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The Berthold Missal (c.1215 -1217)

© George R. Hoelzeman

The Berthold Missal (c.1215 -1217) New York, The Pierpont Morgan Library, MS M. 710 165 vellum leaves extant, 293 x 203mm.

Missals and Sacramentaries were in liturgical use by at latest the fifth century and, if excerpts from Patristic writings are any indication, possibly earlier.(1) The first books were developed during the third century and this made compact, easily stored and used records of liturgical prayers possible. The initial liturgical book appears to have been the Bible itself, first in Greek (according to the Septuagint) and then Latin. The pre-eminent Latin version was Jerome's Vulgate of about 382-406 although Jerome was developing this work at the behest of Pope Damasus I. The Pope had recognized a pressing need for a consistent Latin translation of Scripture, no doubt in part for liturgical use. Remnants of the importance of Scripture as a liturgical text are still recalled today in the processions focusing on the Gospel book in both Eastern and Western Liturgies. (2)

By the fifth century the liturgies of both East and West were reaching the formalized state they would retain for most of their history. Both the Liturgy of John Chrysostom and Basil the Great were well developed, even contributing elements (such as the Kyrie) to the Latin Liturgy as late as the time of Pope Gregory I (540 - 604). Meanwhile the Roman Canon was in the final stages of its development, apparently reaching fixed form by 507. This development dictated the composition and compilation of the prayers and formularies for various liturgies. Thus, the Sacramentaries and Missals were born.

Sacramentaries differ from Missals in content and complexity. While a Sacramentary contained only the prayers for the presider at a High or Solemn Mass, the Missal contained all prayers for low masses and the lessons and readings typically contained in the Gospel Book, Bible, or Lectionary. Sacramentaries were the first to develop, but by the thirteenth century, the Missal had virtually eliminated its predecessor.(3) With the advent of the Missal, other books were gradually eliminated for use at Mass, except for ceremonial purposes (Bishops were still consecrated with the Gospel Book).

The Berthold Missal was created at Weingarten Abbey, Germany about 1215 - 1217.(4) Abbot Berthold, who commissioned the work, appears along the side St. Mark on the bejeweled cover (Fig. 1). The Missal follows the general pattern of a Sacramentary: Calendar, Prefaces and Canon, Proper of Time (Temporale) and Proper of Saints (Sanctorale). Votive masses with blessings and collects (opening prayers) concluded the book. Of the 165 surviving pages (the book is remarkably complete) 23 feature full page miniatures of remarkable form.

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