Extraordinary Form·Mass of the Faithful
Ablutions & Postcommunion
Purification of the vessels and closing prayer.
What happens
The priest purifies the with wine and water (the ablutions), reads the Communion antiphon and Postcommunion prayer at the Epistle side, and concludes with 'Dominus vobiscum' and the Postcommunion's 'Per Dominum…'.
Why it happens
The careful ablutions ensure that no particle or drop of the is lost, honoring the . The Postcommunion asks that the fruits of the Sacrament be lasting in the lives of the faithful.
Sources
- 1962 MR Ordo Missae
- RS XI–XII