Review: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Latin Mass Missal for Children
One thing I’m always on the lookout for is resources to engage children with the Mass. This is an area I feel very strongly about and about which I am considerably picky. When my children were young, I was often disappointed with the children’s Mass resources I came across. Pretty much all we had were the Father Lovasik books, which, charming as they are, tend to be a little wordy. Offerings were even skimpier if you’re looking for resources on the Traditional Latin Mass in particular.
Thankfully, the tide has started to turn over the last several years, which have seen a new host of children’s Mass resources put into print with a focus on beauty to draw the child into the wonder of the liturgy. One new resource I am quite excited about is Sanctus Sanctus Sanctus: An Introductory Latin Missal for Children, published by TAN Books and illustrated by Adalee Hude. TAN was kind enough to send a review copy to me, and I couldn’t be happier with this book. Sanctus Sanctus Sanctus is no cheap paperback missal meant to be beaten up and discarded.It’s a beautifully crafted 42-page hardcover booklet, suitable for its subject matter both in terms of its aesthetics and durability.
I want to begin with the most notable aspect of the book, which is Adalee Hude’s stunning artwork. The 19th-century English priest Fr. Frederick Faber once called the Latin Mass “the most beautiful thing this side of heaven,” and Adalee Hude was clearly devoted to bringing the beauty of the ancient liturgy to the fore. Her colorful, full-page illustrations are filled with detail, symbolism, and symmetry, showcasing the splendor of the Mass of Ages. Rather than trying to describe it, let me show you:
One particularly noteworthy aspect of this book is that it does not merely illustrate what a child sees at Mass but depicts what is spiritually happening at the Eucharistic sacrifice. The illustrations contain a kind of temporal-spiritual parallelism, contrasting what the participant sees when attending Mass with the spiritual realities the ritual signifies and effects.
Speaking of parallelism, Santcus, Sanctus, Sanctus also features side-by-side Latin and English translations of the principal prayers of the Mass. For example, see how the Asperges Me features both languages with illustrations of what the child sees, coupled with what is happening “behind the veil”:
Even the pages that aren’t illustrated are still framed with beautiful design elements that make every single page a delight to look at. Look at the care and detail put into the framing around this text of the Introibo:
This is the children’s Latin Mass resource we’ve been waiting for. But in reviewing Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, I believe its applicability may go beyond just children. This would honestly be a solid resource for an adult Catholic who is only familiar with the Novus Ordo to get a basic introduction to the Traditional Latin Mass.
I remember when I first started attending the Latin Mass almost fifteen years ago, the missals and booklets available for adults were a little overwhelming. It took me a long time to learn how to follow the Mass. Something like this book would have been beneficial for me to orient myself with the basic prayers of the Traditional Mass without getting into unnecessary details. The fact that it’s a kids’ book wouldn’t have even mattered because it is so beautifully illustrated, it’s simply a joy to look through. I suspect this would be an ideal first step for Catholics who have no acquaintance with the Traditional Latin Mass to at least familiarize themselves with its structure and prayers.
My hearty compliments to Adalee Hude for her excellent work and to TAN for publishing this gem. Anyone who loves the Traditional Latin Mass should have this on their shelf. Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus: An Introductory Latin Missal for Children can be picked up from TAN Books and is also available on Amazon.
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