Ad Orientem: Why the Mass Is a Sacrifice, Not a Performance
This video is part of TAN Books’ Year of the Latin Mass, a year-long initiative to restore reverence, clarity, and continuity in Catholic worship. Question: Why does the direction of the priest matter at Mass? In this reflection, Conor Gallagher explores ad orientem, the ancient practice of priest and people facing east together, and why this single outward gesture reveals the true nature of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Mass is not first a communal meal or a performance for the congregation. It is the offering of the Lamb of God to the Father for the remission of sins. When worship turns inward, something subtle but devastating shifts in the soul of the liturgy and in the soul of man. Ad orientem restores the original axis of worship. It reorients the heart away from what is convenient, comfortable, or entertaining, and back toward what is worthy, beautiful, and true. Facing east teaches us to ask the right question, not “what am I getting out of the Mass,” but “what is the Father receiving from this offering?” This orientation protects the priest from becoming a performer, forms the faithful in reverence, and quietly shapes our eschatology. Every Mass becomes an act of waiting. Every elevation becomes preparation for the Second Coming. Priest and people together proclaim, without words, He is coming. For more resources and insights on this cornerstone of Catholic worship, please visit: Year of the Latin Mass | TAN Books
Mass of Ages is a holy Sacrifice to the Holy Vader in Heaven! Amen.
Everything needed to understand and appreciate the Traditional Latin Mass. Fr. George Moorman. Extremely informative, yet very easy to read! Explains, prayer by prayer, what happens at the Latin Mass and why. Answers all your questions about the Mass: why Latin is used, silence, bells, specific colors, etc., and how we participate. Ties in beautifully with Pope Benedict XVI'smotu proprio opening the door to the universal celebration of the Latin Mass.
An exciting announcement: we are partnering with Tan Books to provide quality content alongside their huge collection of books on the Latin Mass for their Year of the Latin Mass!
They have launched The Year of the Latin Mass to anchor Catholic families in the worship that formed nearly every saint in the Church’s history. In a time of confusion and declining belief in the Real Presence, this initiative calls Catholics back to the liturgy that unified the Church for centuries.
Each month of this year, you can expect the following:
A Deeply Discounted Book of the Month: Each month will spotlight a key Latin Mass title offered at a major discount, making it easy to build a serious liturgical library.
Curated Bundles to Build Your TLM Foundation: Starter, Family, and Deep Study sets give you ready-made pathways to begin or deepen your journey.
Monthly Formation Videos: Twelve short, accessible lessons that unpack the structure, symbolism, and spiritual power of the Latin Mass.
Ongoing Teaching, Articles and Guides: Regular insights and practical resources released throughout the year to keep your formation growing. Visit the BLOG HERE
Read More Here!
January Book of the Month!
This clear, technically precise guide explains the Traditional Latin Mass prayer by prayer, illuminating the actions, words, and rubrics so that participation is more reverent and fruitful, whether one is new to the liturgy or experienced. Rooted in Scripture, the Church’s liturgical tradition, and connected to Pope Benedict XVI’s teaching on the Extraordinary Form, it fosters a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice of the Mass as the Church has worshiped for centuries.
Explains every prayer and action of the TLM in clear, accessible language.
Answers common questions like: why Latin is used & importance of ceremony & silence.
Shows how the structure of the Mass reflects the Church’s doctrine & ancient tradition.
Covers the preparatory rites, the three principal parts of the Mass, and after Mass.
Supports greater reverence and participation for both new and seasoned attendees.
Purchase for $5.99