Symbolic Meaning of the Introit Procession
  • lagunaredbob
    Posts: 161


    I am curious about the symbolic meanings, and church documents that support citing symbolism/theology, of the introit procession ... I vaguely recall some of what was mentioned, I believe (as I do not have the book anymore and may be thinking of another book), from What Happens at Mass, by Jeremy Driscoll, mentioned of the procession as journey to the New Jerusalem, possible symbolism of the torch bearer (light of Christ), Crucifer, Gospel (to teach us ensuring a safe arrival), the priest, etc. I appreciate any information.
  • Protasius
    Posts: 468
    Symbolism is something you can always turn for to medieval writers, e.g., Rupert of Deutz, Durandus, Amalarius of Metz.
    Thanked by 1lagunaredbob
  • noel jones, aagonoel jones, aago
    Posts: 6,605
    I'd suggest that there was and is no symbolism. The Introit procession was not part of the "original plan", if there was such a thing, since all were in place, having just completed prayer of a liturgical hour.

    When Mass was split off from this, then traveling music was needed.

    Which raises the question...were the water and wine processed at one point? Is the modern taking forward of the gifts a recent addition?

    When people did not receive Communion on a regular basis, was there a Communion verse sung?

    (Bob, maybe this will get some conversation going on your question!)
    Thanked by 2lagunaredbob hilluminar
  • lagunaredbob
    Posts: 161

    Hi Noel, thank you for tossing out a few thoughts for consideration, I really appreciate the incredible knowledge from well springs like yourself ... I am excited to see the responses.
  • noel jones, aagonoel jones, aago
    Posts: 6,605
    A well spring? I feel more like a drain at the back of a garden sometimes!
  • MaryAnn Carr WilsonMaryAnn Carr Wilson
    Posts: 1,738
    Prof. William Mahrt (CMAA president, Stanford prof) has written extensively on the Introit, it's purpose and symbolism. Good stuff.
    Thanked by 2CHGiffen SamuelDorlaque
  • lagunaredbob
    Posts: 161

    MaryAnn, is it found in his book, Musical Shape of the Liturgy? If not, could you point th way? Thank you, B
  • matthewjmatthewj
    Posts: 2,696
    Listen to his opening night speeches at the Colloquium from the last 5 years or so... The Introit stuff is in there at least one year and all 5 are worth listening to.
    Thanked by 1melofluent
  • MaryAnn Carr WilsonMaryAnn Carr Wilson
    Posts: 1,738
    I do believe there is some info in his book.
    Matthew is also correct. The lectures are packed with meat.
    (No offense if you have a vegetarian or vegan diet.)
  • lagunaredbob
    Posts: 161


    LOL ... thank you MaryAnn ... I'll check out those lectures and enjoy!!! b
  • MaryAnn Carr WilsonMaryAnn Carr Wilson
    Posts: 1,738
    I will take another look at his book, and try to remember to comment again. Speaking of memories, mine is getting more and more cluttered… I'm embarrassed that I don't recall more of a very insightful book. Time to reread!

    Bob, if you are in Laguna, we are neighbors. I'm in San Diego!
  • M. Jackson Osborn
    Posts: 8,369
    There was in many early churches of Constantinian and later times a processional causeway running down the centre aisle. This was a raised area bordered by a low wall, often quite elaborate, being fashioned of mosaics and inlaid marbles. It proceeded from the narthex to the sanctuary and was for the sole and specific use of the sacred ministers, cantors (highly trained liturgical chant specialists!), acolytes, thuriblers, torch bearers, etc., to make their ceremonial way to the sacred altar. It was called a solea, and there is ample archaeological evidence of such, some even remaining intact in a number of churches. I would doubt highly that there was no symbolic significance given to the entrance procession. One can only imagine the profound symbolic, visual, aural, and olfactory impression this procession made upon all, those who were in it, and those who witnessed it. It doesn't seem to me that the Church has ever done anything liturgically that was without symbolic significance. Liturgical action is a language. All language, whether verbal or other carries meaning, is symbolic. (Why, even the way one stands or sings [or doesn't sing] the creed or any other part of the mass is glaringly symbolic........ !)
    Thanked by 3CHGiffen Gavin SamuelDorlaque
  • PaixGioiaAmorPaixGioiaAmor
    Posts: 1,473
    I believe that Jason McFarland's doctoral thesis (CUA) and subsequent book addresses this.

    http://www.chantcafe.com/2012/01/announcing-feast-jason-mcfarland.html
    Thanked by 2CHGiffen SamuelDorlaque
  • lagunaredbob
    Posts: 161

    Excellent, thank you for the detail and link PaixGioiaAmor and Jackson ... MaryAnn, yes, I am in OC, Irvine area.
  • RoborgelmeisterRoborgelmeister
    Posts: 139
    What about the Papal Masses in Rome in the Ancient Church? Litanies sung from the Papal Residence to the "church of the day," then an Introit. All of this is pilgrimage.
    Thanked by 3M. Jackson Osborn CHGiffen SamuelDorlaque
  • melofluentmelofluent
    Posts: 4,160
    Bob, weren't you recently in the Phillipines?
    To add to Mat-tieux's apt recollections, Mahrt also gave a reasonable, if guarded, endorsement to the concept of a circumambulated Introit (and other processions). They're rather like the solemn procession on Maundy Thursday.
    Lastly, MACW, Morningstar Vegan patties and sausages are da bomb.
  • lagunaredbob
    Posts: 161

    LOL --- meloflulent ... yes, returning to the States after a missionary term ... back to OC. Have to catch up with Mickey and see what's been happening at the happiest place on earth ... or the richest place. Anyway, it will be really wonderful to be back. As for me, my first visit will be IHOP for breakfast, Souplantation for Lunch, then TGIFridays for Dinner, have to get caught up.
  • melofluentmelofluent
    Posts: 4,160
    I just met a really cool guy from the OC Sunday, Carlos Soto, who is apparently Bp. Jaime Soto's brother, does sound for a number of OC parishes, and whose other brother is a prominent Spanish language resource musician in OC. Welcome back, Bob.
    We got the coolest musicians in California!
  • lagunaredbob
    Posts: 161

    Yes, Ric Soto, Jaime's brother, teaches music at Orange Coast College, and is linked in at several parishes and other music venues. I haven't met Carlos yes. "It's a small world after all ...." Excellent musicians, too. Perhaps I'll see you soon.
  • Ralph BednarzRalph Bednarz
    Posts: 489
    I find the entrance procession with the sung introit to be vey dynamic. The priest , in persona Christe, following a crucifix, to the place of sacrifice while the introits are often the words of God himself speaking as in " You are my son," or " I will save you." Right from the beginning it is God himself speaking a trialogue amongst the Trinity. We are not directly greeted, nor do we greet God, the celebrant, or each other but we walk in on a conversation that is already in progress.- eternity is like that. God speaks first so it is he who begins making the liturgy, which is the most important act of creation. The liturgy is a place where mere words change matter, redeems us and fulfills all the promises of salvation history. A good symbol will always inspire talk of more symbols as one attempts to unravel its meaning: while a "sign" can be merely allegorical. I wish I could explain this better.
    Thanked by 2M. Jackson Osborn SamuelDorlaque
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