whose function is that of representing the Church in
its mediatorial capacity. The Mass is not simply a
prayer, but also a semi-dramatic action, -- an action
which possesses in itself an efficacy ex opere operato.
This idea renders it unnecessary that the worship-
ers should follow the office in detail; it is enough
that they coöperate with the celebrant in faith and
pious sympathy. High authorities declare that the
most profitable reception of the rite consists in simply
watching the action of the officiating priest at the altar,
and yielding the spirit unreservedly to the holy emo-
tions which are excited by a complete self-abandonment
to the contemplation of the adorable mystery. The
sacramental theory of the Mass as a vehicle by which
grace is communicated from above to the believing re-
cipient, also leaves him free to carry on private devo-
tion during the progress of the ceremony. When the
worshipers are seen kneeling in the pews or before an
altar at the side wall, fingering rosaries or with eyes
intent upon prayer-books, it is not the words of the
Mass that they are repeating. The Mass is the prayer
of the Church at large, but it does not emanate from
the congregation. The theory of the Mass does not
even require the presence of the laity, and as a matter
of practice private and solitary Masses, although rare,
are in no way contrary to the discipline of the Catholic
Church.

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