Eucharistic Prayer Part 4: Memorial Acclamations after the Consecration.

 ABOUT THE MASS SERIES VOL 2.

Mass at Nazareth : About the Mass Vol 2 Icon.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER PART 4.

 

‘Memorial Acclamations after the Consecration’

Straight after the Consecration, the priest invites us with the faith filled statement as he says:

‘the mystery of Faith’.  This is because this faith filled statement elicits naturally a response.   The other reason is that the priest is in the middle of the Eucharistic prayer where his words are all being directed to God the Father.  Previously the priest used to say ’Let us proclaim the mystery of faith’ which suddenly changed his focus from directing the prayer to God the Father to addressing us as the congregation. As it stands now, it helps the priest and people to remain focused on their respective roles. The priest makes the announcement of a faith filled statement and we, as the congregation respond with the acclamation of faith.   It is important to remember we as a congregation are making an acclamation since an acclamation by definition is addressed to someone whereas a proclamation is made about someone.

 

If a deacon is present, he invites us with these words instead. This phrase was used in the oldest manuscripts of the Roman Canon, but now since Vatican 11, this phrase has been transferred from the words of institution to the invitation calling forth our acclamation.  Its meaning is clarified by our response.  The mystery of faith is the Pascal mystery amongst us, the mystery of Christ dying, rising, and present among his people.   We support one another’s faith in the Pascal mystery, and the acclamation is properly a memorial of the Lord’s suffering and glorification, with an expression of faith in his coming.

Knowing this subtle difference should help us as a congregation to acclaim what we believe to God the Father and help us keep our focus in prayer during the Mass.  If our mind has wandered or we have had some distractions around us during Mass, this is another opportunity to refocus our attention again by this understanding of the difference between acclamation and proclamation.

 The acclamations are based on the Latin three acclamatory formalae, each acclamation not only helps sustain our attention from the end of the Holy, Holy (Sanctus) to the Great Amen, but also is a manifestation of our active participation in the Eucharistic Prayer.  Each acclamation is also clearer and more precise in helping us identify our function which is to share the Eucharist and await its fulfillment.   Sharing in the Eucharist by virtue of our baptismal priesthood, we express and affirm belief that the whole mystery of the Risen Christ is present and active in the celebration of the Mass.