expositio missae: the mysteries of the mass explained

The Mass is a central and essential part of the Christian life, the very source and summit of our devotion and piety. Instituted by Jesus Himself at the Last Supper and faithfully passed on by the apostles and their successors, it is not merely a memorial of the passion, death, and resurrection of our Savior, but a true participation in His one redeeming sacrifice. It does not merely praise and invoke God, but causes Him to be really, truly, and substantially present. It is through the Mass that we become closest to Jesus, and mystically partake in His passion, death, and resurrection. It is through the Mass that we receive the ＂Bread of the Angels,＂ which imparts to our fragile human nature the eternal life of God Himself.

Saint Bonaventure’s Expositio Missae (＂Exposition of the Mass＂) offers inspiring and touching insight into the multiple layers of meaning and symbolism embodied within the sacred actions of the Eucharistic celebration. Also offered in this volume are some of the Seraphic Doctor’s beautiful and passionate prayers, including those to be said before Mass, before the reception of Holy Communion, and after Mass. As Saint Bonaventure says, with this book, you will be able to ＂hear the most holy Mass with the greatest possible devotion and reverence.＂

Bonaventure born Giovanni di Fidanza, was an Italian Catholic Franciscan, bishop, cardinal, scholastic theologian and philosopher.