Canon of the Mass

Missale romanum1962

The Canon of the Mass is the central part of the Roman Rite Mass in the Catholic Church, which is the prayer of consecration of the Eucharist. It is also known as the Eucharistic Prayer or the Roman Canon. The Canon of the Mass is a key element in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and has been a fundamental part of the Catholic liturgy for centuries.

Structure

The Canon of the Mass is composed of several parts, each with its own significance and purpose. These parts include:

• Te igitur: The opening prayer, which addresses God the Father.
• Memento: Prayers for the living and the dead.
• Communicantes: A prayer that includes the names of saints and martyrs.
• Hanc igitur: A prayer for the acceptance of the offering.
• Quam oblationem: A prayer asking God to bless and accept the offering.
• Consecration: The central part of the Canon, where the bread and wine are consecrated into the Body and Blood of Christ.
• Anamnesis: A prayer recalling the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ.
• Oblation: A prayer offering the consecrated elements to God.
• Intercessions: Prayers for the Church, the living, and the dead.
• Doxology: The concluding prayer, which praises the Holy Trinity.

Historical Development

The Canon of the Mass has evolved over time, with its roots tracing back to the early Christian liturgies. The structure and content of the Canon were influenced by various liturgical traditions and theological developments. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) played a significant role in standardizing the Roman Canon, which remained largely unchanged until the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).

Variations

While the Roman Canon is the most widely used Eucharistic Prayer in the Roman Rite, there are other Eucharistic Prayers that can be used in the Mass. These include:

• Eucharistic Prayer II: A shorter and simpler prayer, often used for weekday Masses.
• Eucharistic Prayer III: A more elaborate prayer, suitable for Sundays and feast days.
• Eucharistic Prayer IV: A prayer with a more explicit emphasis on salvation history.

Significance

The Canon of the Mass is central to the Catholic faith, as it is the moment when the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. This transformation, known as transubstantiation, is a core belief in Catholic theology. The Canon of the Mass is also a moment of profound reverence and worship, as the faithful participate in the sacrificial offering of Christ.

Related Pages

• Mass (liturgy)
• Roman Rite
• Eucharist
• Liturgy of the Eucharist
• Transubstantiation
• Second Vatican Council
• Council of Trent