10 differences between traditional Latin Mass and ordinary form or novus ordo

Pope Francis restricted the traditional Latin Mass or Tridentine Mass in July 2021 and recently there was a rumor that it would be permanently banned, which sparked various requests for that not to happen.

In this note we share the main differences between this way of celebrating the Eucharist and the ordinary or new order (new order).

1. The liturgical cycles

In the traditional Mass there are no liturgical cycles and the same cycle is used every year that contains readings from the 4 gospels, while in the ordinary form, for each liturgical year three cycles are followed that rotate year by year: A, B and C.

In cycle A the Gospel of Saint Matthew is read, in cycle B that of Saint Mark, and in cycle C that of Saint Luke. The Gospel of Saint John does not correspond to a liturgical cycle but is read on special occasions, such as Holy Week.

2. The concelebration

In the traditional Mass there is no concelebration, it is always presided over only by a priest. In some cases and depending on the churches, there may be several Tridentine Masses at the same time.

At the Mass of new order Several priests may accompany the main celebrant and lead the rites of the Eucharist, which is known as concelebration.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal points out in number 199 that “concelebration, which is an appropriate manifestation of the unity of the priesthood, of the sacrifice and of all the people of God, is prescribed by the same rite in the ordination of the Bishop and the priests, in the blessing of the abbot and in the Chrism Mass.”

3. Women’s participation

In the traditional Mass there are no women at the altar, only the priest and acolytes are present; while women can participate in the ordinary form Mass, as acolytes, readers and ministers of the Eucharist.

4. The “sinful self”

In the traditional Mass, the prayer known as “I, a sinner” is longer and is prayed twice: the first time it is prayed by the priest asking for mercy for the people, and then the people pray it asking for mercy for the priest. Is called I confess and it is prayed in Latin.

In the ordinary form, this prayer is prayed only once: “For my fault, for my fault, for my great fault. That is why I pray to Holy Mary, always Virgin, to the angels, to the saints and to you brothers, to intercede for me before God, Our Lord. Amen”.

5. The readings and the Gospel

In the traditional Mass the readings are made up of an epistle (from the New Testament), a short prayer known as a “gradual” or “tract”, similar to an antiphon; and the Gospel. In this celebration there is no first reading or responsorial psalm.

In the ordinary form Mass there is usually first reading, responsorial psalm, second reading and Gospel.

In both forms, the reading of the Gospel is followed by the homily in the local language.

6. The Creed

In the traditional Mass, the “long” Creed or Nicene Constantinople Symbol, in Latin, is prayed; while in the ordinary form the same prayer or the “short” Creed or Apostles’ Creed is prayed in the local language.

7. The Eucharistic prayer

In the traditional Mass there is only one Eucharistic prayer, while in the ordinary form there are several, from which the priest can choose one.

8. The greeting of peace

In the traditional Mass there is no greeting of peace, it is only given when a priestly ordination is celebrated; and in this case peace only exists between priests.

9. The Lord’s Prayer

In the traditional Mass or Tridentine Mass the Lord’s Prayer is prayed only by the priest and in Latin, while in the ordinary form it is prayed by the celebrant and all the faithful.

10. Communion

In the traditional Mass you can only receive Communion in the mouth, you cannot receive Communion in any other way.

In the ordinary way you can take communion in the mouth or using your hands to receive the Body of Christ.

Besides

At the conclusion of the traditional Mass, but still as part of the rite, the priest reads the prologue of the Gospel of Saint John in Latin. This is not part of the celebration in the ordinary way.