What is the Latin Mass?
The Latin Mass is often called the Tridentine Latin Mass, a reference to the fact that it was codified by Pope St. Pius V shortly after the Council of Trent (1545-1563), from which is derived the term “Tridentine.” Contrary to what some people think, Pope St. Pius V did not issue a new Mass but simply unified the already existing liturgy. His Quo Primum decree not only declared that this Mass was to remain unchanged for all time, but it forbade the introduction of new Mass liturgies. The Latin Mass itself can rightly be called the Mass of the Apostles since it dates back to the time of Our Lord and the Apostles. Remnants of early liturgies parallel the Tridentine Latin Mass in its essential details. Back to top.
