Procession and Opening Chant at Mass
by Fr. Joseph Evinger
Today as I continue the series on the Holy Mass I would like to discuss one of the opening rites: the procession with the opening chant.
As the celebrant—usually led in procession by the servers and deacon if present—approaches the altar of sacrifice the people stand out of respect and honor for him, a successor of the apostles. At the Last Supper the apostles were given the commandment to “Do this in memory of me.” It is the commandment to re-present what happened at the Last Supper and Calvary, that first Mass to the people of the world. Also, Matthew’s gospel concludes with these words of Jesus to the eleven apostles: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” The apostles were specifically given these commandments, to continue what happened at the Last Supper, to make disciples, to baptize, and to teach the people of the world. They passed these mysteries on to their successors, today’s bishops and priests, who continue to celebrate these mysteries. Therefore, as the priest enters the church the people stand out of respect for him who will lead the sacred liturgy, the Mass as commanded by Christ.
Furthermore, to help lift up our minds to God, there is the entrance antiphon known as the opening chant which is recited or sung, and which is almost always directly from Sacred Scripture. There is also the option of singing a hymn instead of the chant which is most commonly done.
May our love for this most ancient liturgy increase as we are drawn closer to God through it.