Before a single word of Scripture is read, the Mass opens with a procession, a chant, and the kiss of the altar. Why does the Church begin worship this way — and what does it have to do with Moses, the Exodus, and the heavenly altar of Revelation?
What Is the Entrance Antiphon? The Procession That Opens the Mass
This session opens the Mass with the Entrance Procession, the Entrance Antiphon (Latin introit), and the veneration of the altar. Working from the Roman Missal and the GIRM, Dr. Pitre lays out the order of the procession — thurifer, candles, cross, Book of the Gospels, ministers, priest — and the four options for the Entrance Chant, whose purpose is to "open the celebration" and foster unity. He then turns to the biblical and traditional roots: Moses processing to the tent of meeting, the processional psalms of ascent, and the golden altar and incense of Revelation. Historical witnesses trace the antiphon back to St. Ambrose and Pope St. Celestine, and Ordo Romanus I describes the pope venerating and kissing the altar. William Durand's medieval mystagogy reads the whole procession as Israel's Exodus toward the promised land. Why "Gaudete" and "Laetare" Sundays? Why kiss the altar at all?
Key passages & sources examined: Roman Missal, Order of Mass no. 1; GIRM 44–48, 120–123, 188, 210–211; Exodus 33:7–10; Psalm 42:4; Psalm 43:1, 3–4; Psalms 120–134; Revelation 8:2–4; Phil 4:4–5; Isa 66:10–11; St. Isidore of Seville on Ambrose's antiphons; Liber Pontificalis (Celestine); Ordo Romanus I; CCC 1383 (St. Ambrose); William Durand, Rationale IV
What is the Entrance Antiphon at Mass? It is the introit — the chant or text that accompanies the procession to the altar to open the celebration and foster the unity of the gathered faithful. The video explains its purpose and its four permitted forms from the GIRM.
Why are the 3rd Sunday of Advent and 4th Sunday of Lent named "Gaudete" and "Laetare"? Both names come straight from the opening words of their Entrance Antiphons — the session shows the Latin and the Scripture behind each.
How is the Entrance Procession like the Exodus? Dr. Pitre draws on Durand's mystagogy comparing the cross, candles, and Gospel book to the pillars, ark, and journey of Israel — explored in full in the video.
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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.
