THE HOLY MASS
Liturgy and the Shrine:
A Reflection of Beauty in Worship
The Liturgy is the highest form of worship in the Catholic Church, where the faithful gather to encounter Christ through the Holy Eucharist, the sacraments, and the Word of God. It is in the Liturgy that the Church expresses her unity and mission, drawing all people closer to God.
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The National Shrine of Saint Anne exemplifies the beauty of liturgical celebrations through its solemn rites, sacred music, and deep reverence for tradition. Every Mass, procession, and celebration reflects the splendor of heavenly worship, inviting the faithful to a profound encounter with God. The Shrine stands as a beacon of faith, where the beauty of the Liturgy inspires devotion and transforms hearts.
The Liturgy is not about you and I...
The liturgy if first and foremost about God and what He has done for us.
Robert Cardinal Sarah
on Sacra Liturgia Conference, 2026
The Holy Mass is the central act of worship in the Catholic Church, where the faithful gather to celebrate the Eucharist — the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Its roots trace back to the Last Supper, when Jesus instituted the Eucharist on the night before His crucifixion, saying, “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19).
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In the early Church, Christians gathered in homes to break bread and celebrate the Lord’s Supper. By the 4th century, after Christianity was legalized, public churches were built, and the celebration of the Mass became more formalized. The Mass structure developed, centered around the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Over time, the Church refined the celebration through councils and traditions, establishing the Roman Rite as the standard form of the Mass in the Western Church. The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) introduced significant reforms, promoting active participation of the laity and allowing the Mass to be celebrated in local languages.
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Today, the Holy Mass remains the highest form of worship, uniting believers with Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross and nourishing them with His Body and Blood.
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Thank you for your understanding!