THE PRIEST’S “SECRET” PRAYERS AT MASS

Did you know that the Church gives priests celebrating the Mass several prayers to say in a low voice, such that few (if any) in the church hear them? These are called the “secret” prayers (from the Latin word for “hidden.”)

May the great beauty of these prayers inform and inspire your own devotion at Holy Mass.

The priest, before proclaiming the Gospel, pauses in front of the altar to bow and pray:

“CLEANSE MY HEART AND MY LIPS, ALMIGHTY GOD, THAT I MAY WORTHLY PROCLAIM YOUR HOLY GOSPEL.”

At the end of the Gospel, the priest (or proclaiming deacon) kisses the book and prays:

“THROUGH THE WORDS OF THE GOSPEL MAY OUR SINS BE WIPED AWAY.”

During the Offertory, the priest (or assisting deacon) pours a little water into the chalice of (unconsecrated) wine and prays:

“BY THE MYSTERY OF THIS WATER AND…