Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
Loading... The Mass Explained To Children (edition 2007)by Maria Montessori, Matthew A. Delaney (Foreword)
Work InformationThe Mass Explained to Children by Maria Montessori
None Loading...
Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. no reviews | add a review
The Mass Explained to Children presents the beauty, depth, and simplicity of the traditional Latin Mass, helping to make it easily understandable for any and every child. With acute sensitivity to the purity and clarity of a child's mind and soul, Maria Montessori wisely instructs in how to prepare for Mass, explains how the altar is set up, and clarifies the meaning and use of the sacred vessels and other elements used during Mass. She describes also the role of the priest, the use and symbolism of vestments, and much more. Then she proceeds--in refreshingly straightforward language, and with abundant illustrations--to follow the order of the Mass as it slowly unfolds in word and gesture.This is a sure guide to the beauties of the traditional Mass for children of all ages, and at the same time a wonderful primer for adults who want to deepen their understanding of the Mass of the Ages. No library descriptions found. |
Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers
Google Books — Loading... RatingAverage:
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. |
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. ( )