering and death. I firmly trust that, on account of this inestimable sacrifice of Thy Son, Thou wilt increase in me Thy graces. Amen. O Father of mercies, and God of all consolation, to Thee I turn for help and grace. Graciously look upon my misery and wretchedness, and let my supplications come before Thee. That I may the more surely be heard by Thee, I appear before the throne of Thy grace, which, for our salvation, is set up in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, where the innocent Lamb of God is mysteriously offered up to Thee, Holy Father, Almighty God, for the remission of our sins. Regard, I beseech Thee, the innocence of this holy Sacrifice, and for the sake thereof extend to me Thy mercy. O my Saviour, how great is that love of Thine for me, which, to make satisfaction for my sins and to gain me the grace of Thy Father, impelled Thee to endure for me such bitter pains, and even death itself! How great is yet that love of Thine for me which causes Thee, in every Holy Mass to renew, in an unbloody manner, Thy death of propitiation, in order to apply and communicate to me Thy merits! With my whole heart I thank Thee for this, Thy great love, and from the depths of my soul, I beseech Thee to make me a partaker of the fruit of it and to strengthen and confirm me by the grace of the Holy Ghost, that I may detest sin and all unholy living, that I may crucify my flesh, with all its passions, deny myself, and follow in Thy footsteps, that all my thoughts and words, all that I do or leave undone, may be a living service of God and a sacrifice well pleasing to Him. As Thou hast offered up to Thy Heavenly Father Thyself, so take me also in the arms of Thy love and mercy, and present me, a poor erring sinner, as an offering to Thy Father, and let me no more be separated from His love. Amen. III. Adoration of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ under the Appearance of Bread and Wine O most holy Jesus, before Thee the heavenly choirs kneel and adore; with them I lift up my voice and cry: Holy, holy, holy, art Thou, O Lord of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Thy grace and glory. Thou art present, O Jesus, under the appearance of bread and wine. Hear, O hear my prayer! I strike my breast and confess my unworthiness, but with firm confidence I implore Thee, O Jesus, be merciful to me! O most benign Jesus, forgive me my sins! O holy Blood, wash me from my sins! O precious Blood of Jesus, O Blood of Jesus, richin grace, cry out to heaven for mercy upon me! Most holy God, receive this precious Blood, together with the love through which it was shed; receive it as an offering of my love and thankfulness, for the forgiveness of my sins; in satisfaction of the punishments that I have deserved; for the washing away of the stains of my guilt, as reparation for all my neglects, and as amendment for all the sins which I have committed through ignorance or frailty; receive it also as a sacrifice for the consolation of the afflicted; for the conversion of sinners; for the recovery of the sick and suffering; for the strengthening of those who draw near to death; for the refreshment, purification, and deliverance of the souls of the departed in Purgatory. Amen. IV. Unshaken Confidence in Jesus Christ To Thee, O most benign Jesus, I lift up my eyes and my heart. Oh, turn upon me Thy gracious countenance and Thy true love. Behold, O Lord, my manifest need, and the great danger of my soul. Receive me, O Thou Who art my only true mediator and helper! Be Thou, through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, my salvation, and obtain for me the entire remission of my sins. Oh, represent to Thy Father how cruelly Thou wast scourged, crowned, crucified, and put to death for us, and thereby reconcile with the strict justice of God me, a miserable sinner. Amen. Pater Noster. Ave Maria. V. He Who Asks in the Name of Jesus Shall Receive O Lamb of God, Who didst suffer for us, miserable sinners, have mercy upon me, and offer up to the Father Thy Passion for the forgiveness of my sins! O Lamb of God, Who didst die for us, miserable sinners, have mercy upon me, and offer up to God Thy death in satisfaction for my sins! O Lamb of God, Who didst sacrifice Thyself for us, miserable sinners, have mercy upon me, and offer up to Thy holy Blood to the Father for the cleansing of my soul! Heavenly Father, I offer up to Thee, this precious and most worthy oblation. My sins are more in number than the hairs of my head, but, O just and merciful God, lay this precious offering in the one scale and my sins in the other, and that will far outweigh my guilt. O merciful, O holy God, give me Thy blessing before I end my prayer, and through this blessing let me obtain grace at once to begin to amend my life, and renounce whatever is sinful and displeasing to Thee. Support me in my weakness, strengthen me when temptations assail me, and let me never forget that Thou art near me. O precious day! but perhaps the last of my life! O happy day! if it shall make me better! Holy Mother of God, Mary, holy Angels and friends of God, pray for me and lead me in the way of truth. O God, grant Thy love to the living and Thy peace to the dead. Amen. Act of Spiritual Communion in Union With the Sacrifice of the Mass When We Cannot Assist at It (To the faithful who make an act of spiritual Communion, using any formula they may choose, there is granted an indulgence of three years. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions when the Act is performed every day of the month. Granted by the Sacred Apostolic Penitentiary, March 7, 1927, and February 25, 1933.) As I cannot this day enjoy the happiness of assisting at the holy Mysteries, O my God! I transport myself in spirit to the foot of Thine altar; I unite with the Church, which, by the hands of the priest, offers Thee Thine adorable Son; I offer myself with Him, by Him, and in His Name. I adore, I praise, and I thank Thee, imploring Thy mercy, invoking Thine assistance, and presenting Thee the homage I owe Thee as my Creator, the love due to Thee as my Saviour. Apply to my soul, I beseech Thee, O merciful Jesus, Thine infinite merits; apply them also to those for whom I particularly wish to pray. I desire to communicate spiritually, that Thy Blood may purify, Thy Flesh strengthen, and Thy spirit sanctify me. May I never forget that Thou, my divine Redeemer, hast died for me; may I die to all that is not Thee, that hereafter I may live eternally with Thee. Amen. Another Act of Spiritual Communion By St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things, and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though Thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee. Another Act of Spiritual Communion By Raphael Cardinal Merry del Val At Thy feet, O my Jesus, I prostrate myself, and I offer Thee the repentance of my contrite heart, which is humbled in its nothingness and in Thy holy presence. I adore Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love, the ineffable Eucharist. I desire to receive Thee into the poor dwelling that my heart offers Thee. While waiting for the happiness of sacramental Communion, I wish to ppossess Thee in spirit. Come to me, O my Jesus, since I, for my part, am coming to Thee! May Thy love embrace my whole being in life and in death. I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I love Thee. Amen. Other Spiritual Acts to Make Holy the Lord's Day When one for grave cause cannot attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass bodily, one nevertheless has an obligation to respect the Third Commandment: "Remember Thou keep holy the Lord's Day." In conjunction with the prayers and Act of Spiritual Communion given above, one should, when able, spend an hour in spiritual devotions. The ones listed below are all most appropriate and are indulgenced in one way or another. 1. Meditating upon the Ordinary and Proper of the Mass for the day from a handmissal and its commentary. 2. Saying all or part of the Divine Office from the Roman Breviary or from the various adaptations of it (e.g., the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary). 3. Reading and meditating upon the Sacred Scripture. 4. Reading and meditating upon the works of the Apostolic Fathers, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, the saints, the popes and councils. 5. Praying the Most Holy Rosary. 6. Praying one or more of the litanies (Litany to the Sacred Heart, Litany of Loretto, etc.). 7. Praying the Angelus. 8. Praying any of the many private devotions. 9. Engaging in mediation or mental prayer. 10. Reading and meditating upon the lives of the saints in Butler's Lives of the Saints or in the various adaptations of it. 11. Studying the Roman Catechism (of the Council of Trent), the Baltimore Catechism, or other traditional sources of the doctrines and teachings of the Faith. LITANY FOR SUNDAY (FOR PERSONAL DEVOTION ONLY) Lord, have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us. This is the day which the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice, and be glad therein. Jesus, Who on this day of the week didst arise from the dead, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on the same day didst put on a life immortal, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on the same day didst appear to Mary Magdalen and to the Apostles, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on the same day didst open the eyes of the two disciples going to Emmaus, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on the same day didst comfort Thine Apostles, and give them peace, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on the same day didst confirm Thine Apostles in the faith of the Resurrection by showing them Thy hands and Thy feet, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on the same day didst breathe on the Apostles and give them the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on the same day didst open their understanding to know the Scriptures, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on the same day didst give them power to remit sins, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on the same day didst send the Apostles on their mission, and didst command them to go and teach all nations, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on a Sunday didst condescend to the weakness of St. Thomas, have mercy on us. and by the evidence of Thy sacred Wounds didst heal his unbelief, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on a Sunday didst send down the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles, have mercy on us. And thus prepared them for laying the foundation of Thy Church, have mercy on us. Jesus, Who on the same day didst move Thy Apostle Peter to preach the first Christian sermon to the Jews, to the conversion of three thousand, have mercy on us. Be merciful, O Jesus, and spare us. Be merciful, O Jesus, and hear us. From the abuse of this day which we are commanded to keep holy, preserve us, O Lord. From sloth and indevotion, preserve us, O Lord. From neglect of prayer, and of Thy Sacred Word, preserve us, O Lord. From all occasions of misspending this day, preserve us, O Lord. From whatever is an offense to God, or a scandal to the weak, preserve us, O Lord. We sinners, Beseech Thee to hear us. That we may have Thy grace to sanctify this day as Thou hast commanded, We beseech Thee, hear us. That we may this day labor to arise to a new life, We beseech Thee, hear us. That we may this day examine into the state of our souls, and resolve to amend whatever is displeasing to Thee, hear us. That we may this day be so strengthened in our faith as to bend our whole endeavors upon seeking those eternal goods which faith has taught us to obtain, we beseech Thee, hear us. That Thy Holy Spirit would this day take possession of our hearts, and so confirm us in every duty that no earthly considerations may be able to prevail against us to the transgression of Thy law, We beseech Thee, hear us. That we may this day join with the Church Triumphant in praising, adoring, and praying to Thee, and preparing our souls to celebrate with them an eternal Sabbath, We beseech Thee, hear us. That we may not give this day to earth or to self-love, but may offer it to Thee, Who art our only everlasting Good, Son of God, Who has forever hallowed this day, We beseech Thee, hear us. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. Let us pray. O God, the Protector of all who hope in Thee and without Whom nothing can have either strength or holiness, multiply Thy mercy, we beseech Thee, upon us, that Thou being our Ruler and our Guide, we may so pass through the goods of this life as not to lose those which are eternal. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.