Author Topic: First Mass? (Read 844 times)

Marlelar · « **on:** July 25, 2016, 12:56:57 PM »

Could someone explain to me how the tradition of "First Mass" works? We had 2 new priests at Phx saying "First Mass", and the attendant blessing but since they were ordained over 6 weeks ago I am sure this was not their true First Mass.

We have newly ordained every summer and I never thought to ask why it is still called First Mass until now.

cath4ever · « **Reply #1 on:** July 25, 2016, 03:20:04 PM »

A Priest’s literal first Mass is the Mass of his ordination, which he concelebrates with the ordaining Bishop.

Typically the next day the new Priest celebrates his first Mass by himself, which is also called a First Mass.

Then, for about a year a new Priest can celebrate what are called “first Masses” wherever he goes. These aren’t literal first Masses, although they would be the first Mass celebrated by that particular priest at that particular church. I believe he can also give first blessings for 1 year from the date of his ordination (you kiss the palms of the Priest’s hands after this blessing).

I can tell you for a fact that the first Masses in Phoenix were not literal first Masses, because I was present at the Ordinations in Winona as well as at all 7 first Masses of the new Priests in Winona this year. All of their actual first Masses were said there.

Gail · « **Reply #2 on:** July 25, 2016, 03:53:08 PM »

"First Mass" is the one offered the day after Ordination. However, when the newly ordained priest travels from parish to parish in the period before he takes up his appointment, he offers Mass for that parish and it is his 'first' Mass there.

Hope this explanation helps.

Marlelar · « **Reply #3 on:** July 25, 2016, 05:21:13 PM »

So for most of the SSPX new priests that would be around the middle of August I guess.

noOneImportant · « **Reply #4 on:** July 25, 2016, 05:26:40 PM »

I believe that there are some special graces associated with a priest's first mass at a parish if it is within a year of his ordination.

Source here: http://reginacaeliparish.org/docuмents/2015/8/First%20Blessing%20of%20Priest.pdf