The Tridentine Mass, also known as the Latin Mass, is a form of the Roman Catholic Mass. The spelling of the word "Tridentine" is trɪˈdɛntaɪn, with primary stress on the second syllable. The term comes from the Latin word Tridentinus, meaning "of or pertaining to Trent," the location of the Council of Trent held from 1545 to 1563. The Tridentine Mass was standardized by this council, intended to be used universally, and was commonly used until the reforms of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s.
The Tridentine Mass refers to the liturgical form of the Roman Catholic Mass that was codified and standardized at the Council of Trent in the 16th century. It derives its name from the location of the council, Trent (or Trento), Italy. This form of the Mass remained the principal liturgy of the Catholic Church for about four centuries until the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s introduced various changes to the liturgy.
The Tridentine Mass is characterized by its emphasis on Latin as the language of worship and its highly structured and ritualistic nature. It showcases the use of Gregorian chant, prayers and readings, and the highly symbolic actions performed by the priest during the Eucharistic celebration. The faithful actively participate in silent prayer and contemplation, often following the liturgy from missals.
It is distinguished by several key features, including the priest celebrating Mass facing the altar rather than the congregation, the offering of the Eucharist exclusively under the form of unleavened bread (the host), and the practice of distributing communion to the faithful on the tongue while kneeling.
The Tridentine Mass represents a rich heritage of tradition and piety within the Roman Catholic Church. Although it experienced significant liturgical changes in the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council, it has continued to be celebrated in certain settings, particularly by groups and communities who advocate a return to pre-Vatican II practices.
The term "Tridentine Mass" is derived from the Latin word "Tridentinus", which means "related to the city of Tridentum" (modern-day Trento, Italy). The mass itself is named after the Council of Trent, which was held in several sessions between 1545 and 1563. The Council aimed to address the theological and liturgical issues that arose during the Protestant Reformation and to bring about a reaffirmation of Catholic doctrine and reforms. During this council, the liturgical practices of the Catholic Church were standardized and codified in the "Tridentine" form, which became the official and normative form of the Mass for many centuries.