Missa bifaciata explained
A or was a type of Mass wherein the priest would pray the texts of the Mass of the Catechumens multiple times.[1]
This practice was common in the late Middle Ages when it was used on days with multiple liturgical feasts, such as when the feast day of a saint coincided with a Sunday, and the celebration of a second Mass by a priest was not possible due to restrictions against bination.[2] It also allowed the fulfillment of several Mass intentions on one day.[1] In a Missa bifaciata, the texts of two Masses (or three, in the case of a Missa trifaciata) from the beginning up to Offertory or the Preface would be prayed. This would then be joined to the Canon of the Mass.[1]
According to Richard Hart, this allowed a priest to receive multiple stipends.[3] This form of Mass was considered an abuse, and was forbidden by mediaeval councils.[4] [5]
See also
Notes and References
- Book: Fortescue, Adrian. The Mass. Adrian Fortescue. 193. 9785872948124. Рипол Классик. 1950.
- Book: Jungmann, Joseph. Josef Andreas Jungmann. Brunner. Francis. The Mass of the Roman Rite: Its Origins and Development (Missarum Sollemnia). registration.
- Book: Ecclesiastical Records of England, Ireland, and Scotland, from the Fifth Century till the Reformation: being an epitome of British Councils, the Legatine and Provincial Constitutions, and other Memorials of the olden time, with Prolegomena and Notes. Hart. Richard. 2nd. 1846. 178. The Missa Bifaciata, or Trifaciata, in which, that he might gain several stipends for one sacrifice, the priest recited the service over and over again as far as the offertory, and concluded with one 'Canon'.
- Liturgy of the Mass. Fortescue. Adrian. 9. 14 February 2019.
- Book: Durand, Guillaume. Rationale divinorum officiorum. 1280. IV.
