"Ite, missa est" — Go, the Mass is ended. Dr. Brant Pitre unpacks the final blessing and dismissal, and why this ancient phrase gave the Mass its very name.
Ite Missa Est: The Meaning of the Final Blessing and Dismissal
The Mass closes with the priest's blessing — "May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit" — and the dismissal, Ite, missa est, "Go forth, the Mass is ended." Dr. Pitre shows how the final blessing echoes the high-priestly blessing of Aaron coming out of the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:22-23) and the risen Jesus lifting his hands to bless the disciples before the Ascension (Luke 24:50-52). He examines the mystical link between "Go in peace" and Jesus' words to the woman with the hemorrhage (Mark 5:30-34), then traces the dismissal through the Apostolic Constitutions, Ordo Romanus I, St. Robert Bellarmine, and Amalar of Metz — culminating in the Catechism's teaching that the word "Mass" itself comes from the missio, the sending forth of the faithful.
Key passages & sources examined: Leviticus 9:22-23; Luke 24:50-52; Mark 5:30-34; Roman Missal, Order of Mass nos. 140-144; Apostolic Constitutions 8.15; Ordo Romanus I no. 124; St. Robert Bellarmine, De Eucharistia 5-6; Amalar of Metz, On the Liturgy 3.36; St. Augustine, Sermons 62.5; CCC 1332.
What does "Ite, missa est" mean? Literally "Go, it is the dismissal" / "Go, it is sent." Dr. Pitre explains why this phrase is the origin of the English word "Mass" (Latin missio).
How is the final blessing connected to the Ascension? The session links the priest's blessing to the risen Jesus blessing his disciples with lifted hands before ascending (Luke 24:50-52), following Amalar of Metz.
Why does the Mass end with "Go in peace"? The video draws out the mystagogical connection between the dismissal and Christ's "go in peace" to the woman healed by touching his garment (Mark 5).
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
