Extraordinary Form·Mass of the Faithful
Canon of the Mass
The Roman Canon, prayed silently by the priest.
What happens
The priest prays the Canon (Te igitur through the Per ipsum) silently, with prescribed gestures: extended, joined, and orans hands; bows; genuflections after each ; the elevations of the Host and ; and the signs of the cross over the oblata. The bell is rung at the Hanc igitur, at each Consecration, and at the elevations.
Why it happens
The silence of the underscores the sacredness of the action by which the Sacrifice of Calvary is made mystically present. The Roman Canon — used unchanged for centuries — recalls by name the Apostles, martyrs, and the whole Church, living and dead, offering all in union with Christ's one Sacrifice.
Sources
- 1962 MR Canon Missae
- RS VIII, 5 – IX
- De Def V (defects in the form of consecration)