Masses of the Sacred Heart

I decided to write something on the Masses of the Sacred Heart.

The Sacred Heart had tough acceptance in Rome in Rome as a feast. The cause was rejected at least twice in 1726/7 and 1729 (where the Promoter Fidei, advancing the cause against the introduction was Cardinal Lambertini, later Benedict XIV).

Earlier though, in 1697, at the request of the (exiled) Queen of England, Rome permitted the Order of the Visitation (i.e. the Crder of St. Margaret Mary) to observe a feast but they did not grant a Mass or Office for the Sacred Heart. Rather, they permitted the Mass and Office of the Five Wounds. This itself has a connection - prominent in the writings of many authors on the Sacred Heart (e.g. the promoter of the cause, Fr. Gallifet) was the idea that the lance had pierced and caused a wound in the Heart of Jesus. This was also one of the reasons for the reading of the Gospel of the incident in the Mass. The idea of repearation connected with such a feast remianed a chief point in subsequent Masses.

Anyhow, in 1765, a Mass and Office for the Sacred Heart were eventually approved and extended to the dioceses of Poland, the Visitation Nuns, etc. This was the Mass Miserebor and it was heavy on the theology of reparation to the heart. Unfortunately, I only have bits and pieces of the Mass , and I'm trying to get the whole thing, so when I do, I'll probably come back and add to this. Right now, I'll skip discussion and move to the the two other Masses.

First probably, I think I will focus on the Mass Miserebitur. This was a direct descendant of the Mass Miserebor and was provided when Pius IX conceded the feast of the Sacred Heart to the Universal Church with the rank of a Major/Greater Double. It was very much focused in the Passion-Reparation idea and the Mass texts are solemn in their remembrance. It was also celebrated in Red vestments and used the preface of the Cross as was customary with feasts of the Passion.

In addition, though I won't be mentioning the Divine Office in deatil, at Prime, there is something called a proper versicle. This comes in the responsory Christ the Son of the living God have mercy on us.

Christe Fili Dei vivi, * Miserére nobis.
Christe Fili Dei vivi, * Miserére nobis.
Qui sedes ad déxteram Patris * Miserére nobis.
Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
Christe Fili Dei vivi, * Miserére nobis

On certain feasts (most of the Lord), the versicle Qui sedes i.e. '(You) Who are seated at the right hand of the Father,' was replaced by another one. So for example, on the Ascension it is, Qui scandis super sidere i.e. 'Who have ascended above the stars.' For Eastertide it is Qui surrexisti a mortis 'Who have risen from death.'

Anyway, so an example of the Passion nature of the Mass Miserebitur can also be seen in the corresponding Office versicle appointed Qui passus es propter nostram salutem, 'Who suffered for our salvation.' The text of the Mass is as follows:

Introitus Jer. In Thren. 1 Miserebitur secundum multitudinem misericordiarum suarum: non enim humiliavit ex corde suo et abiecit filios hominum: bonus est Dominus sperantibus in eum animae quaerenti illum. Ps. 88 misericordias Domini in aeternum cantabo in generationem et generationem V. Gloria Patri. Miserebitur.

Oratio Concede, quaesumus omnipotens Deus: ut qui in sanctissimo dilecti Filii tui Corde gloriantes, parecipua in nos caritatis eius beneficia recolimus: eorum partier et actu delectemur, et fructu. Per eumdem Dominum nostrum…

Lectio Isiae Prophetae c. 12
Confitebor tibi Domine quoniam iratus es mihi conversus est furor tuus et consolatus es me. Ecce Deus salvator meus fiducialiter agam et non timebo quia fortitudo mea et laus mea Dominus Deus et factus est mihi in salute. Haurietis aquas in gaudio de fontibus salvatoris . Et dicetis in illa die confitemini Domino et invocate nomen eius notas facite in populis adinventiones eius mementote quoniam excelsum est nomen eius Cantate Domino quoniam magnifice fecit adnuntiate hoc in universa terra. Exulta et lauda habitatio Sion quia magnus in medio tui Sanctus Israhel

Graduale Jer. In Thren. 1 O vos omnes qui transitis per viam adtendite et videte si est dolor sicut dolor meus V. Joan. 13 Cum dilexisset suos qui erant in mundo in finem dilexit eos

Alleluia, Alleluia. V. Matt. 13 Discite a me quia mitis sum et humilis corde et invenietis requiem animabus vestries. Alleluia.

Post Septuagismam.
Graduale Ps. 68 Improperium expectavit cor meum et miseriam: et sistinui qui simul contristaretur, et non fuit: et qui consolaretur et non inveni

Tractus Ps. 21 Ego autem sum vermis et non homo: opprobrium hominum et abiectio plebes V. Omnes videntes me deriserunt me: locuti sunt labiis moverunt caput. V. Sicut aqua effusus sum et dispersa sunt universa ossa mea factum est cor meum tamquam cera liquescens in medio ventris mei.

Temp. Pasch. Alleluia, Alleluia. V. Ps 29 Domine Deus meus clamavi ad te et sanasti me: eduxisti ab inferno animam meam Alleluia.
V. Convertisti planctum meum in gaudium mihi conscidisti saccum meum et circumdedisti me laetitia. Alleluia

Sequentia Sancti Evangelli secundum Ioahnnem c. 19
In illo tempore: Iudaei quoniam parasceve erat ut non remanerent in cruce corpora sabbato (erat enim magnus dies ille sabbati) rogaverunt Pilatum ut frangerentur eorum crura et tollerentur. Venerunt ergo milites et primi quidem fregerunt crura et alterius qui crucifixus est cum eo. Ad Iesum autem cum venissent ut viderunt eum iam mortuum non fregerunt eius crura sed unus militum lancea latus eius aperuit et continuo exivit sanguis et aqua . Et qui vidit testimonium perhibuit et verum est testimonium eius .

Secreta Tuere nos, Domine, tua tibi holocaust offerentes: ad quae, ut ferventius corda nostra pareparentur, falmmis adure tuae divinae caritatis. Qui vivis et regnas…

Offerterium Ps. 102 Benedic anima mea Domino et noli oblivisci omnes retributiones eius, qui replet in bonis desiderium tuum

Praefatio De S. Cruce
Vere dignum et iustum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus. Qui salutem humani generis in ligno crucis constituisti: ut, unde mors oriebatur, inde vita resurgeret: et qui in ligno vincebat, in ligno quoque vinceretur, per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem maiestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Coeli, coelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, socia exsultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti iubeas, deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes: Sanctus.

Communio Ps. 68 Inproperium expectavit cor meum et miseriam et sustinui qui simul contristaretur et non fuit et qui consolaretur et non inveni. Alleluia.

Postcommunio Pacificis pasti delicis, et salutaribus sacramentis, te supplices exoramus, Domine Deus noster: ut, qui mitis es et humilis corde, nos a vitiorum labe purgatos, propenius facias a superbis saeculi vanitatibus abhorrere. Qui vivis et regnas…

INTROIT Lam. Of Jer. 3 He will have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies : for he does not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men : the Lord is good unto those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him, alleluia, alleluia. Ps. 88. My song shall be always of the loving-kindness of the Lord : with my mouth will I forever show your truth from one generation to another. V. Glory be to the Father. He will have compassion.

COLLECT We beseech you, Almighty God: that we who, glorying in the most sacred Heart of thy well-beloved Son, do call to mind the excellent benefits of his love towards us, may forever rejoice in its work within us and in bringing forth the fruits of the same. Through the same.

A Reading from Prophet Isaias Chp 12
And you shall say in that day: I will give thanks to thee, O Lord, for you were angry with me: your wrath is turned away, and you have comforted me. Behold, God is my saviour, I will deal confidently, and will not fear: O because the Lord is my strength, and my praise, and he is become my salvation. You shall draw waters with joy out of the saviour's fountains: And you shall say in that day: Praise the Lord, and call upon his name: make his works known among the people: remember that his name is high. Sing to the Lord, for he hath done great things: show this forth in all the earth. Rejoice, and praise, O habitation of Sion: for great is he that is in the midst of you, the Holy One of Israel.

GRADUAL Lam of Jer. 1 O all you that pass by, behold and see, if there is any sorrow like my sorrow. V. St. John 13. Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. St. Matt. 11. Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart : and you shall find rest for your souls. Alleluia.

In votive Masses after Septuagesima, instead of the Alleluia and the verse following is said :

TRACT Ps. 21 But I am a worm and no man: the reproach of men and the outcast of the people. V. All they that saw me have laughed me to scorn: they have spoken with the lips and wagged the head. V. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are scattered. My heart is become like wax melting in the midst of my bowels.

In Eastertide Alleluia, Alleluia. V. Ps 29 Lord, my God, I have cried out to you, and you healed me: you have led my soul out of hell. Alleluia. V. You have turned for me my mourning into joy : you have cut my sackcloth, and has surrounded me with gladness. Alleluia

The Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John. c.19
At that time : Jews, because it was the Parasceve, that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath day, (for that was a great sabbath day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. The soldiers therefore came; and they broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him. But after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers with a spear opened his side, and immediately there came out blood and water. And he that saw it, hath given testimony, and his testimony is true.

OFFERTORY Ps. 102 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all he hath done for thee. who satisfies your desire with good things

SECRET Defend us, O Lord, we pray you, who present this sacrifice unto you : and to the intent that our hearts may be made ready more earnestly to offer the same, vouchsafe to kindle them with the fires of your heavenly charity. Who lives and reigns…..

PREFACE of the Cross.
It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto you, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; who established the salvation of mankind on the tree of the Cross; that from where death came, there also life might arise again, and that he, who overcame by the tree, by the tree also might be overcome: Through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise your Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat you that you may bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise: Holy.

COMMUNION Ps. 68 My heart has expected reproach and misery ; and I looked for one who would grieve together with me, but there was none; and for one who would comfort me, and I found none.

POSTCOMMUNION O Lord our God, who has vouchsafed to feed us with the banquet of our peace, and the sacraments of our salvation : we humbly beseech you ; that as you are meek and lowly of heart, so we, being cleansed from the stains of our vices, may learn more earnestly to forsake the pride and vanities of the world. Who lives and reigns..

So you'll can well see the ideas of the Passion and Reparation. This remained the de facto Mass of the Sacred Heart until 1929.

There was however, another Mass approved. This was by Pius VI in 1788 to principally the dioceses of Venice though it was also extended to Spain and later Ireland (I've read Portugal also but not being able to confirm that). Through the Irish priests, it became widely known and diffused. In the publication of the new missal in 1920 it was supressed and remained so until 1929. A pity because I like this Mass lots. The emphasis of this Mass is very different. It focuses more on thanksgiving and the overall love of Christ in the richness of the Sacred Heart.

The difference of this Mass from Miserebitur is seen in several different ways. The vestments are white not red. The introit itself sets the tone for it - instead of the solemn 'He shall have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies' it begins with the lilting verse of the Canticles (Song of Songs) - 'Go forth you daughters of Sion ...see....him...in the day of the joy of his heart.' Instead of the Passion oriented reading on the piercing of the Heart is the beautiful discourse of our Lord - 'As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.' The somber notes of the Communion - 'My heart has expected reproach and misery' - gives way to the joyful 'Taste and see that the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting.'

Another main difference is the use of the preface of the Nativity outside Lent. Until 1956, this preface was used for a lot of the feasts of the Lord - the Transfiguration, Corpus Christi, etc. It links the Sacred Heart with love manifested in the Incarnation. Likewise, at Prime, instead of the versicle Qui passus is the versicle Qui natus de Maria Virgine - 'Who was born of the Virgin Mary.' When one stops to think about it, it actually has a great deal of contemplative merit. For example, this versicle links it with the feast of Corpus Christi, and the richness of the Love of Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

Enough talk! This is the Mass text.

Introitus Cant. 3 Egredimini et videte filiae Sion regem Salomonem in diademate quo coronavit eum mater sua in die disponsionis illius et in die laetitiae cordis eius. Ps. 44 Eructavit cor meum verbum bonum dico ego opera mea Regi. Gloria Patri. Egredimini.

Oratio Fac nos, Domine Iesu, sanctissimi Cordis tui virtutibus indui, et affectibus inflammari: ut et imagini bonitatis tuae conformes et tuae redemptionis mereamur esse participles. Qui vivis, et regnas, cum Deo Patre.

Lectio Epistolae beati Pauli Apostoli ad Ephesios c. 3
Fratres, mihi omnium sanctorum minimo data est gratia haec in gentibus evangelizare investigabiles divitias Christi, et inluminare omnes quae sit dispensatio sacramenti absconditi a saeculis in Deo qui omnia creavit Huius rei gratia flecto genua mea ad Patrem Domini nostri Iesu Christi ex quo omnis paternitas in caelis et in terra nominatur ut det vobis secundum divitias gloriae suae virtute corroborari per Spiritum eius in interiore homine Christum habitare per fidem in cordibus vestris in caritate radicati et fundati ut possitis conprehendere cum omnibus sanctis quae sit latitudo et longitudo et sublimitas et profundum: scire etiam supereminentem scientiae caritatem Christi ut impleamini in omnem plenitudinem Dei.

Graduale Matt. 21 Dicite filiae Sion: Ecce rex tuus venit tibi mansuetus. V. Is. 42 Non erit tristis neque turbulentus: non clamabit, nec audientur vox eius fortis.
Alleuia, Alleluia. Matt. 11 Discite a me quia mitis sum et humilis corde et invenietis requiem animabus vestries. Alleluia.

Post Septuagismam.
Graduale Ps. 68 Improperium expectavit cor meum et miseriam: et sistinui qui simul contristaretur, et non fuit: et qui consolaretur et non inveni

Tractus Ps. 21 Ego autem sum vermis et non homo: opprobrium hominum et abiectio plebes V. Omnes videntes me deriserunt me: locuti sunt labiis moverunt caput. V. Sicut aqua effusus sum et dispersa sunt universa ossa mea factum est cor meum tamquam cera liquescens in medio ventris mei.

Temp. Pasch.
Alleluia, Alleluia. V. Ps 29 Domine Deus meus clamavi ad te et sanasti me: eduxisti ab inferno animam meam Alleluia.
V. Convertisti planctum meum in gaudium mihi conscidisti saccum meum et circumdedisti me laetitia. Alleluia

Sequentia Sancti Evangellii secundum Iohannem c. 15
In illo tempore: Dixit Iesus dicipulis suis: Sicut dilexit me Pater et ego dilexi vos. Si praecepta mea servaveritis manebitis in dilectione mea sicut et ego Patris mei praecepta servavi et maneo in eius dilectione Haec locutus sum vobis ut gaudium meum in vobis sit et gaudium vestrum impleatur Hoc est praeceptum meum ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos

Maiorem hac dilectionem nemo habet ut animam suam quis ponat pro amicis suis Vos amici mei estis si feceritis quae ego praecipio vobis Iam non dico vos servos quia servus nescit quid facit dominus eius vos autem dixi amicos quia omnia quaecumque audivi a Patre meo nota feci vobis. Non vos me elegistis sed ego elegi vos et posui vos ut eatis et fructum adferatis et fructus vester maneat ut quodcumque petieritis Patrem in nomine meo det vobis

Offerterium 1 Paralip. 29 Domine Deus, in simplicitate cordis mei laetus obtuli universa haec et populum tuum qui hic reppertus est vidi cum ingenti gaudio tibi offerre donaria Deus Israel, custodi hanc voluntatem cordis eorum.

Secreta Illo nos igne, quaesumus Domine, Spiritus sanctus imflamme, quen Dominus noster Iesus christus e penteralibus cordis sui misit in terram, et voluit vehementer accendi. Qui tecum vivit et regant in unitate eiusdem Spiritus Sancti Deus.

Praefatio de Nativtate Domini:
Vere dignum et iustum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus: Quia per incarnati Verbi mysterium nova mentis nostrae oculis lux tuae claritatis infulsit: ut, dum visibiliter Deum cognoscimus, per hunc in invisibilum amorem rapiamur. Et ideo cum Angelis et Archangelis, cum Thronis et Dominationibus, cumque omni militai coelestis exercitus, hymnum gloriae tuae canimus sine fine dicentes: Sanctus.

Et sic dicitur etiam in Missis votivis a Dominica Trinitatis usque ad Septuagesimam. A Septuagesima vero usque ad Pentecost:

PRAEFACTIO De Cruce:
Vere dignum et iustum est, aequum et salutare, nos tibi semper, et ubique gratias agere: Domine sancte, Pater omnipotens, aeterne Deus. Qui salutem humani generis in ligno crucis constituisti: ut, unde mors oriebatur, inde vita resurgeret: et qui in ligno vincebat, in ligno quoque vinceretur, per Christum Dominum nostrum. Per quem maiestatem tuam laudant Angeli, adorant Dominationes, tremunt Potestates. Coeli, coelorumque Virtutes, ac beata Seraphim, socia exsultatione concelebrant. Cum quibus et nostras voces, ut admitti iubeas, deprecamur, supplici confessione dicentes: Sanctus.

Communio Ps 33 Gustate et videte quoniam suavis est Dominus: in aeternum misericordia eius. Alleluia.

Postcommunio Praebeant nobis, Domine Iesu, divinum tua sancta fervorem: quo dulcissimi Cordis tui suavitate percepta., discamus terrene despicere et amare coelestia. Qui vivis, et regnas.

Introit. Cant. 3 Go forth, you daughters of Sion, and see King Solomon in the diadem, with which his mother crowned him on the day of his espousals, and in the day of the joy of his heart. Ps. 44 My heart has uttered a good word : I speak my words to the king. Glory be. Go forth.

Collect Clothe us, Lord Jesus, with the virtues of your sacred Heart, and inflame our souls with the fire of your divine love ; that we may be conformed to the image of your goodness, and be worthy of participating in your redemption: Who lives and reigns.

A Reading from the Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians c. 3
Brothers, to me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God, who created all things. For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named; that he would grant you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit unto the inward man ; that Christ may dwell by faith, in your hearts; that being rooted and founded in love, you may be able to comprehend with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth : to know also the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God.

Graduale Matt. 21 Say unto the daughters of Sion : Behold your king comes to you, meek. V. Is. 42 He shall not be sad, nor troublesome : he shall not cry, neither shall his voice be heard abroad.

Alleluia, Alleluia. Matt. 11 Learn of me, because I am meek and humble of heart: and you shall find rest for your souls. Alleluia.

Post Septuagismam.
Graduale Ps. 68 My heart has expected reproach and misery ; and I looked for one who would grieve together with me, but there was none; and for one who would comfort me, and I found none.

Tractus Ps. 21 But I am a worm and no man: the reproach of men and the outcast of the people. V. All they that saw me have laughed me to scorn:they have spoken with the lips and wagged the head. V. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are scattered. My heart is become like wax melting in the midst of my bowels.

In Eastertide
Alleluia, Alleluia. V. Ps 29 Lord, my God, I have cried out to you, and you healed me: you have led my soul out of hell. Alleluia. V. You have turned for me my mourning into joy : you have cut my sackcloth, and has surrounded me with gladness. Alleluia

The continuation of the Holy Gospel according to John c.15
At that time : Jesus said to his disciples : As the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments you shall abide in my love, as I also have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Greater love than this has no man, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you. I will not now call you servants : for the servant knows not what his Lord does. But I have called you friends : because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you. You have not chosen me ; but I have chosen you, and have appointed you that you should go and should bring forth fruit : and your fruit should remain : that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Offertory 1 Chron. 29 Lord God, I, in the simplicity of my heart, have joyfully offered all these things, and I have seen with great joy, thy people which are here present, offer you their offerings. God of Israel, keep for ever this will of their hearts. Alleluia.

Secret We beseech you, O Lord, to inflame our souls with the fire of the Holy Ghost; which our Lord Jesus Christ has sent on earth, from the secret recesses of his Heart, to enkindle in us his love : Who lives and .

PREFACE Of the Nativity
It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto you, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, for through the Mystery of the Word made flesh, the new light of your glory has shone upon the eyes of our mind, so that while we acknowledge God in visible form, we may through Him be drawn to the love of things invisible. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Throne and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of your glory, evermore saying: Holy

Which is also said in votive Masses from Trinity Sunday to Septuagesima. And in votive Masses from Septuagesima to Pentecost is said

PREFACE Of the Cross:
It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto you, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; who established the salvation of mankind on the tree of the Cross; that from where death came, there also life might arise again, and that he, who overcame by the tree, by the tree also might be overcome: Through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise your Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat you that you may bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise: Holy.

Communion Ps 33 Taste, and see that the Lord is sweet: his mercy is eternal. Alleluia.

Postcommunion May your grace, O Lord Jesus, we beseech you, afford us divine favour, in order that, being perceptive of the sweetness of your most loving Heart, we may learn to despise earthly things, and love those that are heavenly: Who lives and reigns....

A lovely Mass! Thankfully, in the 2002 Missale Romanum, the oration is restored for Votive Masses, though, in line with post 1970 reforms, addressed to the Father, rather than the Son.

In 1928/9, Pius XI raised the feast to a Double of the I Class, the highest rank, and granted it also an Octave. The composition of a new Mass Cogitationes, and Office was undertaken, and there was provided a special preface for Masses of the Sacred Heart. The Prime versicles were replaced by a special one Qui Corde fundis gratiam 'Who pours out grace from Your Heart.' The entire Mass and the new preface. The text of the new Mass and the preface can be seen here.

This Mass is a bit disappointing for me, because it is not exactly a subsitute for the Mass Egredemini. Although the variations for Votive Masses are noticeably 'lighter', and the Mass is celebrated in white vestments, and certain texts of Egredemini are retained, the focus of the Mass is still mostly the reparative contemplation as seen in the Gospel, Collect, Offertory, Communion, etc... Not that that is a bad focus to have, but the sweetness of the Mass Egredimini is for me, especially suitable for Votive Masses. However it is still nice that the Sacred Heart has got its own preface.

First Published June 2007