The Eucharistic Celebration: The Source and Summit of Faith

by Adolf Adam, Robert C. Schultz (Translator)

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy says "The Church earnestly desires that Christ's faithful, when present at this mystery of faith, should not be there as strangers or silent spectators. On the contrary, through a good understanding of the rites and prayers they should take part in the sacred action, conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration." What is needed and what the author offers here is that "good understanding" of the meaning and value of the Mass. After examining its historical development, Professor Adam explains each part of the Mass as it is currently celebrated. He uses understandable terminology and a form of presentation designed to increase appreciation of the Mass among the faithful and to provide the knowledge and impetus to achieve this in family and group discussions, in catechetical instruction, and in preaching.

156 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1994

Reviews

[Ross Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fr. Adam’s slim book is an excellent overview of—and theological introduction to—the eucharistic celebration of the church, though its emphasis is very much on the liturgical practices of the Roman rite. It should be noted as well that, from the perspective of this American Catholic reader in the year of our Lord 2025, the book is outdated in places (since the Roman Missal has been revised since 1991), and there are occasional references to practices in the German church that have no application within the jurisdictions of other bishops’ conferences. Still, I found the book lively and incisive.