Prior to the Council of Trent in the mid-sixteenth century, the mass was not defined by the church. There were variances in the mass from region to region and even from church to church. There were several common forms of the Mass, including various Easter liturgies, the Ambrosian rite of Milan, and a number of variations on the Roman mass, including that presented in the English Sarum Missal.
However, as early as the second century, the liturgy involved some consistent elements. All liturgical rites had as their foundation the biblical text of the Last Supper, hence the celebration of the mass always involved a celebrant bringing forth bread and wine, sitting it on an altar, consecrating it, and then distributing it among the participants in the service. The Eucharist was preceded by prayers, psalms and a gospel reading. In some instances, only a part of the service was open to those not yet baptized.
Several of the writings of the early church fathers provide us with evidence of early church liturgies. Justin Martyr’s account is the most comprehensive of these. For more information on the early liturgy (and liturgical history in general), as presented in the church fathers, please visit http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09306a.h...
By the fourth century, liturgical rites are becoming more formal, and regional differences are becoming clearer. Eastern regions are beginning to develop a service clearly different from that of Rome, and the Roman service is being influenced by Gallican sources. While there were still regional differences among the services used in France, Ireland, Britain, Spain, and Germany, these liturgies may be grouped together under the heading of Gallican rites. While there is significant evidence for the liturgy of Gaul, we know little about that of Ireland or Britain, other than that they were Gallican.
Next week's article will continue this historical analysis of the liturgy.
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