Q. What is the Mass?

It is the unbloody sacrifice of Christ's Body and Blood, under the forms of bread and wine. The word Mass, used in English, being derived from Missa, Latin; and the word Missa, though it may have other derivations, may be well taken from the Hebrew word Missach, which signifies a free voluntary offering.

Q. What signify the several ornaments of the Priest?

1. The Amice, or linen veil, which he first puts on, represents the veil with which the Jews covered the face of Christ, when they buffeted Him in the house of Caiaphas, and bid Him prophesy, "who it was that struck Him".

2. The Alb signifies the white garment, which Herod put on Him, to intimate that he was a fool.

3. The Girdle signifies the cord that bound Him in the garden.

4. The Maniple, the cord which bound Him to the pillar.

5. The Stole, the cord by which they led Him to be crucified.

6. The Priest's upper Vestment represents both the seamless coat of Christ, as also the purple garment with which they clothed Him in derision in the house of Pilate.

7. The Altar-stone represents the Cross on which he offered Himself unto the Father.

8. The Chalice, the sepulchre or grave of Christ.

9. The Paten, the stone which was rolled to the door of the sepulchre (also signifies the Blessed Virgin Mary and her hidden role in salvation).

10. The Altar-cloths, with the Corporal and Pall, the linen in which the dead body of Christ was shrouded and buried. Finally, the candles on the Altar puts us in mind of the light which Christ brought into the world by His Passion, as also of His immortal and ever shining divinity.