In The Mass Explained to Children, the great educator Maria Montessori explains the whats and whys of the Catholic mass in a easy, clear way. There are no complex theological expositions, but rather simple definitions and explanations for what things are (e.g. a chasuble or a burse), and why things happen (e.g. the consecration).

After some background on the history of the mass, Montessori guides the reader step-by-step from the beginning of the Mass of the Catechumens, through the Mass of the Faithful, all the way to the “Ite missa est” and the Last Gospel, explaining everything that happens along the way. This book is aimed at children, so the explanations can be a bit simplistic, therefore those seeking deeper, more technical reasons for the actions of mass should look elsewhere. However, I can see how this book would be perfect for adults seeking an easy “because” for endless “why”s. Plus, the book has both Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur, so the theology has been checked and found solid.

The mass explained here is what is now know as the Tridentine or Extraordinary form, but there is still plenty of useful and relevant information here for those who attend the ordinary form. Also, being published in 1932, decades before the ICEL, Montessori's translations are not identical with the modern “standard” (but resemble the Anglican Rite I, as well as, to a certain extent, the latest Catholic translation). Also, while it does not use “ineffable”, the vocabulary is a bit elevated and is better geared for parents or more advanced readers. Montessori's use of the word “holocaust” to describe the sacrifice of the mass (she defines the term), falls into this category, because the word's modern connotations may cause some confusion.

Overall, however, The Mass Explained to Children is an excellent reference for children and adults seeking answers for why the mass happens the way it does. ( )