The Ordo Karolingianus, Part III

This part takes us from the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist to the singing of the Sanctus. There is probably very little here likely to cause controversy to a person familiar with the 1962 Missal. The only significant additions have been the slight re-structuring of the Offertory prayers (such as the Suscipe, Sancte Pater) to be said aloud in the manner of the present Offertory (i.e., Blessed are You, Lord, God of all Creation, which are okay, but seem a little 'constructed' in their character). My omission of the Benedictus at the very end of the post is deliberate--you'll see what I have planned for it in Part IV. My name for the Secret, the 'Prayer of Separation,' comes from the theory that the term 'Secret' is a misreading of the name of a prayer said when the offerings were separated, since the faithful often brought great messes of very unhygenic offerings in addition to the unconsecrated Species. Since the Secret seems to have been spoken aloud originally, the name seems something of a misnomer, though it has a certain poetry to it that "Prayer over the Gifts" lacks. Perhaps "The Oblation"? Someone with good taste and imagination should come up with something, or maybe it's better to stick with the old name, even if it is somewhat odd: oddness is not always a bad thing.

I imagine that most of these portions of the mass, even the Secret and the various prayers of Oblation, could be chanted: I seem to recall reading the entire rite now has notation attached to it. Perhaps the 'more moderate voice' I have suggested for the parts formerly silent could be represented modally somehow.

P. (or deacon) Awake, brethren, and look with reverence to the East, whence shall come the glory of the Lord.
P. Let us pray.

THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Here, as is set forth according to the customaries of the local church, shall be found the Offertory procession, as appointed on feast days and solemnities. The antiphon appointed for the day or the mass might be sung here as the priest silently recites the Suscipe, Sancte Pater or, if not sung, then it should be recited aloud by the priest: an appropriate hymn or anthem may be substituted. If no hymn is sung, then the priest shall say the Offertory prayers aloud upon returning to the altar. The priest shall come to the entrance of the sanctuary and receive the oblation from the faithful there.

Then shall the priest return to the altar and say silently or aloud, but in a somewhat moderate voice, holding the paten aloft:

Suscipe, Sante Pater

P. Accept, O Holy Father, Almighty and eternal God, this spotless host, which I, Thy unworthy servant, offer to Thee, my living and true God, to atone for my numberless sins, trespasses and faults: on behalf of all here present and likewise for all faithful Christians whether living and dead, that it may profit both us and them as a means of salvation unto life everlasting.
R. Amen.

At the southern horn of the altar, he should then mingle the water and the wine in the chalice, saying silently all the while:

P. O God, + who in creating man did exalt his nature most wondrously, and still more wondrously did reestablish it anew, the mystery of the mingling of this water and wine, grant that we may come to share in His Divinity, who has humbled himself to share in our humanity.

Then, raising his voice again, shall the priest say these words and lift the chalice:

P. We offer unto Thee, O Lord, the chalice of salvation, humbly begging of Thy mercy that it may ascend before Thy divine Majesty, with a sweet fragrance, for our salvation and for that of the whole world.
R. Amen.

[Then, should it be used, incense shall be set using these silent prayers:

P. Through the intercession of blessed Michael the Archangel, standing at the right hand of the altar of incense, and of all His elect may the Lord vouchsafe to bless + this incense and to receive it in the odor of sweetness. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

If an acolyte should incense the people, the following prayer is omitted.

P. (incensing the cross) May this incense blessed by Thee, arise before Thee, O Lord, and may Thy mercy come down upon us. (And the altar) Let my prayer, O Lord, come like incense before Thee; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice. (And the people, or when handing the thurible back) May the Lord enkindle in us the fire of His love and the flame of everlasting love.]

Then shall the priest wash his hands at the south horn of the altar, saying silently:

P. I wash my hands in innocence, and I go around Thy altar, O Lord, giving voice to my thanks, and recounting all Thy wondrous deeds. O Lord, I love the house in which Thou dost dwell, the tenting place of Thy glory.

Then shall he stand in the midst of the altar, facing it and praying aloud, but still moderately, with upraised hands:

Suscipe, Sancte Trinitas

P. Accept, most Holy Trinity, this offering which we are making to You in remembrance of the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ, Our Lord; and in honor of blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and of N., (that is: the name of the Saints whose relics are in the Altar, the saint of the day, or the patron of the church or diocese) and of all the Saints; that it may add to their honor and aid our salvation; and may they deign to intercede in heaven for us who honor their memory here on earth. In a spirit of humility and with a contrite heart, may we be accepted by Thee, O Lord, and may our sacrifice so be offered in Your sight this day as to please Thee, O Lord God. Come, O Sanctifier, Almighty and Eternal God, and bless + this sacrifice prepared for the glory of Thy holy Name.

Then shall he turn to face the people, and say these words:

P. Pray, brethren, that my Sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Father Almighty.
R. May the Lord receive this Sacrifice at thy hands for the praise and glory of His Name: for our good, and the good of all His holy Church.

The Prayer of Separation (Secreta)

The appointed secret is here said aloud, in a normal voice, by the priest, concluding forever and ever, to which the people shall say Amen. Then shall the priest say these words to the people, turning to face them with upraised hands:

P. The Lord be with you.
S. And with Thy spirit.
P. Lift up your hearts.
S. We have lifted them up to the Lord.
P. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
S. It is right and just.

THE PREFACE

Here shall the priest say the appointed preface, ending …with the archangels, cherubim, and seraphs, ceaselessly singing with one voice:

THE SANCTUS

And all shall be up standing, and shall sing:

Holy, Holy, Holy,
Lord God Sabaoth:
Heaven and earth are filled with Thy glory.
Hosanna in the highest.