Father Fessio in Five

At Mass, we sing the Gloria where we proclaim, “Glory to God in the Highest,” and today Fr. Fessio explores how exactly we glorify God with our life.

Using the Preface, Fr. Fessio points out that we are present before all the angels and saints at Mass.

Fr. Fessio discusses the Latin prayers of the preface which is the beginning of te Eucharistic prayers.

Fr. Fessio comments on the preface of the Mass and its difference between in the east and west traditions.

Fr. Fessio reveals what the secret prayer is at Mass.

While unpacking one of the prayers of the Mass, Fr. Fessio explains why we ought to glorify God.

Fr. Fessio points out that the priest and the congregation offer the same sacrifice to God the Father.

Fr. Fessio explains the ritual and prayer that the priest says when he washes his hands at Mass.

Fr. Fessio unpacks a short but powerful prayer that the priest says at every Mass.

Even the simplest prayer in the Mass can hold incredible meaning, and in this episode Fr. Fessio explains how the commingling prayer reveals the meaning of suffering.

Fr. Fessio explains why a priest mixes water and wine at Offertory in Mass.

Fr. Fessio points out how the process of wine making and yeast fermentation is like the life of a Christian.  

Fr. Fessio points out the often overlook properties of water that make life possible.

While the prayers of the old Latin Rite are beautiful, Fr. Fessio prefers the prayers of the Offertory in the Novus Ordo Rite, and in this episode he explains why.

Why do we sacrifice things to God, if he does not need it? Does God take please in us destroying things? Using the words of his teacher Pope Benedict, Fr. Fessio explains why we worship God and make sacrifices to Him.

Fr. Fessio explains why bread and wine are apt foods to be transubstantiated into Jesus Body and Blood.

This part of the Mass is easily overlooked, but it is an important part of the Liturgy where we give our gifts to God and His Church. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Fr. Fessio could not record his normal episode on the Mass. We will continue with the Mass series soon, but for now please enjoy this unreleased clip from one of his recent discussions with Mark. Thanks for your patience!

Beginning the second half of the Mass, Fr. Fessio discusses the transition from the Liturgy of the Word to the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Today, Fr. Fessio concludes his reflections on the first half of the Mass by commenting on the prayers of the faithful. In the next episode, Fr. Fessio starts his reflection on the second half of the Mass—the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 

Fr. Fessio goes through the main beliefs articulated in the Nicene Creed.

We say the Nicene Creed at every Mass, but what is it and how did it come about? Fr. Fessio explains . . .

Fr. Fessio explains the ancient roots of the homily from the Old Testament, to Christ, to the early bishops.

We have reached the highpoint of the first part of the Mass—the proclamation of the Gospel. Fr. Fessio explains the lesser-known prayers surrounding this beautiful part of the liturgy.

Fr. Fessio explains the significance of the Alleluia and the movement of the priest to the ambo for the Gospel.