What is Ad Orientem?
Pope Francis celebrates Mass in the Sistine Chapel ad orientem on January 12, 2014. Photo credit: CTV
Articles
Benedict XVI: Celebrating the liturgy ‘ad orientem’ directs all creation to Christ
“I believe that it is very important that we return as soon as possible to a common orientation, of priests and the faithful turned together in the same direction...to the Lord who comes, in those parts of the liturgical rites when we are addressing God." - Cardinal Sarah
Ad Orientem by Bishop Edward J. Slattery
This change ought not to be misconstrued as the Bishop “turning his back on the faithful,” as if I am being inconsiderate or hostile. Such an interpretation misses the point that, by facing in the same direction, the posture of the celebrant and the congregation make explicit the fact that we journey together to God.
“Ad Orientem” Explained
While the priest’s “ad orientem” posture may seem unusual at first, with repeated exposure many people find that the “ad orientem” celebration allows them to enter more deeply into the prayer of the Mass and to focus more intently on the mystery of Christ’s Real Presence – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – in the Most Holy Eucharist.
What Eveyone Should Know About Ad Orientem Worship
"I was there with Jesus, at Calvary, and nothing else mattered. It was an Ad Orientem, Novus Ordo Mass at Christmas and I’ll never forget it."
The Case for Ad Orientem
This common orientation helps us to turn our focus back to God. As our Lord Jesus tells us “For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” We turn our faces toward him in hopeful expectation.
Mass Through the Ages
1st Century
15th Century
1st Century
Mass as described in the Didiscalia written in about 250 AD.
9th Century
15th Century
1st Century
The celebration of Mass in an Oratory, found in Manuscript from the Ninth Century
15th Century
15th Century
15th Century
A 15th-century Mass
16th Century
16th Century
15th Century
Dipiction of one of the first Masses in Americas being said
18th Century
16th Century
18th Century
Mass during the French Revolution
19th Century
16th Century
18th Century
Grand Mass in the 19th century Date: 1835
20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
Mass in a Hospital during Wartime
21st Century
20th Century
20th Century
A newly ordained Priest's First Mass