In these USA and elsewhere, many people who have frequented the Traditional Latin Mass, for the first time or over years, have far and wide seen the “Red Book”.
The Red Book was put together by the Coalition in Support of Ecclesia Dei. It was first printed in 1990. It was relatively inexpensive, helpful, and – in some ways – flawed. It was constructed, in part, based on some personal memories and not all things were precise. NEVERTHELESS, it was a tremendously useful resource for people coming into church for the TLM.
The Canons of St. John Cantius in Chicago have taken it on themselves to produce a new sort of “Red Book”. Perhaps a “Brick Red Book”. HERE
The chief difference is the inclusion of the Proper Prayers (those which change according to the day).
Let’s see some photos.
Notice the inclusion of a prayer by the late Msgr. Hellriegel, a priest of St. Louis and, with men like Msgr. Richard Schuler, warriors for sacred worship and especially sacred music, in the horror show of post-Conciliar chaos. The founder of the Canons of St. John, Fr. Frank Phillips – so unjustly mistreated by the Archdiocese of Chicago – was profoundly influenced by Msgr. Hellriegel.
One thing you will note is the paucity of directions for what the faithful are to do… stand, sit, kneel. This is a contrast to the older “Red Book”.
The old art work, from old liturgical books, is excellent.
Here are the propers.
And the Prefaces.
And the last page… lovely.
It is a little bigger than the older “Red Book” and bound differently (not stapled).
For scale.
There are a few curious features. I am not sure why it was thought good to repeat the same texts at the top of both Latin and English sides in some places.
Also, some might find that this booklet isn’t quite as helpful for the standing and kneeling, etc. HOWEVER… those were and are things much influenced by custom.
I also want to remind you of a stunning resource. Quite simply amazing.
