At long last I’m holding in my hands a copy of The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition, the book I co-authored with Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C. Doubleday made it beautiful — hardcover, with many photos of the Cardinal celebrating Mass.

It contains a foreword by Archbishop J. Augustine Di Noia of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and a preface by Cardinal Francis George of Chicago. Here’s what other folks are saying:

“To the early Christian, the Mass was known as ‘the mysteries.’ This book is unique in that it unveils those mysteries from two distinct perspectives: the priest’s and the congregation’s. Every detail matters: the special vessels and fabrics, the candles and the furnishings, what the priest wears and what the worshippers wear. It’s all examined, explained and illustrated here. I’m pleased to see it done so beautifully and deeply by authors well equipped for the task.”
– Scott Hahn, dear friend and colleague

“The Mass is the “source and summit of the whole Christian life”; in it Heaven and earth meet. Yet many Catholics seem unaware of the profound depths and infinite beauty of the Liturgy. They remain partial participants in the Eucharist or even just spectators. In The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition Cardinal Wuerl and Mike Aquilina address this problem head on. Here we find the Mass accurately and lovingly explained down the last prayer – indeed, the last gesture. Using excellent historical and biblical references as well as quotations from the Fathers of the Church, the authors lead the reader step by step into the great mystery of God’s love for us that is the Mass. This book would be of great benefit to any Catholic and indeed to any Christian.”
– Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, CFR

“What an inviting—and refreshing—guide to the Mass! Whether you are a Catholic or non-Catholic, a churchgoer thirsty for a deeper understanding of the celebration you have attended so many times, or are simply curious about the Catholic Mass, this book is your passport to a new, deeper, richer experience with the Mass, and with Christ in the Eucharist.”
– Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus

“There is genius in Catholicism and nothing demonstrates that more tangibly than the Mass. At the same time it is impossible to ignore the fact that millions of Catholics don’t have such an appreciation for the Mass. Is it a big problem? Yes. Is there a simple solution to that big problem? Yes. If every Catholic in America would read this book I think it would be a great first step in our quest to engage disengaged Catholics and turn the tide for Catholicism in America.”
– Matthew Kelly, New York Times bestselling author

“This is an ingenious, deeply satisfying exploration of the Mass – its history, its elements and its meaning. The authors blend the best of priestly and lay wisdom about the central act of Catholic worship into a volume that is simultaneously rich in detail, wonderfully readable in style, and a marvelous resource for nourishing one’s faith.”
– Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Denver

“Excellent, inspiring, and practical. I recommend this book to everyone (particularly at this time of confusing press coverage.)”
– Fr. Michael Scanlan, Chancellor of Franciscan University

“It’s the ‘source and summit’ of our Christian life, so to understand, love, and appreciate the Mass is imperative for anybody serious about discipleship. This excellent book is a great place to start.”
– Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York

“The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition is an ideal introduction to all the aspects of the Mass.”
– Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P., Editor-in-chief of MAGNIFICAT

“Whenever we celebrate the Holy Mass, what we encounter is no less significant than what the Apostles encountered with Jesus at the Last Supper—Christ in His Word; Christ in His Body and Blood; Christ in the Gathering. The miracle of the Real Presence of Christ among us is at the very center of our lives. In this marvelous book, Donald Cardinal Wuerl of Washington, one of our greatest educators in the faith, and best-selling author Mike Aquilina, present a basic and thorough catechesis on the Mass, a helpful compendium on the central act of Christian worship. This is a book for all believers who want to enrich their knowledge, understanding and love for the Mass.”
– Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh