Resources for the Extraordinary Form of the Mass
(Traditional Latin Mass)

What earlier generations held as sacred remains sacred and great for us too,
and it cannot be all of a sudden entirely forbidden and even considered harmful.

Benedict XVI letter to Bishops July 7, 2007

Contra "Traditionis Custodes," this page begins with a high-level comparison of the two forms of the Mass in the Latin rite: the Ordinary Form (or Mass of Paul VI, New Order of Mass), and Extraordinary Form (or Tridentine Mass, Traditional Latin Mass). (This comparison is intended to be viewed not printed.) After a general introduction to the Traditional Latin Mass, it then examines in greater depth specific parts of the Mass in the section labeled "Reflections."


A Comparison of the Two Forms of the Roman Rite

A presentation intended to be reviewed by high school sophomores in a "Sacraments" theology course BEFORE their first TLM. This is intended for viewing on mobile devices (tablets, phones), not for printing.


Introduction to the Traditional Latin Mass

- 2 pages, portrait, pdf: A very brief explanation of the more obvious differences (10) likely to be observed by someone new to the Traditional Latin Mass between the Ordinary Form and the Extraordinary Form.


Reflections:

The following are links to pdf's, most containing an essay that examines a problem or problems with the Novus Ordo Missae in contradistinction to the Mass of the Ages. They are intended to be read in sequence. NOTE: the author accepts the validity of the Novus Ordo / Mass of Paul VI / Ordinary Form, but considers it an inferior product of a committee.

The first, - The Novus Ordo Missae - A Flawed Work of Human Hands

- An examination of the "New Order of Mass" and its unfortunate consequences

The second, - Why the Sacred Must Triumph

- The reception of the Traditional Latin Mass by 18 high school sophomores

The third, - Is More Better?

- A look at the expanded readings in the Novus Ordo Missae

The fourth, - Bookends

- Why the Traditional Latin Mass begins and ends as it does

The fifth, - The Crux of the Book

- An examination of the Roman Canon in contrast to Eucharistic Prayer 1

The sixth, - What's in a Number?

- A speculation about the motivation for the dates for announcement and implementation of Summorum Pontificum