Pontifical High Mass

A Pontifical High Mass in the Roman rite before the changes brought forth by Vatican II is a Mass celebrated by a Bishop which does not omit any elements which are ommited in the pontifical low mass, such as incense. A Pontifical Low Mass is almost identical to the priests low Mass, except for a delay in putting on the maniple untill after the prayers at the foot of the altar.

The Pontifical High Mass really is considered historically the basis for the whole liturgy and its evolution, especially since there were no masses that were sung by exclusively priests in the early church.

It is very different then a mass celebrated only by a Priest. Almost the entire first half of the mass is said from the throne, which sits on the left side of the altar. Instead of saying Dominus Vobiscum (the Lord be with you), the Bishop says Pax Vobiscum (peace be with you). The bishop wears additional garmets above and beyond what the priest wears:

• The dalmatic, which is the outer garment of a deacon, the bishop wears this under his chasuble to show that he has the full powers of a deacon. H also wears the tunic, the garment of the subdeacon for the same reason although since the 19th century it looks exactly the same as the dalmatic.

• The mitre, the Bishops hat.

• The croiser, the Bishops staff.

• buskins, a special form of socks, along with sandals a specially decorated form of footwear, in the shape of loafers.

• a pectoral cross

• liturgical gloves

• An archbishop wears a palium, which is almost a white wollen necklace with cross symbols on it, which shows that his authority has been granted by the Pope, although he technically has no authority more then a normal Bishop.

When the Bishop sits down at his thrown, a special silk cloth is placed in his lap.

Before Vatican II, the Popes pontifical mass when he celebrated at St. Peters was even more different. It included the gospel and epistle being sung in Greek by Greek priests, because St. Peter's is actually supposed to be the Greek church in Rome (the Pope's real Cathedral being St. John Lateran). During the liturgy these Greek priests observe the rules of their right, such as a profound bow instead of kneeling. The Pope drinks the wine, which they believe is the body and blood of Jesus Christ, through a straw. Also pieces of the bread before it is turned into the body and blood of Jesus Christ is tested by a deacon before the Pope to check to see if it is poisoned.