The Catholic Weekly in Sydney, Australia, has published a beautiful new commentary on the Mass.
“This Is the Mass,” by the liturgy office of the Archdiocese of Sydney, is worth the $40 (US$39) price for the photographs alone. It was shot during a Mass celebrated by Sydney Cardinal George Pell in the archdiocesan St. Mary’s Cathedral.
The 160-page coffee-table book gives a commentary on nearly every detail of the Mass, from the entrance procession to the recessional, and gives biblical and historical context to liturgical rites as simple as kissing the altar. The captions are quotes from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, and pullout quotes are from St. Augustine. As I read, it struck me that this would make a very nice gift, especially for someone new to the church.
At the end of the book, commentary by The Catholic Weekly managing editor Kerry Myers complements stunning shots of Sydney, host of World Youth Day.
The book is available for ordering at http://www.catholicgiftshop.com.au/index.php?cat2=51&category=’THIS IS THE MASS’ BOOK.
