Definition
The Anglican Missal is a liturgical book that adapts the Roman Catholic Missal for use within Anglican worship, combining elements of the Roman Rite with prayers and collects from the Anglican tradition, particularly the Book of Common Prayer. It is intended primarily for Anglo‑Catholic parishes that wish to celebrate the Eucharist with a richer ceremonial form while remaining within the doctrinal boundaries of the Anglican Communion.
Overview
The first Anglican Missal was published in the early 20th century in England, emerging from the Anglo‑Catholic movement’s desire for a more elaborate liturgy than the standard Book of Common Prayer provided. Various editions have been produced by different Anglican societies and publishers, most notably the Society of SS. Peter and Paul and the Anglican Missal Society (later incorporated into the Society of Anglican Priests). The Missal is used chiefly in provinces of the Anglican Communion that permit “high church” or Anglo‑Catholic liturgical practices, such as the Church of England, the Episcopal Church (USA), and several Anglican provinces in Africa and Asia. While the Missal is not authorized for use in all Anglican parishes, it is permitted in those that have adopted liturgical flexibility under their diocesan or provincial regulations.
Etymology/Origin
- Anglican: Derived from the Latin “Anglicanus,” meaning “of England,” which came to denote the churches in communion with the See of Canterbury.
- Missal: From the Latin “missale,” a book containing the prayers and rites for the celebration of the Mass (the Eucharist).
The term therefore literally denotes a “Mass book for Anglicans.” The concept arose in the context of the Oxford Movement (mid‑19th century), which sought to revive catholic elements within Anglicanism. The first widely circulated Anglican Missal, edited by Dr. E. W. Yates and published in 1930, incorporated the Latin Mass structure with English prayers from the Book of Common Prayer.
Characteristics
- Structure: Mirrors the order of the Roman Catholic Mass (e.g., Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, Concluding Rites) while inserting Anglican collects, intercessions, and the lectionary from the Book of Common Prayer.
- Language: Primarily English, though some editions include Latin portions (e.g., the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus) to retain traditional forms.
- Calendrical Elements: Contains a calendar of saints and feast days recognized by Anglican provinces, as well as optional material for Lesser Festivals and Commemorations.
- Supplementary Materials: May include ceremonial rubrics, instructions for vestments, incense, and other Anglo‑Catholic ceremonial practices; notes on the theological rationale for using the Missal; and optional prayers for pastoral occasions (e.g., funerals, baptisms).
- Editions: Major English‑language editions include the 1930 “The Anglican Missal” (edited by E. W. Yates), the 1970 “The Anglican Missal Revised” (Society of SS. Peter and Paul), and various regional adaptations for use in the United States, Canada, and other provinces.
- Usage Permissions: Acceptance varies; some dioceses require episcopal permission or a standing liturgical commission’s approval before a parish may employ the Missal.
Related Topics
- Book of Common Prayer – the foundational liturgical text of the Anglican Communion.
- Anglo‑Catholicism – a movement within Anglicanism emphasizing continuity with historic catholic tradition.
- Anglican Use – a form of liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church that incorporates Anglican patrimony.
- Roman Catholic Missal – the primary source text for the Roman Rite Mass, influencing the structure of the Anglican Missal.
- Liturgical Reform – 20th‑century movements within Anglicanism that led to the development of alternative liturgical resources, including the Anglican Missal.
Note: The information provided reflects widely recognized historical and contemporary usage of the Anglican Missal within Anglican liturgical practice.