Latin Mass Society publishes new handbook for Old Rite Order of Mass

Worshippers in the Traditional Rite now have a new illustrated booklet setting out the Order of Mass, the Angelus, Benediction and other prayers.

The LMS-published booklet includes a new English translation of the Traditional Latin and 13 pages of chant, plus an imprimatur from the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster.

For years, followers of the Old Rite have used an American Order of Mass booklet, known as the 'Red Missal', which had to be imported from the US. The new booklet, Ordinary Prayers, will be available at bookshops in the UK and via the LMS website.

LMS General Manager Stephen Moseling said: "This booklet is to help the Faithful to follow the Traditional Latin Mass. Since such help is particularly necessary at special events such as feasts and pilgrimages, we have included variations for Sundays, weekdays and the liturgical seasons, for High and Pontifical Mass.

"This is the first time all these prayers have appeared together in a single booklet, with music scores so people can follow the plain chant. It's an attractive publication with elegant silk pages and would make an ideal Christmas present for those who love the Latin Mass."

The booklet boasts features found in few, if any, missals for the laity, including some specific to England and Wales: the Prayer for the Queen used on Sundays, the 'long' Prayer for England, the traditional version, in Welsh, of the Prayer for Wales and the Litany of Loreto for use in Benediction.

Everything possible is given in both Latin and English on facing pages, with diagrams and side-notes to help the congregation follow. Illustrations are by LMS Committee member Stefano Mazzeo. The translation was done by Dr Raymond Davies, retired from the Queen's University Belfast, with the assistance of Fr John Hunwicke of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.

LMS Chairman Joseph Shaw said: "This represents the fruits of a great deal of work over more than two years, from a team of translators, artists, researchers and typesetters. We hope that it will be a guide to the Traditional Mass for those new to it, and a stimulus to piety for those already familiar with it."

LMS members will receive a copy of the handbook free, others can order it via the LMS website and at participating bookshops. Ordinary Prayers retails at £3.75 with discounts for bulk orders.

For more information visit the LMS website here: www.lms.org.uk/