Calvary and the Mass – Bishop Sheen’s reflections on what is now know as the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass – is one of his most dynamic and eloquent books. It is a vivid, inspiring explanation of the true meaning of the Mass, an explanation that is filled with wisdom and beauty. Leading us through the several phases of the celebration of the Mass,
Sheen shows us its relationship to Christ’s Crucifixion on Golgotha. He points out how the seven parts of the Sacred Ceremony are based upon the Lord’s seven last words from the Cross. Under Bishop Sheen’s brilliant guidance, we see the Mass in its true light, as the crowing act of Christian worship. It is the commemoration, the reenactment, the perpetuation of the Divine Sacrifice.
In Calvary and the Mass Bishop Sheen not only gives a clearer, fuller meaning to the celebration, but also reveals a pattern of faith by which we may direct our lives to a higher fulfillment, embracing the example set by Christ in His self-sacrifice.
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979), universally acknowledged master of the mass media and unsurpassed spokesman for the truths of the Roman Catholic Church, produced countless radio and television program (many now on CD and DVD), and many best-selling books. His cause for canonization was formally opened in Rome in 2008.
