Cardinal Burke Celebrates Pontifical High Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica

Описание: The Prayers at the Foot of the Altar mark one of the most profound and penitential moments in the traditional Latin Mass (the Missa Tridentina). Before the priest ascends the altar to offer the Holy Sacrifice, he and the server recite a series of ancient prayers that prepare the soul for worship. This beautiful dialogue serves as both a spiritual purification and an ascent toward the presence of God.

The rite begins with the sign of the cross, followed by the antiphon Introibo ad altare Dei—“I will go unto the altar of God.” This line, taken from Psalm 42 (43), sets the tone of joyful longing: the priest expresses his desire to approach the altar, the meeting place between heaven and earth. What follows is the recitation of the psalm Judica me, Deus (“Judge me, O God”), alternating between priest and server. This psalm gives voice to the human yearning for divine mercy, contrasting sorrow over sin with trust in God’s steadfast love.

After the psalm, both priest and server say the Confiteor, the solemn confession of sins, invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, and all the saints. The priest then prays for forgiveness, saying, “May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.” These mutual absolutions express humility and reconciliation before entering into the mysteries of the Eucharist.

Finally, after brief versicles and responses, the priest ascends the altar, whispering Introibo ad altare Dei once more—an ascent not just in space, but in spirit.

Though these prayers are no longer part of the modern Roman Rite, they remain a cherished part of Catholic tradition, reminding worshippers that entry into the sacred requires purification, humility, and a heart prepared to encounter God.