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Che Syriac-IHaronite

mass in English

By The

Reverend Peter f. Sfeir





Che Syriac-lttaronite mass in English

Explanation of the Ceremonies

Complete Translation of the Mass

Responses of the Server and Hymns of the Choir

Transcribed in English Characters

by

REV. PETER F. SFEIR

Former professor, St. Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.

St. John Maron Church, Buffalo, N. Y.

Author of “The Language of Christ in America” etc.

%

2nd Edition enlarged and illustrated

For the benefit of the Maronites in English-

speaking countries and all of those interested

in the Maronite liturgy.

1953

I



Buffalo, N. Y., May 1, 1950

Nihil Obstat

JOSEPH J. GLAPINSKI

Censor Librorum

Imprimatur

J. F. O’HARA, C.S.C.

Episcopus Buffalensis

Copyright 1953, by Rev. Peter F. Sfeir, author and

publisher, St. John Moran Church,

41 Cedar St., Buffalo, N. Y.

All Rights Reserved

Copies may be obtained from the author, address above;

from the Pastors of the Maronite Churches listed at the

end of this book; or from Benziger Brothers Religious

Goods, 6 Barclay St., New York 8, N. Y.; Cincinnati,

Chicago, San Francisco.

$1.00 per copy—$80.00 per hundred, postpaid.

II



AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED

TO THE MEMORY OF
MY MOTHER, NASSIM,

WHOSE DAILY ATTENDANCE
AT MASS,

LEADING ME BY THE HAND,
WAS THE GUIDING STAR

IN MY APPRECIATION OF THE
HOLY MASS

AND IN THE COMPOSITION
OF THIS WORK.

Ill





WHEN TO STAND, SIT, OR KNEEL
AT THE MARONITE HIGH AND LOW MASS

1. When the Priest enters the Sanctuary STAND
until he reaches the altar, then SIT.

2. When he descends to the foot of the altar (or

draws back) to say the prayer “Allahoomma,

O God”, STAND until he finishes the first
incensing of the people (Ekbal); then SIT.

3. At the second incensing of the people

(Irhamnee) STAND; then SIT until the Priest

turns before the Gospel to give the blessing to

the people, for which RISE and remain so until

he finishes the third, or last incensing

(Noomen); then SIT.

4. When the bell rings for “Oddooss, Sanctus”
KNEEL until the Priest has blessed the people
with the Chalice; then SIT.

5. When, at the end of the Mass, he turns to give

the last blessing, receive it KNEELING; then
RISE and remain standing until the Priest has

left the Sanctuary.

At Low Mass remain kneeling after the Last
Blessing for the recital of the three Hail Marys.

During the people’s Communion KNEEL
DOWN.

SACRIFICES OF THE OLD LAW PREFIGURING THE

SACRIFICE OF THE MASS.

(Courtesy of the Librarian of the Benedictine Archabbey

of St. Vincent, Latrobe, Pennsylvania.)

If those sacrifices were agreeable to God, how much

more is the Holy Sacrifice of the Cross represented and

sacramentally renewed at Mass. (See prayers at the begin-

ning of the Ordinary of Mass.)

1



CONTENTS
Page

When to Stand, Sit or Kneel at the Maronite

High or Low Mass 1

Introductory letter of Msgr. Thomas }. McMahon . 5

Preface 7

Purpose and need of this book. To whom is it

addressed? Do the faithful of the Latin Rite

fulfill the precept of hearing Mass, by assisting

at a Maronite Mass?

BOOK ONE: Explanation of the Mass Symbols and

Ceremonies 10

Chapter I. Why should we attend Mass as often as

we can? What is the best way of assisting at

Mass? 10

Chapter II. What is the Syriac Maronite Mass? Who

is St. Maron and Who are the Maronites? . .11

Chapter III. Is there any difference between the Latin

and the Maronite Mass? 13

Chapter IV. Outline of the Syriac Maronite Mass.

Details on the Outline 15

Chapter V. Explanation of the ceremonies of the Mass: 20

Why the lighting of candles? Burning of Incenses?

Motions of the hands, as extending them, raising

them, waving them, spreading them over the

offerings? The washing of priest’s fingers? Why

the mixture of a few drops of water with the

wine? Meaning of the Kiss of Peace? How is it

done? Breaking of the Host? The Elevation of the

Host? Striking of the breast?

Chapter VI. The Life of Christ at Mass . * .28

Chapter VII. Sacred Vestments: Their history; their

symbolism 30

2



Page

BOOK TWO: Ordinary of the Mass

Part One: From the beginning until the end of the

Gospel 36

Part Two: From the Gospel until the end of the Mass 57

APPENDIX
I. PSALMS for High Masses. Hymns . . . .91

1. Barekee ya nafsee 91

2. Psalm Verses:

a. Moostaeeddon albee. b. Ertafee. c. Allahoomma.

d. Lemaza . 92

3. Sabbehoo leerrab meen assamawatt . 92

4. Arrabboo raeea .... . 93
5. Ya mahsharal habbebee . 94

6. A ya rabboo roohmaka . 94

7. Ha slahboollahee . 95

8. Majdoo Mariam .... . 95
9. Maroonoo ya man . 96

10. Ashabana la tohmeloo . 96

11. Najjee ya rabbee noofoosan . 97

Selection of English Hymns . 98

1. Jesus My Lord . 98

2. To Jesus’ Heart All Burning . . 98

3. O Lord I Am Not Worthy . 98

4. Come Holy Ghost . 99

5. Mother Dear .... . 99
6. Great St. Maron . . 99

7. Holy God ... . 100
[. PRAYERS AND FORMULAS . . 101

The Lord’s prayer; the Hail Mary; Apostles’

Creed; Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity; Act of

Contrition; Blessing before meals.

3



Page

Commandments of God and of the Church; the

Seven Sacraments; the seven capital sins and

the opposite virtues .102

Prayers for Confession and Communion . .104

Churches of the Maronites in America, Canada,

Australia, France in 1953 . . . .112

INDEX OF ILLUSTRATIONS

The Life of Christ at Mass

Sacrifices of the Old Testament, figures of the Mass IV

Blessing of babies 27

Incensing the Chalice at the beginning of the Mass . 37

“Holy Night, Mother and Child”—The Gloria

—

“AlMajdoo” 43

Christ’s prayer in Syriac at Nazareth—Prayers and
Commemorations (Explained p. 223) . . .47

Christ’s preaching (from St. Peter’s boat, Luke 5:1)

Reading of the Gospel ...... 54
Christ washing the Apostles’ feet (Priest washing his

fingers) 59

Ceremony of the Kiss of Peace. (Explained p. 24) . 61

The Last Supper.—Priest singing the Consecration . 63

Crucifixion—Elevation of the Host and the Chalice . 70

Resurrection—Breaking of the Host and Mingling it
with the Precious Blood. (Expl. p. 26) . .75

Risen Christ’s Apparition—(John 21:1) Blessing with
the Holy Species 83

Ascension: end of Christ’s life on earth—Last blessing:
end of the Mass 88

4



Introductory letter sent to all Maronite priests in the

United States of America by Monsignor Thos. J. McMahon,

President, Pontifical Mission for Palestine; National Secre-

tary, Catholic Near East Welfare Association, recommend-

ing The Syriac-Maronite Mass in English by Rev. Peter

F. Sfeir.

CATHOLIC NEAR EAST WELFARE

ASSOCIATION

Established by the Holy See

President Assistants

Francis Cardinal Spellman Msgr. Joseph F. Connolly

National Secretary Very Rev. Andrew Rogosh

Msgr. Thomas
J.
McMahon Rev. Wm. Kailer Dunn

480 LEXINGTON AVENUE

New York 17, N. Y.

Plaza 8-2710

Reverend and dear Father:

I hardly needed the experience of the past three years

spent in and around your native Lebanon to make me

love the Maronite people, their customs and their liturgy.

Still the experience has deepened my love and increased my

debt to the Irish of the East.

For years I have been anxious for the young people of

our Maronite congregations in the States. What a pity it

would be for them to lose their rich heritage, to be ignor-

ant of their glorious past purpled with martyrs’ blood, to

lose their love for the Mass for which their fathers have

lived and died!

That is why I rejoiced when I received the manuscript of

Father Sfeir’s book, The Syriac-Maronite Mass in English,

and I do hope that the Maronite pastors in the United

States will secure copies of it for their congregations,

especially for the children and the young folks. If these

5



first fruits of the Lebanese immigration to America, as well

as those that sired them, have in their hands such a

prayerbook they will learn to love the Maronite Mass as

never before.

Then, too, members of the Latin rite who attend your

Churches as devoted Catholics will welcome the aid of

this Missal, which contains not only the prayers of the

Mass but also other prayers and hymns familiar to them.

Thus they will be drawn even more closely to the Altar

Which is Christ and they will burn more ardently with

the love Which is Christ.

I know that His Eminence, Eugene Cardinal Tisserant,

Secretary of the Oriental Congregation, and His Eminence,

Francis Cardinal Spellman, President of the Catholic Near

East Welfare Association, are anxious that the Mass book

of Father Sfeir be in the hands of our Maronite people

and of the many others who esteem their ancient Rite.

Certainly such an abundantly holy book will prosper your

glorious apostolate for souls.

Devotedly in Christ
,

Monsignor Thomas J. McMahon,

President, Pontificial Mission for Pal-

estine; National Secretary, Catholic

Near East Welfare Association.

IN APPRECIATION

Our deep appreciation to Mr. Beshara Mabarak,

a worthy son of Lebanon , a prominent American

citizen in Detroit Michigan, a distinguished

member of the Maronite Community, whose

generosity made possible the publication of this

book; it is fitting that those who will use it

remember him and his family in the Holy

Sacrifice of the Mass.

6



PREFACE

PURPOSE AND NEED OF THIS NEW BOOK

TO WHOM IS IT ADDRESSED?

This is a most timely book: it is to fill a definite and

urgent need, both for the Syro-Maronites and their

American friends.

Maronite fathers and mothers, together with the pastors

of their churches settled in all the states of America,

complain that their children, young men and women,

frequently do not attend the Maronite Mass with them.

The youth’s answer and excuse is that, not understanding

the language of that Mass and not being familiar with

the ceremonies, he is not inclined to go and be a mute

and annoyed spectator.

With this booklet in hand, the youth will refrain from

such an answer as he will fully understand the whole

Maronite Mass, prayers and ceremonies, even better than

his parents. Therefore, he will be willingly eager to

attend the Maronite Mass. He will enjoy its beautiful and

impressive prayers and will be delighted with its colorful

ceremonies, which are centuries old. Furthermore, since

the last war a new and intensive interest has developed

among American people for the things of the Near East:

language, history, geography, rites, liturgies, and the like.

This booklet enables all to comply with the injunction

of Pope Pius X, who said: “Do not pray at Mass, but

pray the Mass.” Accordingly, to aid those unfamiliar

with the language of the Mass, English phonetic tran-

scriptions of the hymns and responses of the choir and

server have been provided. Now, the younger generation

particularly, will be enabled to take an active part in the

singing at Mass.

7



SELECTED ILLUSTRATIONS

The large number of Illustrations inserted in their

proper place will, without doubt, be of great help in

following and fully understanding the various parts of the

Mass.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

As this book contains all the prayers of the priest and

the responses and hymns of the server and the choir, it

will possibly be difficult to follow these in their totality,

until the user has become accustomed to the liturgy.

Hence it would seem advisable at first to choose to follow

either the priest or the server, or to omit some of the

prayers.

In order to enter more fully into the spiritual signifi-

cance of the Maronite liturgy, the user of this book is

urged to read the explanations provided. This may be

fittingly done in a devotional attitude, even at Mass.

If this little work is the cause of instilling in the

hearts of our Lebanese and Syrian youth and of our

English-speaking friends a greater love and devotion

towards the Divine Sacrifice of the Mass; if they grow

in knowledge of its ceremonies; if this book lifts their

minds more easily to God and holy things,—and we trust
that it surely will,—it will have fulfilled its mission.

The only favor requested by the author of these lines

from you, dear reader, is to be mindful of him in your

prayers, when you attend Mass.

FOR THE FAITHFUL OF THE LATIN RITE

ATTENDING THE MARONITE MASS

1 )
The precept to hear Mass on Sundays and Holy Days

of obligation is fulfilled by the faithful of the Latin Rite

when they are present at the Holy Sacrifice celebrated

8



in the Maronite Rite or in any one of the Catholic Ori-

ental Rites. *(See Canon 1249)

2) They may also, for devotional motives, receive Holy

Communion, consecrated according to the Maronite Rite,

or any one of the Catholic Oriental Rites. (See Canon

866 )

3) The faithful may also go to Confession to any

approved Priest, even though he is of another Catholic

Rite, if they so desire. (See Canon 881)

*The Code of the Canon Law is the official collection

of the laws of the Catholic Church.

9



BOOK ONE

EXPLANATION OF THE MASS SYMBOLS

AND CEREMONIES

CHAPTER I

WHY SHOULD WE ATTEND MASS
AS OFTEN AS WE CAN?

Should not every true Catholic strive to attend Mass

as often as possible? The answer is found in a remark-

able and inspiring little book written by a holy man

about 500 years ago, The Following of Christ:

“When a priest celebrateth, he honoreth God, he

rejoiceth the Angels, he edifieth the Church, he helpeth

the living, he obtaineth rest for the departed, and maketh

himself partaker of all good things.” (IV: 2:6)

Such marvelous effects are also attained by the atten-

tive hearing of the Holy Mass. On this subject a striking

illustration has been given by a modern author. Rev.

C. C. Smyth, who says:

“What would we say of the man who went to prison

for debt with a gold mine at his door? What would we

say of the drowning man who did not raise his hand to

grasp at the saving beam floating above him? What

would we say of the man who starved to death with the

Bread of Life in sight? Unless he were totally, absolutely

blind, we would certainly call him a fool.

“In the Mass, the Church offers to every man a mine

of limitless wealth, the infinite merits of our Lord Jesus

Christ, wherewith to pay his debt to Divine Justice; to

the man engulfed in a sea of trials and temptations, she

extends the saving beam of the Cross; before him who

hungers unto death with unfulfilled desire, she places the

Living Bread from heaven. Truly in the Mass, ‘heaven

may be had for the asking;
5

yet every priest is forced to

10



admit, after but a short exercise of his ministry, that the

greater number of Catholics neither understand nor love

the Mass as they should, and consequently fail to realize

its immense treasure of spiritual knowledge and grace.

“Knowledge is the road to love and service. If Catholics

did but know the deep lessons of the various symbols and

liturgical ceremonies of the Mass, they would soon hold

faster to its graces and lead lives more practically

Catholic?”

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY OF ASSISTING
AT MASS?

To the question: What is the best way of assisting at

Mass?—we reply with Bishop Riddell, who wrote: “Of
the many ways of assisting as Mass, the best way is that

in which each person, by saying the words of the missal

more closely, allies and associates himself with the priest

who is celebrating. To identify oneself thus with him is

to unite with our Divine Lord Himself, Who is there

and then acting as the Priest according to the order of

Melchisedech.”

In this regard, no more accurate words can be found

than the injunction of Pope Pius X who said “DO NOT
PRAY AT MASS, BUT PRAY THE MASS.” To be a

guide and a help in this vital matter is the purpose of

this book.

CHAPTER II

WHAT IS THE SYRIAC-MARONITE MASS?

The faithful of the Latin Rite who attend the Maronite

Mass for the first time are struck both with the similarity

of the two Masses ,and with the difference between them.

This is due to the fact that the Maronites celebrate Mass

in the Syriac Liturgy of Antioch, ascribed to St. James

the Apostle, to which additions and modifications have

been adapted from the Latin Liturgy.

11



"Who Is St. Maron and Who Are The Maronites?”

The Maronites or the “Syro-Maronites” are a people

who form a branch of the Oriental Church, owing their

origin to Saint Maron, an outstanding monk of the

fourth and fifth centuries (350-433). St. John Maron

(627-707) is their first Patriarch and the organizer of

their rite. They live in Lebanon, Damascus, Aleppo and

other localities of Syria, Egypt and Cyprus. Thousands

have emigrated to Africa, Australia and the Americas. In

North America, they have their own Churches (number-

ing forty-three) and parish Priests. These churches (with

addresses) are listed at the end of this book. They fol-

low their own liturgy under the jurisdiction of the local

Latin Bishop. They have been remarkable for their un-

swerving devotion to the Holy See. They are the only

Eastern Rite which is entirely Roman Catholic. All other

Rites of the Oriental Church are divided into two groups:

The Catholics and the non-Catholics, called Orthodox.

Pope Leo XIII, at the Consistory on June 23, 1890, said

of them: "The Maronites are a race distinguished for their

great deeds. Centuries ago, they furnished, with their

arms a strong help to St. Louis, King of France when he

was carrying the Cross against the Mohammedans. They

are more illustrious for the constancy with which, in the

midst of crises, they have preserved intact and immacu-

late the Catholic Faith.”

Feast Of St. Maron (Feb. 9) and

St. John Maron (March 2)

On these feasts a plenary indulgence can be obtained

by all who visit a Maronite Church: Confession, Com-

munion and a prayer for the Pope’s intention.

The Language of Christ Used in The Maronite Mass.

The Maronite Mass is sometimes called “Syriac-Maro-

nite Mass” and the Maronites are sometimes called Syro-

12



Maronites because the language used in our Mass is the

Syriac, also called Syro-Aramaic. It is the same as that

which was spoken by Christ Himself, His Mother and

the Apostles. It was the language used at the Last Sup-

per, for the first Mass and in this we take great pride.

The Gospel, the Epistle, the Our Father and about

seventeen other prayers, as well as almost all responses

and hymns of the server, and the choir are said in Arabic

which for the last four hundred years or more has been

the spoken language of the Lebanese. (Picture, p. 47)

Diversity Of Rites In Unity Of Faith.

The Popes have never requested uniformity in rite and

liturgy, the various ceremonies being a different expres-

sion of the same truths. Their earnest desire, even their

formal and explicit orders are that the Eastern Churches

should maintain their traditional liturgies using the

language and the customs of their own rite.

Pope Benedict XIV, of blessed memory, expressed the

mind of the Catholic Church, when he said: “Volumus

ut omnes Catholici non ut Latini sint; We want all to

be Catholics but not to be Latins.”

CHAPTER III

Is There Any Difference Between the Latin

and the Maronite Mass?

Essentially there is no difference as far as the substance

of the Mass is concerned, although the externals, namely

the ceremonies differ slightly and the language is differ-

ent. It is noteworthy that the ceremonies of the Maronite

Mass resemble those used in the Latin Mass, more than

all the other Oriental Rites do. Thus the Maronites alone,

among all the Easterns, use at the Mass the same sacred

vestments and vessels used in the Latin Mass and have

the same way of genuflecting. They have the same un-

leavened bread in the form of a round host, the laity

13



receive Holy Communion under only one kind, like the

Latins. They follow the Gregorian calendar. The order

of prayers is almost the same and many of them are a

translation from the Roman Missal. Even the various

parts of both Masses, Maronite and Latin, evolve in the

same order as shown in the outline soon to follow.

Some Differences Between the Maronite

and the Latin Mass

1 In the Maronite Mass, the Missal is always put on

the Gospel side, i.e., on the right side of the altar.

2 The use of incense is more frequent in the Maronite

Rite. It is required in the Low as well as the High

Mass. (Is not the East, the homeland of the Maro-

nites, the country of the most fragrant perfumes?)

In the Latin Mass, incense is ordinarily used now in

the Solemn High Mass. In the Maronite Mass, the

Priest has to incense the altar, the oblation, the clergy

and the congregation three times and the altar and

oblation alone, once.

3 As for Dominus Vobiscum, the Priest turns toward his

right side and blesses the people saluting them, saying:

“Peace be with you all” to which the choir answers:

“And with thy spirit.” Twice he turns completely

toward the people to bless them, before the Gospel

and at the end of the Mass.

4 The wine with a few drops of water is poured into

the Chalice at the beginning of the Mass. This act

is not followed as in the Latin Mass by the washing

of the fingers which will take place after the Gospel.

5 The first part of the Maronite Mass is longer than the

same part in the Latin Mass because the commemora-

tions and the prayers for the living and dead are

said in the first part of our Mass, while in the Latin

Mass they are said in the second part, between the

Sanctus and Consecration. For this reason in the

14



Maronite Mass, the Consecration will immediately

follow the Sanctus.

6 The words of Consecration are said aloud or sung.

The Consecration is not followed by the Elevation,

two elevations are performed shortly after it.

7 The Priest in the Maronite Mass receives Holy Com-

munion at two different times. After the first, he

gives Communion to the people, then he blesses the

congregation with the Sacred Host and the Chalice.

Then he consumes the remainder of the Sacred Host

and of the Precious Blood.

8 The entrance, the ceremony of the Peace, the Epikleses

or invocation of the Holy Ghost and the Breaking of

the Host are performed in a more elaborate manner

in our Mass, as it will soon be described.

9 In the Maronite Mass, the responses of the server, or

of the Choir in High Mass, are more extensive than

those of the Latin Mass. Similar to the olden days

of the Church, there is a continuous dialogue between

the Priest and the Choir, or the server who repre-

sents the congregation. The server also taking the

place of the Sub-Deacon, reads the Epistle on the left

side of the altar. If he is unable to read it, the Priest

does so. The Epistle is always taken from the letters

of St. Paul.

10 In the High Mass, the celebrant uses a small crucifix

with a long silk banner, to give blessings.

CHAPTER IV

OUTLINE OF THE MARONITE MASS

Part I. PREPARATION FOR THE MASS
(From the beginning until after the Gospel)

Section A. Preparation of Bread and Wine

When the Priest enters the sanctuary, people stand
until he ascends the altar then they sit down. Priest turns

15



the chalice and paten, then the palls, and veil to the

server to be incensed. Pouring of wine and water. Prayer

at the foot of the Altar:
“
Allahoomma

”

(People stand).

Section B. Preparation of the Hearts

(Commemorations and Prayers)

Entrance Verse “Libaitokh Aloho” First incensing with

hymn “Ekbal ya wad attaebeen
”

after which people sit.

While incensed, people stand with bowed heads. Kyrie

Eleison. Gloria, “Al Majdoo Lellah” Collect, Various

prayers. Server sings, “Salatookee ma ana
”

Section C. Preparation of the Minds

(Instruction)

“Lbaitokh Aloho

”

Second incensing, during which

people stand, then sit. Priest and choir sing “Erhamnie

ya Allah” Sequence “Ephrameatt.” Incensing of the altar,

while singing “Kadishatt Aloho” “Etraham Aline” 3

times, which means: Holy God have mercy on us.

Epistle is read by the Server, or by the Priest facing the

congregation. Priest turns and blesses the people, all

stand. Gospel read aloud with two lighted candles held

by two altar boys.

Part II. THE MASS PROPER

(From the Gospel to the end)

Section A. Offertory

Nicene Creed: I believe in one God. “Noomen”

Third incensing after which people sit down. Washing

of the fingers. “Lbaitokh Aloho” Canon of the Mass.

Ceremony of the Peace. Altar boy receives the “Kiss of

Peace” from the priest, passes it to others by the touching

of the hands.

Section B. Consecration

“Sursum Corda” Preface, Sanctus, “Oddooss” Bell

rings, (all kneel.) Words of Consecration sung or said

16



aloud: “Faghro Deal” means: (This is) “My Body.” (Bell)

Cosso Ddame means: (This is) “the Chalice of My

Blood.” (Bell) Invocation of the Holy Ghost while Priest

kneels on both knees and server says: Kyrie Eleison 3

times. (Bell) Combined Elevation of Host and Chalice.

(Bell)

Section C. Communion

The Our Father “Abana Llazee” Solemn Elevation.

(Bell) Breaking of the Host. “O Lord I am not worthy.”

The priest strikes his breast. (Bell) Communion of the

priest. He blesses the people with the Chalice and the

Paten containing the remainder of the Sacred Species.

Communion of the people. People sit. Ablutions. Last

hymn
—

“Alleluia.” Last blessing for which people kneel.

Dismissal. End.

DETAILS ON THE OUTLINE OF THE
MARONITE MASS

In the early Christian centuries, the Church buildings

had two parts or two rooms, the vestibule and the room

of Sacrifice. The Maronite Mass, as in the case in all

rites, is similarly divided in two parts which are equal

in length but not in importance. The first part, from

the beginning until after the Gospel is the preparation for

the Holy Sacrifice; it is important and should not be

missed. The second part, continuing to the end, is the

Mass proper or the actual Sacrifice.

First Part: Preparation for the Sacrifice

There are three sections in this part.

1 Preparation of bread and wine.

2 Prayers and commemorations.

3 Instructions.

It will be easy to distinguish and recognize these three

sections as each one starts with the Entrance verse and

gesture and with the use of incense. At the first section,

17



the Priest incenses only the Host, the Sacred vessels and

linens but at the three others, he also incenses the altar

and the people. As for the Entrance gesture, he per-

forms it as follows: he moves his head in the form of a

cross, that is, he bows his head and turns to the left,

then to the right, saying the Entrance verses “Lbaitokh.”

He recites them at the beginning of the first section

alone and in a low voice. But to begin the other sections,

he recites the Entrance verses aloud alternating them

with the choir. A fourth Entrance is also performed at

the start of the second part of the Mass, namely after the

“Creed” and the washing of fingers.

Section I. Preparation of Bread and Wine

Oblation or Offering

The Priest begins this part by preparing the bread and

wine, which he incenses and blesses while also incensing

the Sacred vessels and linens. From now on the bread

and wine will be referred to as the Oblations or Offer-

ings.

He recites the verse then from Isaias 53:7, “He shall

be led as a lamb.” It is most appropriate as it refers

to the lamb being prepared for the bloody sacrifice; this

was the figure of the Sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus

Christ.

Among the prayers then said by the Priest is one for

“those who set apart and brought their offerings here.”

These words refer to an ancient religious practice which

prevailed until the eleventh century. It was customary for

the faithful to approach the altar and bring gifts, for

the most part, bread and wine, to the deacons, who

selected from these a portion for the Sacrifice and for the

communion of the people. They placed them on the altar.

The other portions were for the support of the clergy

and the poor. The money collection now taken up re-

minds us of that custom.

18



Section II. Prayers and Commemorations

Preparation of Our Hearts

After the preparation of the bread and wine, two other

preparations of a spiritual kind follow: The Church be-

fore admitting the faithful to take part in the Divine

Sacrifice, wants them to be purified from all stain and

animated with sentiments of repentance, devotion and

love. This is obtained if devoutly recited, through the

touching prayers of the second section. Kyrie, Gloria,

Collects and others. The Gloria as used in the Maronite

Mass is composed of a verse from the gospel of St. Luke

and other appropriate verses from the Psalms.

Section III. Instruction

Preparation of the Minds

Furthermore the Church urges us to have our minds

more and more enlightened by the knowledge of the life

and teachings of our Saviour, who will soon descend upon

the altar. This knowledge can be secured by the three

readings of this section: The Ephramiats, the Epistles, and

the Gospel. These are read aloud in the Arabic language,

which is well understood by our people, being their native

tongue. The sermon is also given in English and Arabic,

in America, as well as the Epistle and the Gospel, for

the benefit of all.

The Ephramiats, which correspond to the Sequences

of the Latin Rite, are religious poems comprising an

instruction on the feast of the day, or on some article

of our faith. The Priest reads them or alternates them,

in the High Mass, with the Choir. In the Latin Mass,

there are only five Sequences for five special feasts of the

year. In the Maronite Rite, a Sequence is recited in

every Mass. The Ephramiats are so-called after St.

Ephrem’s name, because some were his compositions and

others follow the same style.

19



Second Part: The Mass Proper

The various ceremonies and prayers of this part are

mentioned in their order on the “outline” page 16, listing

the three sections.

The first part of the Mass is called the Mass of the

Catechumens. The second part is called the Mass of the

Faithful, because in the early centuries of the
Church,

those under instruction and who had not been baptized

were obliged to leave the Church after the sermon,
fol-

lowing the Gospel. They were not allowed to remain
for

the second part, which was for the faithful,
meaning

those who had already been baptized Christians.

Amen, Kyrie Eleison, Alleluia, Hosanna, Sabaoth

These words are often used at Mass and in other

religious services. Amen , a Hebrew word, (pronounced

Ameen) is said at the end of prayers and means “So be

it” or “May God grant what you ask for us.” Allelulia,

also a Hebrew word, means: “Praise the Lord. Kyrie

eleison , two Greek words, mean: “O Lord,
have mercy,”

and Christe eleison , “Christ have mercy.”
Hosanna,

Hebrew, means: “Save, we pray.” It is a shout of triumph

such as “Glory, praise to the highest degree.”
Sabaoth

,

Hebrew, means: “armies.” “God of Sabaoth means: God

of armies and hosts.”

CHAPTER V

EXPLANATION OF THE CEREMONIES

OF THE MASS

(See Index of Illustrations p. 4)

A precious jewel is enclosed in a rich case by those

who appreciate its value. The Church of Christ, know-

ing that nothing at all approaches in value and
dignity

the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, surrounds it with a series

of forms and rites, called ceremonies. None of them is

without purpose and meaning; they increase the devotion

and impress us with a sense of the dignity of the Sacri-

fice.

20



Furthermore, the various ceremonies of the Mass, the

attitudes, actions and gestures of the Priest, such as the

raising of hands and striking of the breast while reciting

the prayers, are intended to show by act what the Priest

is saying in words. Just as a person makes use of gestures,

moves his arms or bows his head, while speaking, in

order to indicate outwardly his feelings and thoughts, so

the ceremonies of the Mass translate the thoughts and

the feelings of the celebrant’s soul. Giving more force to

the words, they lift up our hearts more easily to God and

holy things, since prayer and ceremony go hand in

hand. The explanations given here are in the order in

which they are performed.

1) Burning candles on the altar and at the reading of

the Gospel signify Jesus Christ, God and Man, the Light

of the world. The lighted candles add to the beauty and

solemnity of the divine service; they also represent the

three virtues of faith, hope and charity, which we should

especially practice during Mass.

2) The burning of incense is the most appropriate

manifestation of man’s spirit of sacrifice for the honor

and service of God. The white and fragrant smoke

ascends heavenward and represents our devout prayers

going to God as a sweet odor. Then the sweet smell of

the incense descends, spreading about us, like the graces

of God that are showered upon us in return. Besides that,

the incense is a sign of reverence and respect to sacred

persons and objects and it makes the Divine Service

more solemn and beautiful.

3) The mixture of a few drops of water with the wine

recalls to mind the Blood and Water which flowed from

our Lord’s Side while hanging on the cross when His

Sacred Heart was pierced by a lance. This also symbolizes

the mystical union of the faithful, represented by the

water and Christ, represented by the wine.

21



4) Striking the breast is a mark of self reproach for

wrong doing, as though wishing to punish ourselves.

Motion of the Hands

5) Most of the prayers said by the Priest are recited

with his arms extended. This is a sign of earnest and

humble prayer. Is it not natural for one seeking aid to

make such a gesture in order to give more emphasis to

his petition for help? Since the Mass is a renewal of

the Sacrifice of the Cross, the extension of the arms of

the Priest presents, with his standing body, the form of

a cross. It is indeed a proper symbolic action and a

striking reminder of the Holy Mystery. The Priest extends

his arms while blessing the people to express his ardent

desire that the blessing he invokes be bestowed upon

them. The joining of the hands and the bowing of the

head at the end of the prayer have the same meaning.

6) The Priest, in the Maronite Mass, waves with his

hands twice over the Oblation. He does it the first time

when he says: “Holy, Holy, Holy” (in Latin, Sanctus
,

in Arabic, Oddoos) at the end of the prayer called the

Preface. In this prayer, the Priest begs the Lord to allow

him and all the faithful to join with the angels in

praising Him while singing the angelic hymn, “Holy,

Holy, Holy.” The accompanying waving is appropriate,

as it represents the action of the angels, whom the prophet

Isaias (6:1) saw flying before the throne of God, sing-

ing “Holy, Holy, Holy,” as recited at Mass. For this

reason it is called the hymn of the angels.

The second waving is done shortly after the Consecra-

tion when the Priest kneels on both knees and makes an

appeal to the Holy Ghost to descend upon him and upon

the Oblation. The fact that the Holy Ghost, having

descended as a flying dove upon our Lord at His baptism,

suggested the use of this symbolic action in the Mass.

7) The raising of the hands and the eyes to the cross

at the altar, at the finish of each prayer, harmonizes

22



perfectly with the final words of each prayer, which

read: “And we will render glory to Thee (literally, we

will cause glory to ascend to Thee) now and forever and

ever.
55

This gesture prompts us to lift our minds and

hearts to God, as suggested by the prayer.

8) While the Priest is reciting the various prayers

after the Collect, he spreads his hands in the form of a

cross and lays them on the Offerings. This is done

because in the Old Law the Priest laid his hands upon

the head of the animal (lamb, goat, or any other kind)

to be slain in sacrifice. This was to show that the sins

of the repenting sinner, who offered the victim, were

remitted and transferred to the animal, which had to

suffer death in the sinner’s place. So, in the Mass, the

laying on of hands is also to demonstrate, in a visible

and forceful way, that Christ on the altar will be offered

as a victim in our place for the remission of our sins.

9) The Lavabo, or washing of the Priest's fingers to

cleanse them is done out of reverence for the Sacred Body

and Blood of Christ, which he will touch. This ceremony

is to teach the Priest and the people that they should

be free from the slightest sin, so that they may worthily

participate in the Holy Sacrifice. To give His disciples

a similar lesson our Lord washed their feet before the

Last Supper.

10) The arms of the Priest crossed on his breast after

the Consecration are a sign of humble surrender of him-

self to God.

11) The resting of the Priest's hands on the edge of

the altar is a sign of his unshaken confidence in Christ

and his entire dependence on Him.

12) Mementoes. Memento is a Latin word which means

“remember.
55

Besides those present at Mass the Priest

also prays for others, both the living and the dead. Dur-

ing the life of our Lord in Palestine, good people would

approach Him and ask Him to cure some of their dear

23



ones who were not present, such as the Centurion who

begged Him to cure his dying servant, or Mary and Martha

pleading with Him to raise their brother, Lazarus, from

the dead, or the Syro-Phoenician woman desiring to have

her twelve year old daughter cured which He graciously

did.

13) The altar represents Mt. Calvary and as such it

is adorned with a cross. The Priest kisses it three times

out of veneration and love.

14) The lowering of the eyes, the bowing of the head

and the shoulders, also the kneeling down on one or

both knees are all marks of reverence and humility.

Ceremony of Peace (Picture p. 61)

15) The ceremony or Kiss of Peace, or Pax, takes

place in the Latin Mass before the Priest’s communion.

It is limited to the clergy and is only found in a Solemn

High Mass. In the Maronite Mass, it is performed before

the Consecration in every Mass. In the Latin Rite, it is

done in the following way:

After the Agnus Dei

,

the celebrant and the deacon

kiss the altar to salute Christ and His Saints and to

renew His union with the heavenly Church. The cele-

brant places his hands on the shoulders of the deacon,

saying at the same time in Latin, “Peace be with thee.”

The deacon answers, “And with thy spirit.” The deacon

does the same to the sub-deacon, who in his turn and

in the same way, goes and conveys the “Peace” to all

members of the clergy in the sanctuary.

In the Maronite Mass, the ceremony is performed in

this manner: The Priest touches the altar with his right

hand, he kisses his finger saying, “Peace to thee, O altar
of God.” He then thouches the Host and Chalice and

repeats the kissing of the finger while saying, “Peace to

the Holy Mysteries placed upon Thee.”

Finally the Priest touches the hands of the server,

saying, “Peace to thee, minister of the Holy Ghost.”

24



The server, kneeling down, extends his right hand upon

the edge of the altar, kisses the hand of the Priest or his

hand cross, blesses himself and gives the kiss of peace

to the other altar boys, who in turn give it to the congre-

gation. The one who gives the kiss of peace puts his

joined hands between those of the one to receive it. At

the same time the server sings: “Let each one of us give

peace to another with love and loyalty well pleasing to

God, please grant peace, most reverend Father.”

The purpose of this ceremony is to teach the spirit of

reconciliation and brotherly love, without which no offer-

ings or prayers are accepted by God, neither may we

worthily participate in the Holy Sacrifice, as plainly

declared by our Lord in St. Mathew (5:23.)

16) The Priest blesses the persons and objects by

making the sign of the cross over them to denote that the

Sacrifice of Christ on the cross, renewed in the Mass is

the source of all graces and blessings. A great Saint has

said: “The Priest pronounces the words and God bestows

the blessing for God blesses by his mouth and by his

hand.”

After the Consecration, the Priest makes the sign of the

cross over the Body and Blood of Christ and then with

the Sacred Host he makes it eighteen times over the

Chalice before the solemn offering of the Mass known

as the First Elevation. This act does not signify that the

Body and Blood of Christ should be blessed; they do not

need blessing. It is a picture representing in a striking

way that the same Body and Blood, once offered on the

cross at Calvary, are offered anew on the altar during

Mass.

17) The Elevation reminds us how our Lord was raised

upon the cross in order to draw all things to Him. An

indulgence of seven years is granted to all those who,

at the Elevation, during the Mass or at the time of

Exposition, say: “My Lord and my God.” A plenary

25



indulgence once a week if this ejaculation is said daily

under usual conditions.

18) The breaking of the Sacred Host. This is one of

the oldest and most important ceremonies. In ancient times

the whole celebration of the Holy Eucharist was called the

‘“Fraction or breaking of the Bread.” At the Last Supper,

Christ our Lord, broke bread with His Apostles and dying

on the cross, His Body, Blood and Soul were separated.

To commemorate this breaking of bread and the triple

separation, the Priest, shortly before Communion, breaks

the Host into three parts. He dips the smallest part into

the Precious Blood; with this particle, he sprinkles the

two remaining parts, making three signs of the cross on

them. Then he drops the dipped Particle into the

Chalice.

19) The mixing of the Body and of the Blood of our

Lord, or their apparent reunion, forcibly recalls to mind

the union of His All-Holy Body and His Precious Blood

in His resurrection. In order to make present and clear

this symbolism, the choir sings during this time the beauti-

ful hymn to the Resurrection
sc

Biserre Kiamat”

The ceremony is a vestige of the old custom of giving

Communion to the people under both Species and from

the large consecrated Bread of the Priest. For this purpose

he had to divide it and wet the particles with the preci-

ous Blood and distribute them to the communicants.

Though this custom has disappeared, the ceremony re-

mains due to its beautiful symbolism.

20) Blessing with the Chalice. After the Priest’s

Communion and before he consumes what remains of the

Sacred Host and of the Precious Blood, he holds the

Chalice with the Host above it, he turns around and

blesses the congregation in the form of a cross, saying

the appropriate prayer.

This ceremony continues the impressive symbolism of

the preceding paragraphs. It represents the apparition of

26



our Lord to His apostles and disciples, imparting of His

blessing on them and His Ascension into heaven, having

accomplished His work of Redemption.

Blessing Of The Babies. During this ceremony the

congregation may sometimes notice a baby, carried in

the arms of his mother, father or sister who ascends

into the sanctuary and kneels on the altar steps. They

wish a personal blessing for the baby. When the Priest

imparts the blessing, he places the Chalice for one mo-

ment on the Baby’s head. This ceremony is done through

the belief that the baby will be relieved from a certain

fear that awakens him suddenly at night and makes him

cry in fright. It is often done to them according to

their faith. One can recall at once the charming scene

in Christ’s life and His words: “Suffer the little children

to come unto Me, and forbid them not.”

Blessing of Babies

27



CHAPTER VI

THE LIFE OF CHRIST AT MASS

(See Index of Illustrations )

An attentive study of the outline of the Mass has

suggested to some religious authors this interesting and

inspiring thought that the Mass recalls the whole life of

our Lord.

The first part of the Mass, reaching the climax at the

reading of the first Gospel, represents the life of Christ

from His birth, also during His tender Childhood and

ends by showing Him preaching to the crowds at Pales-

tine. The second part, culminating in the Consecration

and Elevation, represents the Last Supper, the Passion

and the Death of Christ. It also recalls His Resurrection

and Ascension.

This thought has been beautifully expressed in the

well-known book, “The Following of Christ.” (IV, 2:6)

“And as often as thou celebratest or hearest Mass, it

ought to seem to thee as great, new and delightful, as if

Christ, that very day, first descending into the Virgin’s

womb, was made man, or hanging on the cross suffered

and died for man’s salvation.”

In the previous chapter, we called attention to the

ceremonies that recall some mysteries of the life of our

Savior. (See chapter V, 17, 18, 19)

We complete and sum up this subject in twelve sections

as presented and developed by the author of the book,

"An Explanation of the Mass,” by Father Martin Cochem,

a Capuchin, and by the great Maronite liturgist. Patriarch

Stephen El Douaihy.1

a

See Manarat al akdass of El Douaihy, 1:54, 392, 11:620.

Explanation of the Mass by M. Cochem Chap. 5-9.

28



1 The Annunciation and the Mystery of Incarnation

recalled by the preparation of the Mass, putting on of

the sacred vestments and the preparation of bread and

wine.

2 The Nativity of our Lord is recalled by the Gloria,

which was sung by the Angels at the birth of Christ.

3 The hidden life of Christ at Nazareth, spent in work

and prayers such as the Kyrie, the Collect and other

prayers.

4 The preaching of the Prophets, that of St. John the

Baptist and that of the seventy Disciples announcing

the coming of Christ and preparing the people to

receive Him, are represented by the reading of the

Ephremiat (Sequence) and the Epistle.

5 The preaching of our Lord to the crowds is recalled

by the reading of the Gospel. The recital of the Creed

after the Gospel by the Priest and the people, repre-

sents those who received the word of Jesus.

6 The washing of the Apostles' feet before the Last

Supper is recalled by the washing of the Priest’s

fingers.

7 The Triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem on

Palm Sunday is recalled by the singing of the Hosanna

before the Consecration.

8 The Last Supper is represented and renewed in the

Consecration.

9 The sufferings of Christ are vividly represented by the

many signs of the cross over the Host and the Chalice,

also by the two Elevations and by the breaking of the

Host. His death is represented by the separation of the

two species of bread and wine.

10 The Resurrection is recalled by the mixing of the two

Species of bread and wine.

11 His Apparitions after the Resurrection are recalled by

the blessing with the Chalice.

29



12 His Ascension and the imparting of His last blessing

are recalled by the last blessing given by the Priest

at the end of the Mass.

As an inspiring conclusion, we quote the words of three

prominent authors:

“One who knows how to profit from the Holy Mass

will obtain the forgiveness of his sins and the abundance

of heavenly graces, just as if he had been favored by

being present and assisting at all of the holy mysteries

of the life of Christ.” (Sanchez)

“Holy Mass is a brief epitomy (or summary) of our

Lord’s life, a recapitulation in one short hour of what He

did during the thirty-three years He spent on earth.”

(Fornerus)

“Thus we, who have the opportunity of hearing Mass,

may deem ourselves equally fortunate with the con-

temporaries of our Lord, nay more fortunate than they,

since they could only hear and see one Mass and that

a very long one, whereas we may hear more than one

every day and at small cost to ourselves, share in the

fruits of Christ’s life and Passion.” (Cochem)

What our Lord said of Himself to the Samaritan

woman at Jacob’s well is properly applied to the Holy

Mass. “If thou didst know the gift of God.”

CHAPTER VII

SACRED VESTMENTS

Why does the Priest, while he celebrates the Mass, wear

particular vestments such as we see nowhere else? The

answer is earnestly desired and deserves close attention,

because this matter has seldom been thoroughly ex-

plained. Christ did not give any command concerning

the dress to be worn by the Priests in religious functions

or elsewhere. This was left to the judgment of the

apostles and their successors. The sacred vestments are

30



the alb, the cincture, the amice, the maniple, the stole

and the chasuble.

The Church wants her ministers to use these sacred

vestments for historical and symbolic reasons; both con-

tribute to make us understand better the Holy Mass and

to appreciate it more.

The Garments of Christ

As for their history, the vestments worn at Mass are

similar to the garments worn by our Lord Himself and

by His disciples. This was the common dress in the

Roman Empire, worn daily in the civil life of the lay-

men of that time until the 5th and 6th centuries. Such

dress was also used in Palestine and in the Near East

and it is still used by some people there. These clothes

were long and loose fitting and ankle length. The apostles

and priests of the early days, when performing the divine

service would put on vestments of the same style but

made of better material. In the 5th and 6th centuries,

when the hardy Barbarians of Northern Europe invaded

the nations of the southern provinces, the latter changed

the fashion of their dress into that of the invaders which

were tighter and shorter. But the Church did not see fit

to change the garb of her ministers which they have used

for centuries until the present time at divine service.

This was indeed a good thing as these vestments, worn

by our Lord and His disciples, carry us back to their

time. In our Maronite Rite another factor is also of great

help, namely, the Syriac language used in our Mass, is

the same one used by Christ and His disciples. And thus

we have the vestments and the language as living wit-

nesses to the continuity of the Last Supper and to the

antiquity of the Mass, not “behind” the times, but “be-

yond” the times. By knowing what was the full dress of

the laymen of those times, the faithful attendant at Mass

can now understand the “raison d’ etre” or the “reason

why” the sacred vestments are used.

31



Six Pieces of the Sacred Vestments

There were six pieces in the common dress of olden

days and all of them with slight modifications have been

preserved in the six parts of vestments used at Mass. The

main pieces were the tunic and the chasuble. (1) The

tunic was a long, loose, dignified robe, usually white in

color and chiefly worn in warm climates. It reached well

below the knees and was fastened around the waist by

(2) a cincture. This garment was worn by both sexes of

all classes. Such was the tunic of our Lord, which was

without seam from the top. “They (the soldiers) said to

one another: Let us not tear it but let us cast lots for

it, to see whose it shall be.” John, 19-23.

In the sacred vestments, the tunic is represented by

the alh, a Latin word which means white. It is the

white full-flowing robe worn by the priest and fastened

by a white cord with tassels on both ends. Frequently

the lower part is made of lace. The surplice worn by the

priest, when preaching, baptizing or for other ceremonies

is a shortened alb. (3) A hood or covering of the head

was worn out of doors; when indoors, it was lowered over

the shoulders. It is preserved in the amice or the white

piece of linen which the priest puts on his head and

drops over his shoulders before coming to the altar. (4)

A band of cloth which was laid across or under the fore-

arm, was used as a handkerchief for practical or orna-

mental purposes. This became the maniple which is

a decorated band hanging on the left arm of the Priest at

Mass.

(5) A scarf, or neck piece was used as a mark of honor.

It is preserved in the stole, which is the long strip of

decorated cloth worn by the Priest on the shoulders under

the chasuble and reaching down to the knees. (6) Over

these five pieces would be placed a circular cape without

sleeves and of heavier material. It was a modification of

the Roman Toga, provided with an opening for the head

32



and it reached more or less the full length of the body;

it was called “Little House” in Latin, Casula, diminutive

form of Casa, which became in English, Chasuble. The

cope worn by the Priest for Benediction, Funerals and at

other services is a modified form of the chasuble as it is

opened in the front.

Symbolic of the Instruments of Christ’s Sufferings

The life of Christ, recalled by the sacred vestments,

inspired some pious and observant authors, especially

since the 9th century to see in them the symbols of the

sufferings of our Lord, Whose death is represented and

renewed at the Mass. And due to some similarity, (1)

the alb reminds us of the white robe of mockery in which

fesus was clothed by Herod. (2) The cincture, or the

cord that bound Him at the pillar when being scourged.

(3) The amice, or the veil which covered His face in

the courts of Caiphas. (4) The stole reminds us of the

rope with which His hands were bound. (6) The

chasuble, of the purple robe worn by Jesus before Pilate.

Symbols of Virtues and Duties

Other symbols have also been considered by different

authors, such as some symbols of the virtues seen by

them in the sacred vestments, due to a certain similarity.

(1) Purity is represented in the white alb. (2) Dili-

gence in the service of God is represented in the cincture,

also chastity and the keeping of passion in check. (3)

The amice, originally a covering of the head, reminds

us of a helmet. It teaches us always to resist with cour-

age the attacks of God’s enemies and those of our souls,

so that we may become valiant soldiers of Christ. (4)
The maniple, formerly used to wipe away dust and per-

spiration, suggests our wiping sloth, or fear of labor from

the mind and heart. Also bearing the trials and troubles

of this life in the hope of heavenly reward. (5) The

33



stole, worn on both shoulders reminds the followers of

Christ to carry with joy “His sweet yoke and His light

burden,” namely, to be entirely faithful to His law. (6)

The chasuble, covering the whole body, tells of the love

of God and of the all-embracing love of our neighbor,

both of which should animate our souls and direct all

our actions.

Reverence for the Divine Service

Considering the inspiring messages, brought into our

souls, through an attentive study of the sacred vestments,

the Church has always directed that, whenever it is pos-

sible, they should be made of select, pure and beautiful

materials. Nothing can be too good or too costly for the

house of the Lord. The Church knows that man’s nature

is such that he needs external help to concentrate his

attention on sacred things.

As a wise teacher, she readily makes use of the natural

means, as those rich and colorful signs for the benefit of

her children, as well as other means including elaborate

ceremonies and organized choirs. They are meant to

awaken within us reverence for the Divine Service and to

impress upon us the sacredness of our Lord’s Presence and

His Eucharistic Sacrifice.

Colors of Vestments

The same purpose and desire are in the mind of the

Church in directing that different colors in keeping with

the feasts or the days should be used for the sacred vest-

ments. She recognizes the fact that colors exert a great

influence upon men’s spiritual life. Somber and dark

colors, for instance, are depressing, while bright and white

ones arouse sentiments of joy. Therefore, the use of

appropriate colors is to incite and intensify our feelings in

accordance with the meaning and the spirit of the feast

or of the occasion.

34



White is the color of light and therefore a symbol of

joy, or radiant purity and of innocence. It is used on the

feasts of our Lord, “The light of the world,” also on

feasts of His Mother, of the Angels, of the Saints who

are not martyrs, for the nuptial Masses and for the burial

of children.

For the feast of the martyrs, red is used as it is a

symbol of blood and of the consuming fire of love. It

is also used in Masses of the Holy Ghost Who descended

on the disciples in the form of tongues of fire. Black is

worn on Good Firday and on Masses for the dead as it is

a universal symbol of mourning. Violet, sometimes called

purple, the color of the grey ashes and of the well-known

fragrant flower, is a symbol of penance. It is used in

Lent and Advent, the two penitential seasons. Green, the

most refreshing and the most soothing color to the eye

is the color of plants and trees. Giving promise of a rich

harvest, it is the symbol of hope; it inspires hope for

eternal life. It is used on the Sundays after Epiphany and

Pentecost.

Gold may be used in place of white, red or green.

The Maronite priest uses at Mass the same sacred

vestments and vessels as those of the Latin Rite, with

these slight differences: Instead of one pall he uses two

to cover the chalice and the host which he always places

on the paten, either before or after consecration; he puts

the amice on his head after the cincture and after he

has put on the chasuble he draws it back; he does not

cross the stole, it hangs straight down.

For him, also, the use of sacred vestments of various

colors on appropriate days, is of a directive, not of a pre-

ceptive character.

35



BOOK TWO
The Ordinary Of The Mass

PART ONE

Preparation for the Holy Sacrifice or the Mass of

the Catechumens.

From the beginning until the end of the Gospel.

The three sections in this part correspond to the

three kinds of preparation: (1) Preparation of the

bread, (2) Prayers and commemorations, prepara-

tion of the heart and (3) Instructions, preparation

of the mind.

Clothed with the sacred vestments of his holy

priesthood
,
God's minister enters the sanctuary

and with dignity and devotion approaches the

altar of the Lord. He is about to perform the most

sacred act
,

the act the Angels in heaven may

not perform. Do not remain a passive spectator but

unite yourself with him by saying the same pray-

ers
,
following his actions and giving attention to

their meaning and symbolism.

As the Priest enters the sanctuary
,
the people

stand and remain standing until they see him

ascend the altar
,
then they seat themselves .

Section I. Preparation of Bread and Wine.

The Priest
,
having ascended the altar

,
kisses it,

he moves his head in the form of a cross saying

in a low voice the entrance verse: “Lbaitokh”.

I come unto the altar of God, to God Who
gives joy to my youth. I have entered Thy house
O Lord and cast myself down before Thy throne,
pardon me, O King of heaven, all my sins.

36



Bind, O Lord our feasts with chains to the cor-
ners of Thy altar. (Psalm 117, 27)

He puts incense into the censer saying: My sin-

ful hands offer incense to the honor and praise of

the glorious and most Holy Trinity. Let us all

pray and ask mercy from the Lord.

Incensing the Chalice at the Mass
3

Start

He proceeds to the preparation of the bread and

wine
,
while at the low Mass the choir or the

server sings the “Hymn to Jesus, Light of the

World”. At High Mass
,
Psalm 107, “Moostaeedon”

is sung or Psalm 102, “Bareekee” or another one,

(see Appendix I. 1, 2, 3, 4)

Choir: Hymn to Jesus, Light of the World.

Arabic English

Sabbehoo rabba ya jameea Praise the Lord, all ye

shoo-oob Halleluia. Nations Alleluia.

37



a) Benoorak rabbana, Ya-

sooh nastaneer, ya inal-an-

war, ya zatan noor alha-

ee’ee ya shams alaktar, ah-

hellna leedowak almmoo-

dee, wafee sabahek albaheg

nasdadee. Halleluia.

b) Mariam ad estafakeel

Elah men binal alameen,

eez raakee athar wa an’aa

j
ameehal mowloodeen.

Teessaat ashooren fikee ad

a’am wa men jesmekee

akhaz jesman tamm. Halle-

luia Barake more.

c) Alhayool lazee mata

soma am, wa’a am almaye-

teen, wa’hta shaja’ha lei-

baleein, warraja leeroee-

deen, falya’om wayanhod

hayan back, kolloo moo-

menen beserree thaloo thak.

a) In Thy light, we see

the light, O Jesus, Who art
the fullness of light. Thou

art, indeed the light Which

illuminates the whole

world. Enlighten us with

Thy shining light and

grant us to rejoice at the

rising of Thy bright dawn.

Alleluia.

b) Blessed Mary! God has

chosen thee from amongst

the whole world, as He saw

thee the most pure of all

creatures. For nine months

He remained in thy womb,

and from thy body He has

taken His own. Alleluia.

Bless us Father.

c) O, living Son of God,

Who hast died, hast risen

and given life, hope and

courage to the dead, grant

to those who believe in the

mystery of the Holy Trin-

ity, to rise to the glorious

and eternal life.

He turns the chalice and the paten over the
censer to be incensed

,
making the sign of the

cross with the paten and holding the host per-

forms the sign of the cross over it.

Priest: O God, most High and eternally Mag-
nificent, Who hast accepted the sacrifices of His
faithful servants, their vows, their first-fruits, their

tithes, accept the offerings of these Thy servants

38



which they have set apart and brought here for

love of Thee, in honor of Thy Holy name. Protect

them, heap upon them all spiritual blessings. Let

them enjoy the everlasting goods; fulfill their

expectations according to what Thou hast prom-

ised Thy elect. Have also Thy blessings descend

upon all that is theirs. May they enjoy health of

body and purity and holiness of soul. May the

souls of their dead find rest in Thy eternal place

of happiness. In exchange for their earthly gifts,

give them life in Thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Holding out the host for the server to incense:

He shall be led as a lamb to the slaughter and

shall be silent as a lamb before His shearer and

He shall not open His mouth.

Raising the Host slightly: O Lord Who wert
pleased to receive the offerings of Abel on the

plain, of Noah in the Ark, of Abraham on the

mountain, of David on the threshing-floor of

Areuna the Jebusite, and of Elias on Mount

Carmel; Thou, Who wert pleased with the
widow’s mite: accept O God, these gifts which
my poor sinful hands present to Thee. Remember
in Thy Goodness, the living and the dead for

whom they are offered, and bless the dwellings of
those who have presented them.

He places the Host on the paten: Thou hast

made to Thyself, O Lord, a sanctuary in which
to dwell; O Lord, strengthen Thy Holy place. The
Lord shall reign forever and ever.

He holds out the pall for the server to incense—
The Lord hath reigned, He is clothed with beauty,

Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

With the pall he covers the host. Then he turns

toward the Epistle side
,
holding the chalice: I will

39



take the chalice of salvation, and call upon the

name of the Lord. Pouring some wine it: “This

wine, symbol of the Blood which flowed from the

side of Thy well-beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus
Christ, I pour into this chalice, the Chalice of

Salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the

Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Pouring a few drops of Water into the chalice:

This water, figure of the water which flowed for

us from the side of Thy well-beloved Son, Our

Lord Jesus Christ, I mix into this chalice, the

Chalice of Salvation, in the name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

He places the Chalice on the consecrated stone:
I place the Chalice of Salvation upon this holy

altar in the name of the Father, and of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost.

Covering it with the pall: The Lord is clothed

with strength, and greatness. He hath established
the world, which shall not be moved, Father, Son,

and Holy Ghost. Amen.

He displays the veil to be incensed by the altar

hoy. With it, he covers the Chalice and the Host.

They remain covered until the Offertory, shortly

before the Consecration.

Before the splendor and the glory of the Lord,

the heavens are hid, and His glory hath filled the

entire earth. To Him be Glory, forever and ever.
Amen.

Then the Priest goes down to the foot of the

altar to recite this devout prayer for pardon and

purification, corresponding to prayers at the foot

of the altar in the Latin Mass. (All stand until

after the incensing of the congregation, then sit.)

40



Prayer at the Foot of the Altar

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and

of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Allahoomma. O God
I beseech Thee to render me worthy to approach

Thy pure altar, without stain or defilement, for I

am a sinful servant; I have committed offenses and

sins before Thee, and I am unworthy to approach

Thy pure altar and Thy Holy Mysteries; but I

entreat Thee, and address myself to Thy generos-

ity and to Thy mercy; (Striking his breast) O
Clement, O Merciful, O Thou Who lovest man,
cast down upon me a glance of mercy and of kind-

ness; make me worthy to stand before Thee,

now and always; grant that the grace of Thy Holy

Spirit may descend upon me; purify me from my

sins; sanctify this Oblation; deign to grant remis-

sion of sins to those for whom I offer it; to me,

to my father and mother, and to all the faithful,

living and dead, who have cooperated and labored

with me; grant them, O Lord, to share Thy
heavenly kingdom, with Thy saints and Thy elect,

who have been pleasing to Thee by their good

works; through the intercession of Our Lady,

Mother of Light, of Saint John the Baptist, and all

of the saints. Amen.

Section II. Prayers and Commemorations

—

Preparation of the Heart

The Priest ascends the altar steps
,
alternately

reciting with the choir the First Entrance Chant
,

or Introit, while he performs a special ceremony

consisting of moving his head in the form of a

cross: I come, etc.

41



Entrance Chant

Arabic English'

Priest: Lbietokh a 1 o h o

’hailet, wakdom bim dee-

lokh soghdait, malkoshma-

yono haso lee khool dah-

teet lokh.

Choir: Malko shmayono

hasolan khool dahtienan

lokh.

Priest: O God, I have
entered into Thy house and

have cast myself before

Thy throne; O Heavenly

King, forgive me all the

sins which I have com-

mitted against Thee.

Choir: O Heavenly King,

forgive us all the sins

which we have committeed

against Thee.

With his arms crossed on his breast
,
he turns to

the right and to the left.

Priest: S a 1 a u we’hlie

maitool moran.

Choir: Alohon’abel oor-

bonokh, wnet raham a’h-

line balsloo tokh.

Priest: Pray for me for

the love of our Lord.

Choir: May God accept thy

offering and show us mercy

through thy prayers.

First Incensing—Ekbal
The priest performs the first incensing, singing

with the choir the following hymn :

Arabic English

Ekbal ya waddat tiebeen,

behnoo helmak wa’hzoob-

tak, elbakhoor almo’addam

lak, men almoomeneem
abna bee’htak, bydee arba-

bel kohnoot leerethak rab-

bana, wrahat lahootak.

Kama abelt beras ettoor,

oprban Abrahim khaleelak,

shebh ma lazzat lak tyoob

Haroon kahen sha’hbak,

Accept, O Thou, Who lov-

est repenting sinners, the

sweet smelling incense,

which the faithful children

of the Church offer to

Thee, by the hands of the

priests, O Lord of all. As

Thou didst accept the sacri-

fice of Abraham upon the

top of the mountain, and

wast pleased with the odor

42



yelez lak rabbana bakhoor- of incense which the priest,

na wartha ’hanna, mowlana Aaron, offered to Thee,

bewoofoor rahmatak. deign to accept, as pleasing

to Thee, the perfume of our

incense, as a satisfaction

for our offenses, O Most

Merciful God.

(After this incensing sit down.)

Arabic

Kyrieeleison (three times)

oddoos allah, oddooos oola-

wee, oddoos assazee la ya-

moot erhamma.

Abanal lazee, etc.

English

Lord have mercy on us.

(three times) Holy God,

Holy Immortal — have
mercy on us. Our Father,

etc.

The Priest, making the sign of the cross, recites

the Doxology: “Glory be to the Father, and to

the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. May grace and
mercy descend upon us, weak and sinful as we

are, in both worlds, now and always forever and

ever.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Grant us, O Lord God, to enter with
sincerity into Thy house; make us worthy to knock

at Thy door with confidence, to prostrate ourselves

in Thy temple in peace of conscience and purity

of heart. Hear us in Thy goodness, grant our

requests out of the treasure of Thy generosity, and

we will render glory to Thee O Father, Son and
Holy Ghost, now and always and forever and ever.

Then turning
,
he blesses the people: “Peace

to the Church and her children.”

The Gloria by Priest and Choir

Arabic English

Choir: 1) Almajdoo leellah Choir: 1) Glory to God in

fee aPhoola, wa’halal arthis the highest, and on earth

43



Crtb, Cross attl*

Cljr ?Eucf|arfst

2) Eftah allahomma shafa-

tie, leeyookhber famee bee-

majdak; eftah allohomma

shafatie, leeyoorattel famee

betasbehatak.

—

3) Almajdo lelab waleb-

nee warrooheel oodos, wa’-

halal arthis salam, warrajas

saleehoo leebaneel bashar.

Holy

nnft Ct?Ud

2) O Lord, Thou wilt open

my lips and my tongue

shall announce Thy praise;

O Lord, open my lips and

they will sing Thy glory

—

3) Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son and to the

Holy Ghost, peace on earth

to men of good will.

ever.

salam, warrajas saleehoo

leebaneel bashar.

peace to men of good will.

Glory to the Father, and

to the Son, and to the Holy

Ghost, now and forever and

44



Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, keep
watch at the door of my lips. Incline not my heart

to any evil, to engage in wicked deeds. Remember,

O Lord, Thy deeds of mercy and Thy acts of
kindness that are from eternity. Remember not

the sins of my youth and my offenses; according
to Thy mercy remember Thou me, for Thy good-

ness
5

sake, O Lord. O Lord, I love the house
where Thou dwellest and the dwelling place of

Thy glory. Holiness befits Thy house, O Lord,
forever more. Praise the Lord all you nations,

praise Him, all you peoples, for His goodness

manifests itself to us mightily, and the faithful-

ness of the Lord remains forever. Glory to God

in the highest, and on earth, peace to men of good

will.

Collect

Following the Gloria
,

the prayer “Hoossaya
3

corresponding to the “Collect
33

is said. It is a very

impressive prayer
,
covering the needs of all the

faithful:

Priest: extending his arms:

May we be worthy to give praise, glory, thanks-
giving and honor to Him Who being great, hum-
bled Himself and exalted the humble Virgin; to

God who became man and redeemed the children
of men, to the Most High who humbled Himself
and raised the humble and lifted them up. (Join-

ing his hands:)

To Him, goodness itself, be glory and honor
now and on all feast days, at every moment of our
life, for ever and ever.

Server: Amen.

Priest: extending his arms:

While we sing the praises, the glories, and the
hymns of the Holy Ghost, we commemorate the

45



Blessed Mary, ever Virgin and Mother of God, and

as we take her for our advocate with her Son, born

of her womb, we pray to Him saying: O Lord, we
beseech Thee, through the intercession of Thy

Mother, put far from this land and from its

people, all evils and afflictions; let adversities and

troubles disappear; let there be an end to war and

captivity; to famine and disease. Have compassion

on our weaknesses, help us in our distress, save us

from injustice. Give eternal rest to the faithful

departed and grant that we, too, may leave this

world in peace, and render glory to Thee forever

and ever.
5 ’

The Choir: Amen.

Innana nazkor

Arabic

Choir: Innana nazkor omm

allah Maryam kolla heen,

walanbeya washoohada

wasselleeheen. Walkahanat

wabna albee’hat wakool

alkhayereen,
j
eelan fajeelan

labad elabadeen wadahreed

dahereen.

Salatookee

Arabic

Salatookee mahana ya at-

har aFhebad, koonee lana

5

hown hasab almo’htad.

Hoowaza haloona lettalaf

ashraf erhameena ya ba-

reeya men alfasad. Ya bat-

ool sallee dieman leajlena,

English

Choir: We make the com-
memoration of Mary, the

Mother of God, the Proph-

ets, the Martyrs, the Apos-

tles, the Priests, all the chil-

dren of the Church and all

the just from generation to

generation, forever a n d

ever.

Ma-ana

English

Pray for us, O most pure of

Creatures; be our help as it

is Thy manner to do. Look

upon us as being in the

most urgent need; have

mercy on us, O Most pure

virgin. Indeed, pray al-

46



Prayer in “Syriac” at Nazareth—Prayers and Mementoes.



lella nahlek men ebal shar-

reena. Otlobee tatharra’-

hee lelelahe ebneekee leky-

ma betalbatekee yarhamna.

Nayeh warham noofoossa

raeedeen, behayat el kho-

lood wabadel abedeen. Rab-

bana noomajedak rajana

nooazze mak amaloona

noosabbehak ledahree dda-

hereen.

ways for us, O Virgin, lest
we perish through our own

wrong-doings. Intercede for

us, to your Divine Son and

obtain for us mercy. O

Lord, have mercy on the

souls of the departed and

give to them rest and ever-

lasting life. Glory be to

thee, O Lord: our desire

and hope is to praise Thee

forever and ever. Amen.

Mementoes and Prayers

During the singing of this hymn, the Priest

spreads his hands over the Oblation in the form of

a cross and makes the Commemorations
,
which in

the Latin Mass are said between the Sanctus and

Consecration.

Priest: We present to Thee this odour of sweet-
ness, O Jesus Christ, Only and Eternal Son, in
memory of Thy Mother and of Thy Saints that it

may be pleasing to Thee, to Thy Father and to the

Holy Ghost, now and always.

In memory of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus

Christ and of the redemption He has wrought for

us, we call to mind, in this Sacrifice of Thanksgiv-

ing, Adam and Eve, our first parents, and all those

whose conduct has been pleasing to God, from

Adam to this present day, especially the holy,

glorious and venerable Mary, Mother of God, ever

virgin, and also the prophets, apostles, martyrs,

confessors, and the just; priests, holy fathers,

doctors of the true faith, holy hermits, all virgins

and Saint N . . . upon whose altar we offer our
Sacrifice. We commemorate also our relatives, our

48



brethren, our spiritual and temporal superiors and

all the faithful departed, children of Holy Church.

(Special Intention): Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy
servant (N) for whom this Sacrifice is offered. O
Lord God, pardon his (her) offenses, and blot out

his (her) sins. Vouchsafe eternal rest to the souls

of his (her) deceased, and preserve them from

evils and afflictions. Amen.

(For a sick person): O merciful God, have pity
on Thy servant (N) grant him (her) health of

soul and body through the intercession of Mary,

Mother of God and of all the saints. Amen.

(For a dead person): Especially of Thy servant

(N) who has departed and for whom this Sacrifice
is offered. O Lord God, pardon him (her) all sins
and offenses. Remember him (her) and give rest

to his (her) soul with the just and the blessed.

Amen.

(For the dead in general): Oh Lord, Who art
the offering, and to Whom it is offered, accept this
offering which is presented to Thee through me, a

humble sinner, for the souls of Thy servants.

Grant them rest and let them feel the delights

of heaven, with those who have accomplished Thy

will. Amen.

(For father and mother): O God, grant peace
and happiness to my father and mother and to
all those who ask me, despite my misery, to
remember them in this sacrifice which I, a sinful

man, offer Thee. Amen.

Striking his breast

:

O Holy Trinity, have mercy
on me; O Holy Trinity forgive me my sins; O
Holy and Glorious Trinity, accept this Oblation

from my sinful hands.

He joins his hands. Through it remember, O
Lord, on this altar of Saint (N) our fathers, rela-

49



lions, our dead and all the faithful departed.

Pardon O God all my offenses, forgive, blot out and
forget my faults and the sins of all those who,
with true faith, pray to Thee through my media-
tion; especially remember O Lord, those for whom
this sacrifice is offered and those who have asked us

to remember them in your presence. Remember

them O Lord, and forgive their sins and offenses
according to Thy great mercy.

He extends his hands with palms upwards
,
as

though he is ready to receive his request: O
Almighty God who dost forgive the sins of men,

and desireth not the death of the sinner, I raise

to Thee my hands and my heart begging forgive-
ness of all my sins; and knowing my weakness, I
beg Thee to keep my mind and my senses from all
that is contrary to Thy law. Keep my eyes from
disordered looks, my ears from vain words, my
hands from wrongful deeds. Keep my thoughts in

Thy fear, that I may be ever devoted to Thee and

be worthy to receive the grace of Thy divine mys-

teries. Glory be to Thee forever, O Lord our God.
Amen.

Section III. Instruction

Preparation of the Mind, Second Incensing

This section is introduced by the Entrance

Chant
,
as above

,
“Lbaitokh” page 42.

Priest: O Lord of mercy, Who lovest all men,
make us worthy to stand before Thee with atten-

tion, awe and spiritual recollection, that we serve

Thee with purity and holiness and gorify Thee,

as the Lord and Creator of all things, to Whom
is due the adoration and reverence of all creatures,

Our Lord and God, Glory be to Thee, forever and

ever. Amen.

50



He performs the second incensing. The congre-

gation stands.

Priest and Choir recite Psalm 50: “Erhamnee”.

Arabic

Erhamnee ya Allah ka’ha-

zeem rahmateeka. Waka-

methlee kaseeratee rafatee-

ka amhoo ma’aseemee; agh-

selnee kaseeran men eth-

mee, wamen khateeyatee

tahhernee. Leeannanee ana

’hareefon be’asamee, wak-

hatayay amamee fee kollee

heen; laka wahdaka akhta-

’too, washarra oddamaka

sana’htoo, leekiema tasdo-

5

oo fee akwaleeka, wat

aghleeboo fee moohakama-

teeka . . .

English

Have mercy upon me, O

God, according to Thy

great mercy, and according

to the multitude of Thy

tender mercies, blot out my

iniquity. Wash me yet

more from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my

sin. For I acknowledge my

iniquity: and my sin is al-

ways before me. Against

Thee only have I sinned,

and done evil in Thy sight;

that Thou mayest be known

to be just in Thy sentence,

right in Thy judgement . . .

The incensing finished, the Priest with out-

stretched hands:

Priest: Have mercy on us, O Lord, according to
Thy mercy; blot out our sins in Thy clemency and

cleanse our iniquity according to Thy great good-

ness; create a clean heart in us and a sprit of

uprightness and humility; sanctify our consciences,

purify us more than could the burnt offerings and

victims of the Ancient Law. Teach the sinners

Thy ways, convert the wayward to Thee that they

may praise Thy justice and deserve Thy eternal

mercies, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost now and
forever and ever.

Server: Let us be attentive in prayer and sup-

plication.

51



Ephramiats

A religious poem
,

called Ephramiats
,

follows

,

which the Priest reads or alternates with the choir.

Third Incensing "Kadishat”

After the Ephremiats, the Priest incenses the

Oblation in the form of a cross, alternating with

the choir the praise of the Holy Trinity.

Arabic

Priest: Kadishat aloho, ka-

dishat hayeltono, Kadishat

lomo youto.

Choir: Etraham Alain

(three times).

English

Priest: O Holy God, O
Holy Strong One, O Holy

Immortal One.

Choir: Have mercy on us.

(three times).

The Priest continues
,

while he incenses the

Oblation in the form of a circle

,

Holy God,

Glorious, Strong and Immortal, Lord who dwelleth

in pure hearts, and whose Divine Will is only

fulfilled in the Saints, sanctify our thoughts,

purify our consciences from all stain of sin, so

that we may be worthy to address to Thee in Thy

Holy Church, the praises of a stainless heart, now

and for all time.

Epistle

The Epistle
,

is read from a special book, by the

Server (or the Priest
) facing the congregation

.

Before he starts reading, the server (or the choir )

alternates three verses with the priest in Syriac or

Arabic.

Syriac Arabic

Choir: Hoy dah zoy Moo- Choir: Bee
5

awsajaten wa

shai bsanioo, oo Hazeeale markabateel jalal, tara ah

hal markabto, ho metka- le Moosa awa Hazkeeail,

52



rab hal madebho, shokleen

laih hameh who yai.

Priest: Who dacroobai wa

srofai, bdaihlo rabo msham-

sheen lai, ho metkarab hal

madebho, shokleen laih

hameh who yai.

Choir: Aloho d’abel brah-

mow oorbono dkheeneh ad-

maih, abel brahmike oor-

bonan, wetraho baslawotan.

wa nahnoo narah fawkal

hayakail, zabeehan y o o

heel mootanawail.

Priest: Alkarooheem yakh-

doo moonahoo wassara—

feem yoo kaddissoonahoo,

wa nahnool aan narahoo

mookaddaman, alal haykal

wa leeshaabe mooazzaan.

Choir: Rabbana kama abel-

ta beejoodak, takdemat ala-

brar abeedak, ekbal beraa-

fatak, takdimatana, waltor-

deek rabbana salatoona.

Translation of the preceding verses:

Choir: He Whom Moses saw in the bush and
Whom Ezechiel saw in the chariot, the Same is
He Who is offered on our Altar and Whom the
people receive that they may live by Him.

Priest: He Whom the Cherubim and Seraphim
serve with great fear, the Same is He Who is
offered on our Altar and given to the people.

Choir: O God Who in Thy mercy wert pleased
with the offerings of the just of the ancient times,

graciously receive our Sacrifice and be pleased with

our prayers.

The server announces the Epistle which is to be

read and begs a blessing from the priest which he

gives
,

saying: Glory to the Lord of Paul, the

Prophets and the Apostles. May the Divine Mercy
come down on the reader and hearers, on this

town and its inhabitants, and may it remain
always.

The server reads the Epistle ending thus: Let

us always praise God.

53



Christ preaching—Gospel is read



Gospel

Immediately after the Epistle, the Gradual fol-

lows with its three joyful alleluias. Other pieces

,

alternated between the Priest and the Choir
,
pre-

pare the minds for the Gospel:

Priest: May God accept thy praises, and rejoice

the hearts of Thy hearers in the kingdom of

heaven, forever and ever. (Dashmayo lolmeen )

Choir: Alleluia oo Alleluia

Priest: Offer to Him the sacrifices of praise;

take the offering, and go up to the house of the

Lord, adore Him in His holy temple, glorify and
bless His name, for He hath given life to us.
Alleluia.

Server: Let us offer incense to the Gospel of

our Redeemer, which declares to us the life of our

Soul. O Lord, we beseech Thy Goodness.
(Arabic ) Amam besharat mokhallesna, al

mokhberat beha-yat anfosena, le-yatadam al bok-

hoor lemarahemak ya rub nossallee.

Priest: Kyrie eleison ( three times). Peace be

with you all. (Shlomol koolkhoon).

Choir: Who am rooho deelokh Aboon. (And
with Thy spirit. Father).

Priest: Let us listen to the words which an-

nounce salvation and life to our souls, taken from

the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, according to

St. N. (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) who has

spread life throughout the world. (Shomeenan ).

Server: Stand ye in silence, listeners, for the

Holy Gospel is about to be read to you. Be at-
' tentive, brethren, glorify, praise the Word of the

Living God and offer Him your thanks.

(Arabic ) Koonoo fessokoot ayoha-assamaoon,

le’annal anjilal-mo’adass youtlal
5

an a’liekom,

55



fasma’ho wamajedoo wash koroo kalemata allah

elhie.

Priest: At that time, during His life, our Lord

and God, Jesus Christ, said the following to His

disciples and to the multitude. (Walcanshay)

Choir: Aboon harakhe. (Bless us, O our
Father.)

Blessing before the Gospel

Priest:
(Facing the congregation; all stand )

May the right hand of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
sublime arm of His power and the hidden strength

of His magnitude, which contains all blessings and

gifts of life, the same that descended upon the

Apostles in the holy Cenacle of Sion and sanctified

them in Mount Olivet also and blessed them, may

it descend, come, and rest upon my brethren,
readers and hearers; may it protect them, watch

over this country, this city, and its faithful in-

habitants, and secure a happy rest for their de-

parted ones forever and ever. (Lholmeen.)

Choir: Ameen.

Priest: Behold, that which happened in the

life of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Our God and Our

Saviour, the Word of God Who became man for
us. (Hokhan awhy)

Choir: Moran etrabam aline
.

(Lord, have

mercy on us.)

Priest: May the Lord have mercy on us, on
you and all the children of the Holy Church,

reborn of the purifying water of Baptism.

Blessing himself with the sign of the cross, the

Priest reads aloud the Gospel from the bookstand

facing the congregation. This ended, he kisses the

Sacred Book
,
as a mark of love and reverence. Two

lighted candles are held near the Gospel while it

is read. When he has finished, he blesses the
people saying: “Truth this is. Peace be with you.”

56



PART TWO
THE MASS PROPER—OR THE MASS OF

THE FAITHFUL

From the Gospel to the end of the Mass

Three sections: I. Offertory, II. Consecration,

III. Communion

Section I — OFFERTORY
The Priest, after the gospel, bowing his head,

and resting his hands on the altar’s edge: To our

Lord Jesus Christ, praise and thanksgiving for the

words of Life addressed to us for our benefit, to

His Father, who sent Him for our salvation, and

to His Spirit, Living and Holy, now and forever.

Offertory Chant

Priest: The Lord reigneth: He is clothed with

splendor. Alleluia. Our Lord said: I am the Bread
of Life, that came down from Heaven, that the

world might have Life in Me. The Father has

sent Me Word without Flesh, and like a pure
grain of wheat in fertile ground, the womb of
Mary hath received Me; and behold the priests

carry Me in procession, in their hands on the
Altar. Alleluia. Receive our offerings.

Remember, O Lord, the faithful departed and
grant rest to those who have clothed themselves

with Thee in Baptism, and who have received
Thee from the Altar.

Noomen—Nicene Creed (Credo)
Priest performs the last incensing while he

recites with the Choir, the Nicene Creed
u
Noomen:” Read the Apostle’s Creed in Appen-

57



dix 11. At High Masses
,
an appropriate Psalm may

he sung at this time hy the Choir (Appendix /).

Noomen (I believe in one God)

Noomen be’elahen waheden aben thabet elkol,

khale-ee sama-ee waParth, kolla ma yoora wama

la yoora. Waberabben waheden Yassooh al

Massih ebn allahe Iwaheed; almaowlood men alab

ab la coolie ddohoor; elahen men elahen, nooren

men noor, elahen hak men elahen hak; mowlooden

ghyra makhloo’en moosawen lePabe feel jawhar;

allazee behee kana kolloo shaye; allazee men

ajleena, nahnool bashar wamen ajlee khalaseena,

nazala men assama; watajassada men alrooh el’oo-

dosee, wamen maryam aPhazra; wasara insanan,

wasooleeba ’hanna ’hala ’hahdee Beelatos Albon-

tee. Ta’allama wamata oobera wa’am feel

yowmes salesee kama jaa feel Kotob; wasa’heda

elas sama wajalasa
5

han yameen ella el Ab;

wa’eyethan ya’tee bemajden
5

hazeemen leeyadeen

aPahya waPamwat; allazee la fana’a leemolkehee.

Noomen beerooh ePoodos alrabbeel mooheea al-*

monbathek men aPabe waPebn; allazee maal ab

walebn, yos jad lahoo wayoomajjad, annatek

bePanbeya warroossol. Wabekane.esaten wahedat

jame’hat moo’adlasat rasooleeyat; wana’htarefo

bema’hmoodeeyaten wahedat leemaghferat elkha-

taya; wanatarajja ayamat almowta, walhayat fee

dahr ePhateed, ameen.

Canon of the Mass

After the Creed
y
the priest washes his fingers;

then he begins the Canon of the Mass, or “Na -

foor” with the Entrance Chant
ec

Lbaitokh ” on

page 42.

58



Christ washing the Apostles
’
feet

Priest: O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast said to
Thy Apostles: “Peace I leave to you, My peace I
give to you,” deign to grant us peace, according

to Thy will, and we shall render praise to Thee,

now and always, forever and ever.

Choir: Amen.

Priest bows his head and prays in a low voice

:

O Almighty God, Who, in the abundance of
Thy mercy hast visited us, and established us,

poor sinners, for the service of Thy Majesty and

the Mystery of Thy holy Altar, be pleased to

strengthen us with the power of Thy Spirit. Make

us worthy to open our mouths to call down the

Holy Ghost upon this offering, placed here for the

pardon of our sins, and the salvation of our souls.

May we give the peace to one another with a holy
kiss. We shall then be rich in Thy love and over-
flowing with Thy charity; we will render glory

and thanks to Thee and to Thy Blessed Father
and to Thy Holy Spirit now and forever.
During this prayer the server sings this hymn

,

extending his hand on the altar and holding the

veil of the Chalice.

59



Arabic

Falnaeef hassanan bea-

jmaena, n o o m a
j j

e d wa

n a s h k o r mookhallesana,

hamal alia azzabeeh anna,

almoohaddam alia mazba-

hena.

English

Let us all stand with rever-

ence, praising and thanking

our Savior, the Lamb of

God Who is being offered

upon our altar.

2) Awanil ooddas noo addi

mooha labeena leeoo abb

eelaha; wal moo meeneen

beel Massih coolohom fee

ooddah cee hee yazkooroo-

hom. Kyrie Eleison.

2) We present the sacred
vessels of the Mass to our

father that he may kiss

them. He remembers all the

faithful in his Mass. Lord

have mercy on us.

The server ascends to the altar, raises slightly

the veil of the chalice; the priest kisses the veil,

uncovers in part the Oblation
,
and says:

Priest: We adore Thee, O Lord, and we ask
Thee, O Merciful One, to grant us Thy Protection,
to be always preserved from evils and we render

praise to Thee now and forever.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Receive, O Lord, our Oblation, establish
our days in peace, save us from eternal damnation,

place us in the number of Thy elect, and we

render praise to Thee, now and forever.

Choir: Amen.

The priest performs this ceremony of peace as

previously explained
,
page 24. He touches the

altar
,
the Oblations

,
then the hand of the altar

boy, saying: Peace to thee altar of God, peace to

the Mysteries placed upon thee, peace to thee,

server of the Holy Ghost.

Server takes and gives the “Peace” to those

near him and says: Let each of us give the Peace

to his neighbor with a faithful love, pleasing to

God. Grant us the peace, Father, venerable priest.

60



The “Kiss of Peace” (p. 24)



Server: (Arabic): Lee yohtee kollon minna
assalam le’are behe bemahapatin wa ama natin
torthee allah. Halomma bessalam ya abanal kahin
na’ee.

The Priest completely uncovers the Oblation
,

takes the veil and waves it in the sign of the cross:
May the love of God the Father, the grace of the
only begotten Son, and the communication and
the indwelling of the Holy Ghost be with you, my
brethren forever.

Choir: Amen.

Preface—Sanctus
The following prayers are the immediate prep-

aration for the coming of our Lord upon the altar;
they are an act of welcome. The priest

,
as though

to make clear what he is saying
,
looks heaven-

ward and raises his arms high
, alternating with

the choir in this sublime dialogue:

Priest: (Sursum corda) Let us raise on high
our thoughts, our minds, and our hearts.

Choir: They are raised to Thee, O Lord.
Priest: Let us thank the Lord with fear, and

adore Him with trembling.

Choir: It is proper and just.

Priest, joining his hands
,
lowers and rests them

upon the altar
,
bowing his head saying in a low

voice: It is proper and just to give Thee thanks
always, O God Almighty, Lord of all.
He continues aloud : The angels glorify thee,

O Lord, the dominations adore Thee, and the
powers tremble with fear; the heavens with the

virtues; and the Blessed Seraphim celebrate
together Thy Majesty. Allow us, we beseech Thee,

62



Last Supper—Consecration



to lift up our humble voices and join with them

saying: Oddoos (Sanctus).

(All kneel until after Communion )
Choir:

Arabic

Oddoos, oddoos, oddoos an-

tal rabbol awee oo elah

oossabawoot. Assama wel-

arthoo namloowatane men

majdeek aPhazeem. Owsan-

na feel ’hoola. Moobarak

oollatee be’esm errab. Owa-

ssana feel ’hooa Ameen,

Kyrie eleison.

Section II

CONSECRATION

A deep and sacred silence reigns in the sanctuary
as the most solemn act is at hand

,
the Consecra-

tion. It immediately begins; one instant and God's

Priest will hold in his hands his very Maker. He
proceeds in a low voice: “Holy art Thou, O God
the Father, Who for our salvation hast sent Thy
only Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ,

WORDS OF CONSECRATION
(said aloud or sung)

(Beyaw mo how dakdom.)

Who, the day before He suffered, took bread

into His holy hands, and with His eyes lifted

towards heaven, unto Thee, O God, His Almighty
Father, gave thanks to Thee, blessed it, sanctified

it, broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying:

“Take and eat ye all of this, FOR THIS IS MY
BODY.

5

’ (In Syriac: HONO DANE ETAU
FAGHRO DEED)

English

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord,

God of Hosts. Heaven and

earth are full of Thy Glory,

Hosanna in the highest!

Blessed is He, who cometh

in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest!

64



He kneels; the Server rings the bells : Amen.

Priest: After the supper, in the same manner,

taking into His holy hands this excellent Chalice,

and again giving thanks to Thee, He blessed it,

sanctified it and give it to His disciples, saying:

Take and drink ye all of this, FOR THIS IS THE

CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, (In Syriac: HONO
DANE ETAU KOSSO DAME), of The New and

Everlasting Testament, The Mystery of Faith;

Which, for you and for many, shall be shed unto

the remission of sins.”

The Server rings the bell: Amen. Kyrie

Eleison.

Priest: As often as you shall do these things,

you shall do them in memory of me.

Server: We commemorate Thy death, O Lord,
confessing Thy resurrection, while awaiting Thy

second coming. We beg of Thy Mercy and Good-
ness the pardon of our sins and faults; may Thy

mercy cover us all.

Priest: Yes, indeed, O Lord God, we call to mind
Thy sufferings which redeemed us, Thy Resur-

rection from the dead and Thy glorious Ascension

into heaven: for this reason Thy Church offers

to Thee this holy and immaculate Victim saying:

(Ez ta ool)

Server: Have mercy on us, O God, Father
Almighty, have mercy on us.

Server (Arabic) : Erhamna ayouha rrabbo

dabetto lkoll erhamna.

Priest: We commemorate in the first place and
most especially the Blessed and Glorious Mary,

ever Virgin, Mother of God.

Server: Remember her, O Lord, and through
her most pure intercession, have mercy on us and

graciously hear us.

65



Priest: O Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
intercede for me with thy only Son who was born
of thee to forgive my sins and my faults and to
accept from my weak and sinful hands this Victim
Who, in my lowliness, I am offering upon this
altar, through thy prayer for me, O Mother, most
holy.

INVOCATION OF THE HOLY GHOST
The Priest waves his hands three times, kneels

down on both knees, touches the altar with his
right hand, kisses his finger, saying aloud : Hear
me, O Lord, (3 times) and may Thy Living and
Holy Spirit come and dwell on me and on this
Oblation.

Server: Kyrie Eleison (3 times) he rings the

bell.

Priest: May He make this Mystery, the Body
of Christ, our God serve for our salvation.

Server: Amen.

Priest: And may He make this Chalice of the
Blood of Christ, our God, serve for our salvation.

Server: Amen.

Priest: We pray Thee, O Lord God, to grant us
Thy grace in this world, and Thy Kingdom in the
next, through these holy Mysteries, and we will
render glory to Thee, now and forever.

Choir: Amen.

Memento of The Church

The Priest, bowing his head, prays in a low
voice, for the Church, while the server says the
same prayer aloud;

Server: Amen. Barake ya sayed . Bless us Father.

We address our prayers to our Lord and God,
at this sacred moment, for our religious leaders

66



who govern the Holy Church of God, namely for

our Holy Father, (N.) Sovereign Pontiff, Pope of

Rome, for our Patriarch (N.) Peter, Patriarch of

Antioch, for (N.) our Bishop, as well as for all

Bishops who profess the true Faith. To the Lord

we pray. Kyrie Eleison.

Priest: Grant, O Lord, to those who are asleep
in Christ, rest and happiness in the habitations of

light and refreshment; to them and to us, grant

Thy mercy. Lana wa lahom

Server: Grant O Lord eternal rest to the faith-
ful departed and forgive us all our sins which we

have committed either knowingly or through

ignorance.

(Arabic

)

Nayeh allahomma Imowta waghfer

makhatena behe elike bema’hreefat wabeghyre

ma’hreefat.

Priest: Trusting firmly in Thy abundant

mercies, O Lord God, we implore Thee to make
us worthy of the happiness of Thy Saints through

Thy only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, with Whom
and with Thy Holy Spirit, Thou art blessed and

glorified, now and forever.

Server: Amen. As it was in the beginning, is

now, and ever shall be, world without end, amen.

(Arabic) Kama kana fee koolee jeelen wajeel
hakaza yastamorroo sabetan ela dahre ddahereen

ameen.

Priest: Peace be with you all. Assalamoo lee

jameeookom.

Server: And with Thy Spirit. Wa mah roohak
idan.

Priest:
(Turning and blessing the people) May

the mercy of God the Father and of our Savior

67



Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Ghost,

always be with us and with you all, my brethren,
forever.

The choir immediately starts the hymn
ec

Falnat

lob
”

(or Appendix I, No. 5, 6)

Arabic

1) Falnatlob Koolloona be

khooshoo el wafer, be was-

setat al oorban asseerrel

ghafer. Al moo-oddam leel

lah al abeel ader, al moo-

tamman, beer rooh, al

hayee tahir.

2) Ayatooha sa’ eedath

oommana, Maryam el ’azra

sayedatna, etlobee min wa-

heedeek leajlena, leyarda

anna wayarhamana,

3) Saleebak jesran yakoo-

noo lahom, wa mahmoo-

deetak setran lahom, Jasa-

dak wa-damak yoballegho-

hom tha-ree-an lessamah

yorsheedohom.

English

1 ) Let us all pray with

great devotion through this

forgiving Sacrifice, offered

to God the Father Al-

mighty and accomplished

by the Holy Spirit.

2) Blessed Virgin Mary,

our mother and our Lady,

intercede for us with your

Son, that He may have

mercy on us and be pleased

with us.

3) Let Thy cross be a

bridge through which our

dead might pass to the

eternal Kingdom. Let Bap-

tism be their protecting

shield, and may Thy Body

and Blood lead them on

the road to heaven. Amen.

While the Choir is singing the preceding hymn,
the Priest says, in a low voice:

Priest: O Lord God grant a participation in this
Sacrifice, to our fathers, our brethren, our rulers,

our teachers, to those who have died amongst us,

to all those who have taken part with us, in this

Sacrifice, and to those who have helped in the

building up of the Holy Church, from the begin

-

68



ning until our day. He makes a genuflection, takes

the Host: We have believed and we have offered.
We now bless and break this Host of salvation and
thanksgiving (he touches the Host as though to

break It) the Bread of heaven, the Body of the

Word of the living God, and we sign the Chalice

of salvation and thanksgiving with the fiery Coal

which purifies and which is full of sublime

mysteries, in the name of the living and life giving

Father and of the only and holy Son begotten of

Him and like Him, living and life giving and of
the Holy Spirit, the beginning, perfection and end

of all that has been and that is in heaven and on

earth, the same strength, the same power, the same

will, the only true God blessed and exalted, in

Whom there is no division and from Whom life
is derived forever and ever.

FIRST OR COMBINED ELEVATION

Solemn Offering

Holding the host above the chalice the priest

says:

O Host of our desires, who offerest Thyself for
us; O forgiving Victim, who givest Thyself to Thy
Father; O lamb who art the Priest for Thy own
sacrifice! may our prayer, through Thy goodness O
Christ, be as an incense offered by Thee to Thy

Father.

Then he holds the Sacred Host in his right hand

and the Chalice in his left and raises them, saying

this most sublime and expressive prayer:

(Bell rings).

Priest: Just Father, behold Thy Son, who sacri-
ficed Himself to please Thee; accept Him for if
He died, it was for me that I might be purified.

69



Crucifixion—Elevation



Behold the offering, accept it from my hands as a

satisfaction for me; remember not the sins which

I have committed before Thy Majesty. (He puts

down the Chalice). Behold His Blood, which

flowed on Calvary for my salvation and which
pleads for me; accept my offering for its sake.
Though countless are my sins, yet much greater
is Thy Mercy; for it outweighs by far the weight

of the mountains, which Thou knowest. (He puts

the Sacred Host upon the Paten.) Look upon my
sins, but look at the same time upon the Sacrifice

offered for them: the Sacrifice and the Victim are

infinitely greater than my sins. I have sinned,
indeed, but Thy well-beloved Son hath suffered

the nails and spear, and His sufferings are suf-

ficient to appease Thee; by them I will obtain

life. Glory to the Father, Who hath sent his Son
for us; adoration to the Son, (he genuflects) Who
hath ransomed all men by His Cross; praise to the

Holy Spirit, by Whom the Mystery of our redemp-
tion has been accomplished; Blessed be He who
has vivified all of us by His love; praise to Him.

Section III

Communion

The Priest kneels down
,
blesses the people: May

Thy Cross, O Lord Jesus Christ protect us from
the evil one and his powers forever.

Server: Amen.

THE OUR FATHER
Priest: Trusting in Thy saving precepts and

following Thy divine instruction, we presume to
say: Our Father, (Abana).

Arabic

Abana allazee fee asamawat, leata’addass esmak,

lee yatee malakootak, leetakon masheeatak, kama

71



fee ssama kazaleeka alal ard. A’hteena khobzana

kafata yawmeena, waghfer lana zonoobana wa

khotayana, kama nahnoo naghfor leman akhta wa

assa’a elina, wo la toodakheelna, feetajareb, laken

najeena, menashereer. Amen.

Priest: Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
from all evils, past, present and to come, by the

intercession of Thy mother and Thy saints, and

we will give glory to Thee, now and forever and

ever.

Server: Amen. Bow your heads to the merciful

God and before His forgiving Altar, before the

Body of our Savior and before His Blood, which

gives life to Its receivers; receive the blessing from

the Lord.

(Arabic) Ameen. Ehnoo roossakom leelrabbe

rahoof, amam hykaleheel ghafer, wa amam jassad
mookhallessana wa dameeheel mmoheea leman

yatanawalahoo, wa’belool barakat mena rabb.

Priest: Strengthen, O Lord God, the hearts of
Thy servants by the power of Thy heavenly bene-

diction, through these divine Mysteries, lest we

deviate from the observance of Thy Command-

ments and we will give praise to Thee, now and

forever.

Server: Ameen.

Priest: Assalam lejameeakom. Peace be with

you.

Server: Wa mah roohak idan. And with thy
spirit.

Server: Let each one of us raise his eyes and

look up to God in fear and trembling and ask Him

mercy.

72



(ArabicJ: Lyanzor koolloo ahaden menna

elallah belkhawfe walfazah, walyastameh menhoo

rahamat wattahennon.

Priest: (Blessing the people). May the grace of

the Holy Trinity Who has no beginning nor

end, uncreated and One in Substance, be with

you all, my brethren. Amen.

The Second Elevation

Priest:
(
kneeling and holding the Sacred Host

prays in a low voice:) Holy, holy, holy, Lord God

of Hosts, Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory,

Thou Who art above the universe and the

heavens, to Thee have I raised my eyes, O God of

heaven: as the eye of the servant is fixed upon

his master, and of the handmaid upon her mistress,

so are our eyes fixed upon Thee till Thou take

pity on us.

Have pity on us, O Lord, and look kindly upon

me, according to the abundance of Thy mercy

and blot out my sins. Have pity on me, O my
God, for all the hope of my soul is in Thee, and

under the shadow of Thy wings have I taken

refuge. Have pity on me, O Lord, for man has
tripped up my feet. Deliver me from my enemies

and let me triumph over them that are arrayed

against me. Deliver me from the wicked man and

preserve me from him that committeth iniquity.

Remember me when Thou shalt come into Thy

kingdom. He genuflects, elevates the Sacred Host

and says aloud this verse, which is an invitation to

receive Holy Communion with a right disposition:

(Bell rings). Holy things to the holy, with peace,

purity and sanctity. He again genuflects and raises

the Chalice. (The hell rings).

73



Server: At the elevation of the Host: The Father

is one and holy, the Son is one and holy, the Spirit

is one and holy. May the name of the Lord be
blessed, to him be glory forever.

(Arabic) Ab wahed oddoos; eben wahed

oddoos; rooh wahed oddoos leeakon esmo rabb

moo barakan lahoo majdoo daeeman.

Server: At the elevation of the Chalice: Glory

be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Ghost, Who sanctifies and forgives us all.

(Arabic

)

Almajdo lil-ab wal-eben war-rouh al

odos, allazee yoadiss elkol wa-yaghfer wa-yosameh

elkol.

After the elevation the choir chants: Beseree

Kayamat.

At the same time
,

the Priest proceeds to the

ceremony of the Breaking of the Host, and the

mingling of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Breaking of the Host

Priest: Glory be to the Father Who hath sanc-
tified, Glory be to the Son Who hath purified,
Glory be to the Holy Ghost Who hath come down,
the beginning, perfection and end of all that was

and ever will be, in heaven and on earth. One

God whose goodness hath urged Him to deign

to sanctify our Offering and sign the church and

her children with the infinite power of the cross.

May He deign to pour His mercy upon this town

and its faithful inhabitants. May He grant rest

to their dead and be the hope and protection of the

living, taking everyone under His patronage.

Glory be to Thee, Our Lord and God forever.

Amen.

He makes the sign of the cross upon the Host:

74



Resurrection—Breaking of the Host; Mingling It
with the Precious Blood



Bless O God this holy Particle upon the altar.
Bless the earth from which it hath sprung. Bless

those for whom we have offered and consecrated
it, and in Thy bounty purify them and grant them

peace forever.

He breaks the Host in two
,
and from one half

he breaks off a small piece, saying

:

“Make me

worthy in spite of my sins, Lord, to approach Thy
altar and to break with my poor hands Thy sacred
Body and distribute It with true faith to the chil-

dren of Thy holy Church.

Blessed art Thou, Lord Jesus Christ, Bread of

Life who cometh down from heaven to bring life

everlasting to those who receive Thee. May all

the faithful, who have taken part with us in this

sacrifice, rejoice in Thy heavenly kingdom forever;

let not Thy Body and Blood be for our damnation,

on the day of Judgment. May I come before Thee
with a cheerful countenance when, at the end of

the world, Thou dost appear in glory with Thy

angels and may Thy Sacred Body be for the living

and the dead the source of mercy in that day .
55

He dips the small piece of the Host in the

Chalice and makes the sign of the cross with It on

the other pieces:

The Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, is sprinkled

on His Sacred Body in the name of the Father and

of the Son and of the Holy Ghost—Glory to Thee
forever and ever.

Hymn during the Breaking of the Host

Arabic English

Choir: Choir:

1. Besirree eeyamat Elma- 1. Through the mystery of

seeh rabbena, nastamedool the Resurrection of the

ghoofran. Nahtofo moob- Lord; let us ask for His

76



arak oolazee besalbehee

’hata ’ana men altoghyan.

Elahon oddoos, oddoos, od-

doos mootaazzem rahman.

Mooazzam tazkar oommee-

hee Mariam saeedate el

akowan; wa mookarra moo

zekrool eddeesseen wa shah-

behe baneel eeman. Halle-

luia.

2. Assakeroossama, moohee-

taht ma’ hana bema yeda-

tel mazbah; too zcyehoo

assrar aPha-mal ellazee,

oddamana yoozbah. Falnata

kaddam wa natawaloohoo,

han esmena yasfah. Halle-

luia.

3. Fawk mozabehak, rab-

bana nazkor sayeer am wa-

t e n a , nofooss abaeena,

soomma khwalena, wa ja-

meeh abohatena; akemhom

rabbana men ann yamee-

nak fee yawm anbohassena.

Halleluia.

forgiveness, saying, “Blessed

is He who delivered us

from damnation by His

cross. Holy, Holy, Holy,

Glorious and Merciful! He

honors the memory of His

Mother Mary, the Queen of

the world, of the Saints and

of His faithful people.” Al-

leluia.

2. The heavenly armies

(The Angels) are now

present here and with us,

they escort the Lamb of

God Who is now being im-

molated before us. Let us

approach and receive Him.

He will forgive our sins.

Alleluia.

3. On Thy altars we re-

member O our Lord, all

our departed ones: Our pa-

rents, our relations, and all

our spiritual leaders. Let

them stand, O our Lord,
on Thy right hand in the

days of our resurrection.

Alleluia.

Domine Non Sum Dignus

O Lord I am not worthy

The Priest takes a step backwards
,
makes the

sign of the cross three times, while striking his

breast and reciting a prayer corresponding to the

(Domine Non Sum Dignus) in the Latin Mass .
(Bell rings 3 times.)

77



“May our bodies be sanctified by receiving Thy

Sacred Body, O Lord, and our souls be embellished
by Thy purifying Blood: may this be for the
pardon of our sins and the remission of our

offenses, Our Lord and Our God, Glory to Thee

forever and ever.
55

Server:

Arabic

Antom ayouha lkahanat,

eza wahafton fee bitee

lhods. Eftahoo lellahee ab-

waba coloobekon wasabbe-

hoo allah, wabarekoo haza

lhoorban almowdooh hoo-

na.

Server: (Psalm 150.

priest's communion.)

Sabbehoo llaha fee oodd-

seehee.

Sabbehooh fee falake ooate-

he,

Sabbehooh ala makdarate-

hee,

Sabbehooh nazeera kasrate

azamatehe.

Sabbehooh besawte lbook,

Sabbehooh belmeczmaare

walheethara

Sabbehooh bettablee wadd-

oofoof,

Sabbehooh belawthare wal-

atee ttarab.

Sabbehooh besawtee sson-

ooj, sabbehooh besoonooje

tahleel; wakoolloo nasma-

ten faltoosabbeh arrab.

English

O ye priests of God, stand-

ing within His sanctuary

open the door of your

hearts; praise ye God, and

bless the Holy Host placed

in it. (the Sanctuary)

Sahhehoo Llaha
,
during

Praise the Lord in His

sanctuary, praise Him in

His majestic firmament.

Praise Him for His mighty

deeds, praise Him for His

supreme majesty.

Praise Him with the blast

of the horn, praise Him

with harp and lyre.

Praise Him with timbrel

and dance, praise Him with

strings and pipe.

Praise Him with loud-

sounding cymbals: Let

every being that breathes

praise the Lord!

78



Server continues:

Afed amanak wassalamak

hala beehatak wa shahbak

fee arbahat aktar alhalom

coollehee.

Wa ajez hanna yarabb, wa
hann jameeh ookwatena

lmoomeneen belmasseeh,

darbat al ghadab.

Wanahtaf coolloonee ayee-

leen: Kyrie eleison, ya rabb

oorham Kyrie eleison.

Pour out Thy peace and

Thy blessings upon Thy

Church and Thy people

throughout the four parts

of the world.

Avert, O Lord, from us,

and our brethren, believers

in Christ, the scourges of

Thy anger.

Let us all exclaim, Kyrie

eleison. Lord have mercy

on us, Kyrie eleison.

Priest’s Communion

Priest: Turning to the right and to the left :

Pray for me for the love of Our Lord.

He consumes the largest piece of the Host: May

the Body of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, be given to

me for the forgiveness of my sins, and for life ever-

lasting.

He consumes some of the Precious Blood : May

my sins be washed away by Thy living and life-

giving Blood, Lord Jesus, Word of God, Who art
come down for our salvation.

He pauses for a moment's adoration and he

blesses the people: Mark, O Lord, the sign of Thy
cross which has triumphed over the evil one and

his powers, upon Thy servants who worship Thee

and look to Thee for the gift of everlasting life.

To Thee be glory forever.

Server: Thy glory, Lord, is above heaven and

earth.

79



Communion Chant: Kadish, Kadish

The Priest alternates with the Choir :

Syriac

Priest: (1) Kadish kadish . . . Dath hasebeeh

Choir: Halleluia wa halleluia leh theshboh tho,

dyablan faghreh, wadmeh hyo dneth hasebah.

Priest: (2) Wazezooto

Choir: Halleluia wa halleluia leh theshboh-tho,

chetyo meneh; eetho wyaldeh zom reen shobho.

Priest: (3) D’aneedeh (The Communion of the

people takes place here
,
or after the Blessing with

the Chalice .)

Choir: Ho oorbono eth-arab ho naf-sho-tho
meth dakh-rone, neh wey beh nyoho Imeeteh dah-

lo-fy-hoon eth-arab.

Priest: (4) Boo so reh

Choir: How dakro leh lo
5

ozor wlahly-mo bro

darr-mall-tho, hoo ne-rooss tha-lo drah mah, ’al

karr mye honn d’a nee deh.

Priest: (5) Dashmo’yo

Choir: Boo reesh-lam dal’el wab ’eetho deeth

’al arro oo al madeb-ho brow-mo nehwey deokh-

rono tho-bo.

Priest: (6) Mhymenay

Choir: Fagh-rokh sah-yoy nafsh di’roob saydow

do-helno how bay mzee’een lee bah-no-nokh mor

nith-hassoon.

Priest: (7) L’naheero

Choir: Ha doo-tho l’a-lo-ya wsa-bro thobo
Ithah thoyeh b’oor bono dh’ob-deen hya hlof

’aneedyhoon.

Priest: Rahem Aline (He blesses the people

with the ChaliceJ.

80



Choir: Irhamma ya rub ya hanoon ya rahoom

ya mohebbun lil-bashar Irhamna.

Translation of the preceding hymn

Priest:(l) The Church cries out: “Holy, Holy,

Holy art Thou, O Lord. Blessed is He Who hath
given me His Body and Blood to purify me.

55

Choir: Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory to Him Who
hath given us His Body and Blood for our purifi-

cation.

Priest: (2) May Thy most Holy One intercede
for us in the day of judgment when we are

arraigned before that throne of splendor and awe.

Choir: Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory to the Source

of life, from Whom the Church and her children
drink and to Whom they sing their song of praise.
Here the priest gives Communion to the faithful

(under one kind
,
as in the Latin Rite ) saying:

“May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ be given

to you for the forgiveness of your sins, unto life

everlasting.” ( The Communion can also be given

after the blessing with the chalice .)

During this time
,

the Choir sings the Com-

munion hymn Ya Khobz alhayat. The Priest

resumes in the same tune a Communion prayer

for the dead :

Priest: (3) Graciously receive, O Lord, the
Host which we offer Thee, prostrate in Thy Pres-

ence and be merciful to the souls of the faithful

departed.

Choir: Behold the Host Who is offered for the
faithful departed: may It obtain rest eternal for

their souls.

Priest: (4) The Sacrifice offered by the living

purifies the dead, procuring for them the cleansing

of their sins.

81



Choir: He, Who recalled Lazarus from the dead
and the widow’s son, will send the dew of His

goodness upon the dead.

Priest: (5) May those for whom this sacrifice is
offered be remembered with Abraham, Isaac, and

Israel. King of heaven, accept the offering of Thy

servants and remember them in Thy heavenly

Jerusalem.

Choir: In Thy heavenly Jerusalem and Thy

Church on earth, may their memory abide.

Priest: (6) Lamb of God, divine Shepherd, who

gavest Thy life for Thy sheep, give to the faithful

departed eternal rest.

Choir: My soul longs to receive Thy Body, but
the thought of my sins makes me fear to approach
Thee; do Thou in Thy mercy forgive them.

Priest: (7) Thy Body and Thy Blood that we

have received will be for us the way by which we

shall pass fearlessly from darkness to light.

Choir: In the Host, which the living offer for

their dead, there is joy for the saints in heaven

and holy hope for us on earth.

Blessing With the Chalice

Holding the Chalice (in which some of the

Precious Blood still remains ) with a piece of the

Host above it
,
the Priest turns around and blesses

the people
,
saying: “We praise Thee and thank

Thee, Lord God, for the gift of Thy life-giving

Body and Blood for our food and drink. Have

mercy on us, Thou Who so lovest men.”

Choir: Have mercy on us, Thou who lovest

men, have mercy on us. (Erhamna )

Priest: He consumes the remainder of the Host
and Precious Blood: “May Thy living Blood, the

82



Christ's Apparition to His Apostles—
Blessing with the Chalice



source of life, wash away my sins, O Jesus, Word
of God made flesh for our salvation.

55

Hymn Sung During Communion

Arabic

1) Ya khobz alhayat wa’-

oot al’arwah, wa’horboon

anna’him. Anta bnool bas-

har, anta bnool elah, wal’-

elah whoor rahim.

2) Almalayeka ooyam, be-

lkhajal walwajal, men be-

hak al’hazim. Wanahn oo-

lmasakeen, kiefa naktabe-

lak befamena zal asim.

3) Feel ’hashas serree fatha

bahr oljood, wakana whool

jawad. Wahabana zatahoo

khobzan wakhamran, wa-

hoo ashrafzad.

English

1) O Bread of life, Food

of the souls and pledge of

Heaven. Thou art the Son

of man, Son of the Merci-

ful God.

2) If the angels are stand-

ing with awe and fear in

the Presence of Thy Mag-

nificence, how can we,

humble sinners, receive

Thee in our sinful mouth.

3) At the Last Supper, the

Ocean of generosity over-

flowed and He was the Au-

thor of the immense gener-

osity. To us He gave His

own self under the form

of bread and wine: This is

the greatest nourishment.

Post Communion—After Communion
The Priest purifies his fingers and the Chalice

in the usual way
,
saying meanwhile the appro-

priate prayers. The choir sings at the same time
,

Psalm 133.

Arabic

1 )
Ha moonzoo lahn baree-

koo rraba ya jameh abeed

arrab. Alwaeefeen fee bayte

rrabe wafee deare bayte

elahena.

English

1) Behold, bless the Lord,

all you servants of the

Lord; Who stand in the

house of the Lord during

the night hours.

84



2) Erfaoo aydeekom ela

laudes wabarekoo rraba ela-

hana.

3) Falyou barekookom ar-

raboo men Sahioun, jabal

oodsehe, assaneh, assama

walard. — Almajdo lelabe
wallebne warroohe loodos.

Gama kana fel badee waala

dawam waela dahree da-

hereen. Ameen.

Lest any portion of the Sacrament remain in

the Chalice
,
he carefully rinses with wine.

Priest: May God and His holy and elected

angels be pleased with the sacrifice which we have

just offered. May He remember the faithful

departed, especially those for whom we have

offered it.

He washes his fingers saying

:

Priest: My fingers proclaim Thy praises and my
mouth gives Thee thanks. By the nails which

pierced Thy hands and feet, by the spear which

opened Thy side, forgive my sins, O Lord. Guard
me from all evil and may Thy right hand preserve

me from misfortune and protect me forever. He

consumes the purification.

Priest: They shall be inebriated with Thy

bountiful gifts and shall drink of the torrent of

Thy delights, for in Thee is the fountain of life.

He wipes the Chalice saying:

Priest: In Thy mercy wipe away the sins I have
committed against Thee and in Thy goodness
grant O Christ, King, our life giver, whose mys-
teries I have celebrated, that with the elect who
have loved Thee and the just whom Thou hast

85

2) Lift up your hands to-

ward the sanctuary and

bless the Lord.

3) May the Lord bless you

from Sion, He who made

heaven and earth. Glory be

to the Father, and to the

Son, and to the Holy Ghost.



chosen, I may be worthy to serve Thee joyfully in

Thy heavenly kingdom forever.

Thanksgiving Prayers

Priest: May Thy Body, O Christ, which we have
received, and Thy Blood which we have drunk, be

for our salvation and the pardon of the sins of all

the faithful, living and dead, and we will cause

glory to ascend to Thee, now and forever and

ever.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Peace be with you all,

Choir: And with thy spirit.

Priest: Stretch forth, O Lord, the right hand of
Thy majesty; keep Thy Church from all offense;

preserve Thy flock from all harm and we will

cause glory and thanks to ascend to Thee, to Thy

Blessed Father, and to Thy Holy Spirit, now and

forever and ever.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Pour Thy Blessings upon us, Lord,

keep us, protect and help us; show us the way of

life and salvation; may Thy mercy and clemency

come down on us. Protect our brethren, both

those who are near and far, as well as those who,

by word or action, have taken part in our sacrifice.

May God Who was pleased to receive the sacri-
fices of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob accept their

sacrifices, vows and gifts, and be to them a never-

failing protection and may He look favorably on

their dead and give them eternal rest, through

the intercession of Mary, Mother of the living

God and of all the Saints.

Choir: Amen.

86



Priest: Go in peace, well-beloved brethren; we

entrust you to the grace and mercy of the Holy

and Glorious Trinity. Go in peace, upheld by

the blessings you have received from the altar of

God.

All you brethren near and far, living and dead,

who have been redeemed by the victorious cross,

will be preserved by it from corruption and sin.

And we trust always in your prayers, beloved

fathers and brethren. Alleluia.

Choir: Alleluia.

Arabic

1) Halleluia, Bessalwat Se-

maan, sabootat Roomee

walan tataza za’a assassat

arkan benianeha; bessalwat

moordeek Mar (Name of

the Saint whose feast they

are celebrating) eshfok

warham albeeat maha bna-

eeha.

2) Azzem ya rab ma’h ed-

deeseek zekr aba’eena wa

khwatena almonta’eeleen;

daowen esmahom fee sefr

alhaya wafee oorashleem,

highsoo ararool moota’ha-

leen.

Halleluia, Rabbana almaj-

do lak (3 times) Abana,

etc.

English

1 )
Alleluia. Through the

prayers of Simon Peter,

Rome has remained stead-

fast and her foundations

have always been firmly

fixed. Through the prayers

of your faithful servant

Saint (name), have mercy

on the Church and her

children.

2) Be graciously mindful,

O Lord, of our departed

fathers and brethren.

Vouchsafe to record their

names in the Book of Life,

in the Heavenly Jerusalem,

the dwelling of the Blessed.

Alleluia, Glory to Thee, O

Lord. (3 times) Our

Father, etc.

Final Blessing

It is nearing the end of Mass but before the

Priest dismisses the faithful he, as representative

87



Ascension
,
end of Christ’s earthly life—Last blessing

,

end of the Mass



of Christ, calls down upon them the same blessing

which our Lord gave to His disciples before

ascending into Heaven from Mount Olivet. l

He turns to the congregation and blesses them:

(The congregation kneels )

“May the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ

descend from heaven and dwell in you and me.

May it bring you forgiveness of sins and pardon

of offenses, and give rest to your departed ones;

through it may your names be written in His

heavenly kingdom. God save us all from con-

fusion and shame on the day of the just and

rightful judgment, the Father, and the Son, and

the Holy Ghost. Glory be to Thee forever and

ever. Amen. Go in peace and pray to the Lord

for me.

There is no last gospel. On a few solemn feasts
the Priest, facing the congregation, reads from the

Missal a solemn invocation for God's Blessings.

END OF THE MASS—Farewell to the altar

Before leaving the altar, the Priest kisses it,

addressing to it this touching farewell: Peace to

Thee, O Holy Altar; in peace I will return to
Thee. May the Victim which I have consum-
mated upon Thee be for the forgiveness of my sins
and the pardon of my offenses; may it assist me to
keep myself before the throne of Christ without

stain or shame. Yet I know not if I shall return

again to offer upon thee another Sacrifiice.

PRAYERS AFTER MASS

Hail Mary. (Three times.)

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life,

our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve, to thee do we send

89



up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this

valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advo-

cate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after

this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy

womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin
Mary.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we
may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray

O God, our refuge and our strength, look down
with favor upon Thy people who cry unto Thee;

and through the intercession of the glorious and

immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of her

spouse, blessed Joseph, of Thy holy apostles, Peter

and Paul, and all the saints, mercifully and

graciously hear the prayers which we pour forth

to Thee for the conversion of sinners and for the

liberty and exaltation of holy mother Church.

Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

(The following prayer is not prescribed after

the Maronite Mass

)

St. Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle,

be our protection against the malice and snares of

the devil. We humbly beseech God to command
him, and Thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by
Thy divine power thrust into hell Satan and the

other evil spirits who roam through the world

seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. (Indulgence of

10 years)

Priest: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. People:

Have mercy on us ( Three times) ( 7 years of

indulgence)

90



APPENDIX I

PSALMS FOR HIGH MASS-

HYMNS—PRAYERS
Psalms

Psalm 102: Barekee Ya Nafsee1 .

Arabic

a) Barekee ya nafsee leer-

rabb, wajameehoo ma fee

batenee lee esmehee lhod-

doos.

b) Barekee ya nafsee leer-

rabb, wa la tanseye jamee-

ha mookafahatehee.

c) Allazee yaghferro jamee-

ha zoonoobekee, wa yash-

fee jameeha amradedee.

d) Allazee younajjee men

albala hayatatakee, wayou-

kallelookee berrahmate

warrafat.

e) Allazee youshbehoo bel-

khayrate shahwatekee, fa-

yatajaddadoo methla nnasre

shababookee.

f) Arrabboo sanehoo rrah-

mate lejameehee lmazloo-

meen.

g) Harrafa moossa tooroo-

hahoo wabanee Israeel ma-

sheehatehee.

English

a) Bless the Lord, O my

soul, and let my whole be-

ing bless His holy name.

b) Bless the Lord, O my

soul, and forget not all His

benefits.

c) Who forgives all your

faults, who heals all your

infirmities,

d) Who redeems your life

from destruction, who
crowns you with grace and

mercy,

e) Who fills your life with

good things: your youth is

renewed like the eagle’s.

f) The Lord performs

works of justice, and rend-

ers justice to all the op-

pressed.

g) He made known His

ways to Moses, His deeds to

the children of Israel.

91



2 . Psalm Verses

Arabic

a) Mosta’ heddon albee ya

allah mosta* heddon albee,

oo sabeh we* zoratteloo be-

tam jeedee. (Ps. 107)

b) Ertafeh Allahomma ’ha-

las samawat; wa ’hala

sa’er el’arthee majdak.

(Ps. 107)

c) Allahomma a’htee hook-

maka lelmaleekee, wa’had-

laka lebn elmaleekee. (Ps.

71)

d) Lemaza rtajjat eloomam,

wa shoo oob hazzat belba-

tel. Amat moolook oolard,

warrooassa, eejtama oo ja-

meean — arrabboo aalla
lee anta obnee, wa anal

yaoum waladooka, salnee,

fa oohteek al oo mam

meerassak. (Ps. 2)

3. Psalm 148. Sabbehoo

Arabic

Sabeehoo leelrub men assa-

mawat. Sabbehoo leelrub

ya jamee’h malayekateehee.

Sabbehoo lee rub ya ja-

mee’h oowateehee. Sabbeh-

eeh ayatooha shamsoo

wal’amar. Sabbehee ayat-

oohal kawakeb wannoor.

English

a) My heart is ready, O

Lord, my heart is ready I

will singl I will give praise

with my glory.

b) Be thou exalted, O God,

above the heavens; may

Thy glory be over all the

earth.

c) Give, O God, to the

King Thy judgment, and

to the King’s son Thy jus-

tice.

d) Why do the nations

rage, and the peoples plot

in vain. The Kings of the

earth rise up and rulers

conspire together. The Lord

said to me, “Thou art my

son, today have I begotten

Thee; ask of me and I will

give Thee the nations for

thy inheritance.

leelrabb men assamawa

t

English

Praise the Lord from the

heavens, praise Him in the

heights. Praise Him, all

His angels, praise Him all

His host. Praise Him, sun

and moon, praise Him all

you twinkling stars and

light. Let them praise the

92



Faltoosabbeh leesmak ya Name of the Lord, for He

elahana, ya elahana. commanded and they were

created.

4. Psalm 22

Arabic English

Arraboo raeea fala yahoo

zoone shayon, fee marahen

kasseba-ten you ee loo nee

wa mayaha arrahate youre-

doone. Yareddo nafsee wa

youhdeene ela soobelel ber-

re min ajle smehe. Enne

walou salaktoo fee wadee

zalaleel moute lah akafoo

souhan leannaka maee.

Assaka wa ookazooka hoo-

ma youazzeea nanee; too

haee oo amamee maeeda-

tan toojahe mooda yee ear,

waad massahta rassee bed-

doohnee wakassee marw-

eeaton, aljoodatoo walrah

matoo tatbaananee jameea

ayame haya tee wasoo-

knaya fee baite rabbe tool

alayam.

The Lord is my shepherd:

I want for nothing; he

makes me rest in green

pastures. He leads me to

waters where I may rest;

He revives my spirit. He

guides me along the right

paths for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk in a

dark valley, I will fear no

evil, for Thou art with me.

Thy rod and Thy staff:

these comfort me. Thou

settest a table for me in

the sight of my enemies;

Thou anointest my head

with oil; my cup overflows.

Goodness and kindness

shall follow me all the

days of my life, and I shall

dwell in the house of the

Lord for a long time.

93



ARABIC HYMNS

5. Ya Ma’sharal Habebee

(Dearly beloved)

Arabic

a) Ya ma’sharal habebee,

azzamoo rrabbae, bee soon-

hehel a
j

’ e e b e e azharal

hoobba; ja a men darel

oolah, ra fee an coollal

balahee wa ala saleebee

tammamal amra.

Choir

:

Man ya toora, ya-

fseeloona, an rabbena, izz

zaka la shyon.

b) Walmoutoo sara bah-

doo, mooddatan tafna,
meen baade zaka majdon

feel hoomal asna. Hyssoo

la hoznon yassoodoo, bal

salamon wa khooloodoo

wa-lekal habebee man ha-

bal berra.

Wa ad hawan nasra.

English

a) Dearly beloved, praise

ye the Lord. In the mar-

velous things He has

done. He has shown His

love. From on high He

came and took away our

miseries. On the Cross He

accomplished His work.

Chorus

:

Who therefore will

separate us from Our

Lord? No one indeed.

b) Death, then, becomes

a temporary separation,

after which follows the

glory in the celestial abode.

There, no sorrow, but joy,

eternal delights and the

meeting of the Divine

Friend Jesus, the Son of

Justice. Indeed He is always

triumphant.

6. Aya rabboo roohmaka

(Lord have mercy)

a) Aya rabboo roohmaka,

washfek ’haliena, wakbal

’arabenana yaraheem, wa-

hazee zabehatoo ta’hlool

khataya kamaad rasamta

befathlen ’hameem:

a) O Lord, have mercy,

and deign to accept our

offering. This is the Vic-

tim offered for the sin, that

Thou hast instituted in

Thy infinite generosity.

94



b) Wakhalless jama’hata

amwatena men laza ma-

tharen zee’hazaben aleem;

wajodhom be’hafwen, fa

anta gafooron, wa ajzel ja-

zahom be dareen na’hem:

b) Deliver from the severe

pains of purgatory the souls

of our departed ones and

grant them in heaven an

abundant reward.

Besides the proper Oriental tunes of the following

hymns they may be sung to the tunes of the English

hymns as mentioned below:

The Blessed Sacrament

7 — HA SALAHOOLAHE
(Tune of Daily, Daily, Sing to Mary)

CHORUS:

Hal salahool lahe wafa
5
zaheran nahwal anam.

Yookseeboo nafs anhetafan, lelmahabatee walheyam.

a—Koolloo nafsen feessama’ee,
Walmalaye koo waljonood,

Takhtafee men zal baha’ee

Tahta ajneehatees soojood.

b—Ya laserren ’hazza wasfan,
Joodoohoo lan yoonkara,

Wabeheed dayanoo yookhfa

Jalla men an yoohsara.

The Virgin Mary

8. MAJDOO MARYAM YATA’HAZZAM
(Tune: Daily

,
Daily)

CHORUS:

Majdoo Maryam yatahazzam feelma sharek

walghooroob.

Karreemooha, hazzeemooha, malleekooha, feelooloob.

a—Ad talalat wata’halat, ma leenooreeha ghooroob,
Wahya alat heena nalat, faltootaw webneesh

shoo’hoob

95



b—He rajakom fee sha’akom fas ma’hoo ya khate’een
La takhafoo an toowafoo lee hemaha taleebeen.

St. Maron

9. MAROONOO YA MAN AD GHADA
(Tune: Come Holy Ghost)

CHORUS

:

Maroonoo ya man ad ghada; ’halamaPa da satee

walhooda,

Wabetohree hee shar’oo shada, eshfa’h bena toola

Imada.

a—Kam jaheden wafa hemah
Ez kana yazhoo fee Hamah

Men sharree taghen ad hamah

Wa wa’a hoo men sharreel ’heda.

b—Fa elika je’na khathe’heen
Menkal ma’hoonata taleebeen

Fashfa”h bena fee koollee heen

Waleejam’hena kon mo’h theda.

The Faithful Departed

10. ASHABANA LA TOOHMELOO

CHORUS:

Ashabana la toohmeloo man yar’oodo,

Fee matharen neeranoohoo tatawa’do

Wa thermoo ha fee nafseehee yatajaddado
Ala farhamoohoo beddoo’ha’ee a’allama. Ameen.

a—Kam tashtakee telka noofoosoo ta’allooma,
Lamma tara zakal makanal moozleema,

Fatadookoo kaffi ha jawan watan-addooma,

Wa tasehhoo men ajfaneeha dam’han dama.
Ameen.

96



b—Ahan lee ’high nen la tara illal kadar,
Ahan lee ’high nen la tara illash sharar.

Wahasratahoo kam yoo’asee zannazar.

Hoznan wadookhanan wawaktan moo’htema.

Ameen.

11. NAJJE YA RABBE

(Tune: Daily, Daily)

CHORUS:

Najjee ya rabbe noofoosan, fee

laza nnaree tasseeh,

Saheedoona warmeoona, nazrat

alhobbe sahih.

a—Dozlemat menna lhooynoonoo, ootbehat
hazee soojoon,

Ya toora hal man yaheenoo, albana

haza jjareeh. Chorus

—

b—Nalana lhadloo raheeboo, halana,
Menhoo llaheeb, fasmahoona,

Wa ajeeboo ledooha laalbee ljareeh.

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SELECTION OF ENGLISH HYMNS1)

JESUS, MY LORD,
MY GOD, MY ALL.

Jesus, my Lord, my God,

my all!

How can I love Thee as I

ought?

And how revere this won-

drous gift.

So far surpassing hope or

thought?

Chorus:

Sweet Sacrament! we Thee

adore,

O make us love Thee more
and more.

Had I but Mary’s sinless

heart

To love Thee with, my

dearest King,

O with what bursts of

fervent praise

Thy goodness, Jesus would

I sing!

Thy Body, Soul, and God-

head all,

0 mystery of love divine!

—

1 cannot compass all I

have.

For all Thou hast and art

are mine!

2) TO JESUS’ HEART
ALL BURNING.

To Jesus’ Heart all burning,

With fervent love for men.

My heart with fondest

yearning

Shall raise the joyful strain.

Chorus:

While ages course along,

Blest be with loudest song

The Sacred Heart of Jesus,

By every heart and tongue.

O Heart for me on fire,

With love no man can

speak.

My yet untold desire

God gives me for Thy sake.

3) O LORD, I AM NOT
WORTHY.

O Lord, I am not worthy

That Thou shouldst come

to me.

But speak the words of

comfort,

My spirit healed shall be.

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And humbly I’ll receive

Thee

The Bridegroom of my

soul,

No more by sin to grieve

Thee,

Or fly Thy sweet control.

O Sacrament most holy.

0 Sacrament divine,
All praise and all thanks-

giving

Be every moment thine.

4) COME, HOLY
GHOST.

Come, Holy Ghost,

Creator blest,

And in our hearts take up

Thy rest;

Come with Thy grace and

heavenly aid.

To fill the hearts which

Thou hast made.

5) MOTHER DEAR, O
PRAY FOR ME.

Mother dear, O pray for
me!

Whilst far from heav’n

and thee,

1 wander in a fragile bark,

O’er life’s tempestuous sea.

O Virgin Mother, from thy
throne,

So bright in bliss above,

Protect thy child and cheer

my path

With thy sweet smile of

love.

Chorus:

Mother dear, remember me,

And never cease thy care,

Till in heaven eternally

Thy love and bliss I share.

Mother dear, O pray for
me!

Should pleasure’s siren lay

E’er tempt thy child to

wander far

From virtue’s path away.

When thorns beset life’s

devious way.

And darkling waters flow,

Then, Mary, aid thy weep-

ing child,

Thyself a mother show.

6)

HYMN TO SAINT
MARON.

(To the tune of Come

Holy Ghost
)

Great Saint Maron, to thee

we cry,

O help us with thy strength

on high,

Let not thy children ask

in vain.

Who, asking, praise God’s

holy name.

99



Model of holiness, be thou

Our help and guidance

here below,

Bring comfort in distress

and fear

Allay the bitterness of

tears.

7) HOLY GOD, WE
PRAISE THY NAME

Holy God, we praise Thy

name!

Lord of all, we bow before

Thee!

All on earth, Thy sceptre

claim,

All in heav’n above adore

Thee:

//Infinite Thy vast domain,

Everlasting is Thy

Name:

Hark! the loud celestial

hymn.

Angel choirs above are

singing!

Cherubim and Seraphim,

In unceasing chorus

praising;

//Fill the Heavens with

sweet accord;

Holy! Holy! Holy

Lord:

100



APPENDIX II

USUAL PRAYERS AND FORMULAS

To be knoivn and frequently used by every Catholic

.

The Lord!s Prayer.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy

name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as

it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and

forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trepass

against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver

us from evil. Amen.

The Angelical Salutation.

Hail, Mary, full of grace! the Lord is with thee, blessed

art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy

womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us

sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The Apostles* Creed.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of

heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our

Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of

the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was

crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into hell;

the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended

into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father

Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living

and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy

Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgive-

ness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life ever-

lasting. Amen.

An Act of Paith.

O my God! I firmly believe that Thou art one God in
three Divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; I

101



believe that Thy Divine Son became man, and died for

our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and

the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the

Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed

them, who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.

An Act of Hope .

O my God! relying on Thy infinite goodness and
promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of

Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of

Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

An Act of Love

O my God! I love Thee above all things, with my
whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and

worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the

love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and

ask pardon of all whom I have injured.

An Act of Contrition .

O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended

Thee, and I detest all my sins, because of Thy just pun-

ishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my

God, who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I

firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more

and to avoid the near occasions of sin.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOD.

1. I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have strange

gods before me.

2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God

in vain.

3. Remember thou keep holy the Lord’s Day.

4. Honor thy father and thy mother.

5. Thou shalt not kill.

6. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

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7. Thou shalt not steal.

8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neigh-

bor.

9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.
10.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.

THE SIX CHIEF COMMANDMENTS
OF THE CHURCH

1. To hear Mass on Sundays and holy-days of obliga-

tion.

2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed.

3. To confess at least once a year.

4. To receive the Holy Eucharist during Easter time.

5. To contribute to the support of the Church.

6. To observe the laws of the Church concerning mar-

riage.

THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS.

Baptism. Confirmation. Holy Eucharist.

Penance. Extreme Unction. Holy Orders.

Marriage.

THE SEVEN CAPITAL, OR DEADLY SINS

1. Pride, 2. Covetousness, 3. Lust, 4. Anger,

5. Gluttony, 6. Envy, 7. Sloth.

OPPOSITE VIRTUES TO THE DEADLY SINS.

1. Humility, 2. Liberality, 3. Chastity, 4. Meekness,

5. Temperance, 6. Brotherly love, 7. Diligence.

NINE WAYS OF BEING AN ACCESSORY
TO ANOTHER’S SIN.

1. By counsel, 2. By command, 3. By consent, 4. By

provocation, 5. By praise or flattery, 6. By conceal-

ment, 7. By partaking, 8. By silence, 9. By defense

of the ill done.

103



PRAYERS FOR CONFESSION AND COMMUNION

Preparation for Confession:

My God, grant me light to be truly sorry for my sins.

To think that I have offended Thee after being forgiven

so many times! I lay the rest of my life at Thy feet.

How much more there is to come, I know not, but long

or short, let it atone for my past. Mary, my Mother, help

me to make a good confession.

Examination of Conscience

:

Begin by examining yourself on your last Confession

and Communion. Whether a grievous sin was forgotten

through want of proper examination; concealed or dis-

guised through shame. Whether you confessed without

true sorrow, a firm purpose of amendment, and of repair-

ing the evil done to your neighbor. Then examine your-

self on the Commandments of God and of the Church,

and the duties of your state in life. Do not neglect to

consider the various ways in which you became an access-

ory to the sins of others.

The following questions, to which you could add others,

will be helpful to you.

Commandments of God:

I Failure to Pray?

II Cursing? Swearing?

III Missing Mass wilfully? Arriving late? Irreverence

in Church?

IV Disobedience or dishonor to parents and superiors?

V Anger? Hatred? Quarreling? Drunkenness?

VI and IX Thoughts, words, or actions against

purity?

VII and X Theft? Envy? Discontent?

VIII Lies? False oaths? Or oath taken rashly or in

slight and trivial matters? Injuring another’s

character?

104



Commandments of Church:

Omitting fast, abstinence, Easter duty? Support of

Church? Having contracted marriage contrary to the laws

of the Church?

Married persons must also ask themselves whether they

have always been true to their marriage vows, or abused

the rights and sanctity of marriage, or counselled, aided

and assisted others in its abuse.

Parents must ask themselves whether they have failed

to support their family, watched over their children, cor-

rected their faults, given them good example, sent them

to Catholic schools and removed them from the occasions

of sin, such as dangerous books, movies, companions and

the like.

After having carefully examined your conscience, make

a sincere act of Contrition, then go and make your Con-

fession.

PRAYER AFTER CONFESSION

O Almighty and most merciful God, who, according to
the multitude of Thy tender mercies, has vouchsafed once

more to receive Thy prodigal child, after so many times

going astray from Thee, and to admit me to this Sacra-

ment of reconciliation; I give Thee thanks with all the

powers of my soul for this and all other mercies, graces,

and blessings bestowed on me; and prostrating myself

at Thy sacred feet, I offer myself to be henceforth for-

ever Thine. Oh! let nothing in life or death ever sepa-

rate me from Thee.

PRAYERS BEFORE COMMUNION

Prayer for Help—O my God, help me to make a good
Communion. Mary, my dearest Mother, pray to Jesus for

me. My dear Angel Guardian, lead me to the altar of

God.

105



Act of Faith—O God, because Thou hast said it, I be-
lieve that I shall receive the sacred Body of Jesus Christ

to eat, and His precious blood to drink My God, I believe

this with all my heart.

Act of Humility—My God, I confess that I am a poor
sinner; I am not worthy to receive the Body and Blood

of Jesus on account of my sins. Lord, I am not worthy

that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the

word, and my soul shall be healed.

Act of Sorrow—My God, I detest all the sins of my life.
I am sorry for them, because they have offended Thee,

my God, Who art so good. I resolve never to commit sin

any more. My good God, pity me, have mercy on me,

forgive me.

Act of Adoration—O Jesus, great God, present on the
altar, I bow down before Thee, I adore Thee.

Act of Love and Desire—Sweet Jesus, I love Thee. I
desire with all my heart to receive Thee. Most sweet

Jesus, come into my poor soul, and give me Thy flesh to

eat and Thy blood to drink. Give me Thy whole self,

Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, that I may live forever

with Thee.

Prayers After Communion

Act of Faith—O Jesus, I believe that I have received Thy
Flesh to eat and Thy Blood to drink because Thou hast

said it, and Thy word is true.

Act of Adoration—O Jesus, my God, my Creator, I adore
Thee, because from Thy hands I came, with Thee I am

to be happy forever.

Act of Humility—O Jesus, I am but dust and ashes, and
yet Thou hast come to me, and my poor heart may speak

to Thee.

Act of Love—Sweet Jesus, I love Thee; I love Thee with
all my heart. Thou knowest that I love Thee, and wish

to love Thee daily more and more.

106



Act of Thanksgiving—My good Jesus, I thank Thee with
all my heart. How good, how kind Thou art to me,

sweet Jesus. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament

of the Altar.

Act of Offering—O Jesus, receive my poor offering. Jesus,
Thou hast given Thyself to me, and now let me give

myself to Thee:

I give Thee my body, that it may be chaste and pure.

I give Thee my soul, that it may be free from sin.

I give Thee my heart, that it may always love Thee.

I give Thee every breath that I shall breath, and espe-

cially my last;

I give Thee myself in life and in death, that I may be

Thine forever and ever.

Remember the words of Jesus: “Ask and you shall

receive,” and

Pray For Yourself

O Jesus, wash away my sins with Thy precious Blood.

O Jesus, the struggle against temptation is not yet fin-
ished. My Jesus, when temptation comes near me, make

me strong against it. In the moment of temptation may

I always say: “Jesus, mercy! Mary, help!”

O Jesus, may I lead a good life; may I die a happy
death. May I receive Thee before I die. May I say when

I am dying, “Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you my heart and

my soul.”

Listen now for a moment to Jesus Christ; perhaps He

has something to say to you. There may be some promise

you have made and broken, which He wishes you to

make again and to keep.

Answer Jesus in your heart, and tell Him all your

troubles.

107



Pray For Others

O Jesus, have mercy on Thy Holy Church; take care of
it.

O Jesus, have pity on poor sinners, and save them from
hell.

O Jesus, bless my father, my mother, my brothers and
sisters, and all I ought to pray for, as Thy Heart knows

how to bless them.

O Jesus, have pity on the poor souls in purgatory and
give them eternal rest.

Sweet Jesus, I am going away for a time, but I trust not

without Thee. Thou art with me by Thy grace. I will

never leave Thee by mortal sin. I do not fear to do so,

though I am so weak, because I have such a hope in

Thee. Give me grace to persevere.

PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while

before Thy face I humbly kneel, and with burning soul

pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively

sentiments of faith, hope and charity ,true contrition for

my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment. Meanwhile,

I contemplate with great love and tender mercy Thy five

most precious wounds, pondering over them within me,

and calling to mind the words which David in prophecy

made Thee say concerning Thyself, my Jesus: “They have

pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all

My bones.”

10 years indulgence when recited before an image or

picture of the Crucifix. Plenary indulgence, once a day;

conditions: Confession, Communion and a prayer for the

Pope’s intentions. One Communion at the end of a week

suffices for each plenary indulgence of the entire week,

but the prayer for the Pope’s intentions must have been

108



said seven times. This prayer need not be said in church,

or after Holy Communion, or even on the day one com-

municates.

PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH

My Lord and my God, out of pure love for Thee, I

readily and submissively accept even now whatever death

Thou mayest send me, with all the fear, suffering and

anguish, as coming from Thy hand.

(7 years’ indulgence each time, and a Plenary Indul-

gence at death, if this act has been made once in life

with the usual conditions of Confession, Communion, Visit

to a Church and prayer for the intentions of the Holy

Father.)

THE MEMORARE TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary that never

was it known that any one who fled to thy protection,

implored thy help, and sought thy intercession, was left

unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee,

O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee I come and before
thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word
Incarnate, despise not my petitions; but in thy clemency

hear and answer me.

(Indulgence of 3 years each time, Plenary indulgence

once a month, under the four usual conditions if it is

said daily.)

BLESSING BEFORE MEALS

Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are
about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our

Lord. Amen.

Another prayer before meals:

May the Giver of all good bless the food and drink of

His servants.

109



GRACE AFTER MEALS

We give Thee thanks, O Almighty God, for all Thy
benefits, who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

(300 days Indulgence).

MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY AND THE

FRUIT OF EACH MYSTERY

Joyful Mysteries: Monday, Thursday.

1. Annunciation (Humility).

2. Visitation (Fraternal charity).

3. Nativity (Spirit of poverty).

4. Presentation (Obedience)

.

5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Devotedness to

the duties of our state of life).

Sorrowful Mysteries: Tuesday, Friday.

1. Agony in the Garden (Sorrow for Sin).

2. Scourging at the Pillar (Mortification of the senses).

3. Crowning with Thorns (Moral courage).

4. Carrying of the Cross (Patience under Crosses).

5. Crucifixion (Forgiveness of injuries).

Glorious Mysteries: Wednesday
,
Saturday

,
and Sunday.

1. Resurrection (Faith, Hope, and Charity).

2. Ascension (Desire of Heaven).

3. Descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles (Zeal

for souls).

4. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (Filial devotion to

Mary).

5. Coronation of Mary in Heaven (Perseverance).

110



HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION IN THE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

On which the Faithful are Bound to Hear Mass and

to Abstain from Unnecessary Servile Work.

All Sundays of the year and the six following feasts:

1. The Circumcision of our Lord—Jan. 1st.

2. Ascension Thursday.

3. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin—Aug. 15th.

4. All Saints—Nov. 1st.

5. The Immaculate Conception—Dec. 8th.

6. Christmas—Dec. 25th.

Ill



Churches of the Maronites in America, Canada,

Australia and France

—

1953

ALABAMA

1. St. Elias Church

2007 6th Ave. South

Birmingham, Ala.

CALIFORNIA

2. Our Lady of Mount

Lebanon Church

1307 Warren Ave.

Los Angeles, Calif.

CONNECTICUT

3. St. Anthony Church

34 New St.

Danbury, Conn.

4. St. Maron Church

613 Main St.

Torrington, Conn.

GEORGIA

5. St. Joseph Church

291 Hunter St.

Atlanta, Ga.

ILLINOIS

6a. Our Lady of Lebanon

2622 West 14th Place

Chicago, 111.

INDIANA

6. Sacred Heart Church

1001 West 8th St.

Michigan City, Ind.

MAINE

7. St. Joseph Church

1 Appleton St.

Waterville, Maine

MASSACHUSETTS

8. Our Lady of the

Cedars of Lebanon

457 Shawmut Ave.

Boston, Mass.

9. St. Anthony Church

256 Elm St.

Lawrence, Mass.

10. St. Theresa Church

106 N. Montello St.

Brocton, Mass.

11. St. Anthony Church

50 Charles St.

Springfield, Mass.

12. Our Lady of Mercy

Church

70 Mulberry St.

Worcester, Mass.

13. St. Anthony of the

Desert Church

359 Quequechan St.

Fall River, Mass.

14. Our Lady of Purgatory

11 Franklin St.

New Bedford, Mass.

MICHIGAN

15. St. Maron Church

1555 E. Congress St.

Detroit, Mich.

MINNESOTA

16. St. Maron Church

602 University Ave.,

N.E.

Minneapolis, Minn.

112



17. Holy Family Church

201 E. Robie St.

St. Paul, Minn.

MISSOURI

18. St. Raymond

925 La Salle St.

St. Louis, Mo.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

19. St. George Church

Dover, N. H.

NEW YORK

20. St. Joseph Church

97 West St.

New York City

21. Our Lady of Lebanon

Church

113 Remsen St.

Brooklyn, N. Y.

22. St. John Maron

Church

41 Cedar St.

Buffalo, N. Y.

23. St. Louis Gonzaga

Church

519 Rutger St.

Utica, N. Y.

24. St. Joseph Church

331 N. 4th St.

Olean, N. Y.

25. St. Anne Church

190 4th St.

Troy, N. Y.

26. Our Lady of Lebanon

Church

1120 Niagara St.

Niagara Falls, N. Y.

OHIO

27. St. Maron Church

1245 Carnegie

Cleveland, O.

28. St. Anthony of Padua

429 E. 3rd St.

Cincinnati, O.

29. St. Maron Church

120 S. Forest Ave.

Youngstown, O.

30. Our Lady of the Ced-

ars of Lebanon

Church

281 Codding St.

Akron, Ohio

PENNSYLVANIA

31. St. Maron Church

1005 Ellsworth St.

Philadelphia, Pa.

32. Our Lady of Lebanon

Church

321 Lehigh St.

Easton, Pa.

33. St. Anne Church

1320 Price St.

Scranton, Pa.

34. St. Anthony Church

364 Dana St.

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

113



35. St. George Church

79 Loomis St.

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

36. St. Anne Church

33 Fullerton St.

Pittsburgh, Pa.

37. St. George Church

124 Lincoln St.

Uniontown, Pa.

38. St. John the Baptist

Church

2 West Reynolds

New Castle, Pa.

RHODE ISLAND

39. St. George Church

85 America St.

Providence, R. I.

TEXAS

40. St. George Church

426 N. Pecos St.

San Antonio, Texas

VIRGINIA

41. St. Anthony Church

291 1-A E. Broad St.

Richmond, Va.

42. St. Elias Church

701 Salem Ave., S.W.

Roanoke, Va.

WEST VIRGINIA

43. Our Lady of Mount

Lebanon Church

2216 Eoff St.

Wheeling, W. Va.

CANADA

44. St. Peter Church

Parent and Niagara

Windsor, Ontario

AUSTRALIA

45. St. Maron Church

Sidney

FRANCE

46. Our Lady of Lebanon

Church

17 Rue d’Ulm

Paris

114



OTHER BOOKS BY REV. PETER F. SFEIR

1. Catechism in Arabic and French.

2. Holy Week Customs and Rites in Lebanon and Syria.

(English)

3. The Language of Christ in America or the Maro-

nites in History. (English)

4. The Life of Carmelite Sister Mary of Jesus Crucified.

(English)

5. The Maronite Mass translated in Arabic and ex-

plained.

6. Your Companion to the Church: Liturgical Services,

Hymns, Prayers. (Arabic)

7. Emeer Bashir, Prince of Lebanon (1767 - 1850).

(Arabic)

8. Essay on the Canonization of the Saints. (Arabic)

9. Story of the Wood of the True Cross. (Arabic)

9a Who is St. Maron? Who are the Maronites? (English)

Ready for Publication

awaiting the kind gesture of an interested publisher .

10. Maronite Liturgical Services and Devotions in Eng-

lish; a necessary Companion to this Mass Book.

11. New enlarged edition of the Book No. 3. containing

the History of the Maronites, their relations with the

Crusaders, the Popes and France; their services to

the Religion and Civilization; their present condition

in Lebanon and in America.

12. Life of Saint Anthony of Padua. (Arabic)

13. Educational Short Stories. (Arabic)

14. Commentaries of the Epistles of Saint Paul. (Arabic)

The books Nos. 2 and 3 have been honored with the

blessing of the Holy Father Pope Pius XI.



Printed in U. S. of America

RAUCH & STOECKL. BUFFALO