Extraordinary Form·Mass of the Catechumens
Gospel
Proclaimed at the north (Gospel) side of the altar.
What happens
The priest bows before the altar and prays 'Munda cor meum' for purification, then moves to the Gospel side and proclaims the Gospel, signing the book and himself. At the end he kisses the book and says, 'Per evangelica dicta…'.
Why it happens
The Gospel is proclaimed facing liturgically north — symbolically toward the lands of unbelief — manifesting that Christ's Word is preached to all nations. The kissing of the book expresses reverence for the Word of Christ.
Sources
- 1962 MR Ordo Missae
- RS VI, 7–8