A review of Behind the Mass by Father Albert Joseph Mary Shamon
ISBN # 1-877678-34-1
published by CMJ Marian Publishers
54 pages
$5.00 from Resource Connections to History
As sequel to Our Lady Says: Let Holy Mass be Your Life, Fr. Shamon's Behind
the Mass stands well on it's own. In ninety-four pages, it discussed the
theology of the Mass. The day after I received it in the mail, my partner in teaching sixth grade CCD borrowed it. She put together an excellent
lesson for our sixth grades on the Mass primarily from Fr. Shamon's book.
The six chapters cover different aspects of the Mass. The first chapter,
"What is the Mass", takes an in-depth view at all the parts of the Mass.
Subsequent chapters cover Transubstantiation, the Sacrifice of the Mass,
Sacramental Grade and Sunday Obligation just to name a few. Three
appendices provide Scriptures, the Catechism and Vatican II documents
referring to the Eucharist.
In Chapter Four, Fr. Shamon illustrates the True Presence is a very unique
way, which I am still carrying as a mental image. He describes a tryptch in
the Dresden Art Gallery. The painting features Luther, Calvin and Christ.
Under Luther the words "This contains my body" appears. Under Calvin the
words "This is my dynamic presence" appears and under Christ the words "This
is My Body." The bottom of the painting contains the question, "Who speaks
the Truth?". This image is a visual catechism lesson. Fr. Shamon's
inclusion of it in this chapter helps the reader to pull together the
teachings on the True Presence.
This book is not a quick read but it is readable. The subject matter
demands the reader's attention and concentration. It is an excellent book
to acquaint yourself with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. My CCD partner
and I found it to be a very good resource. I know it will be a valuable
reference as I teach my children about the Holy Mass.
It is available from:
Resources Connections to History
541-138th St.
Amery, WI 54001
Fax: 1-509-693-9495
website:http://www.rchistory.com/