Vatican City, Dec 20, 2017 / 07:19 am
Pope Francis on Wednesday stressed the importance of getting to Mass on time, noting that every piece is important, especially the opening Sign of the Cross, where we prepare as a community to worship God together.
"It is not a good habit to look and the clock and say: 'I am in time, I will arrive after the sermon and with this fulfill the commandment,'" the Pope said Dec. 20.
"The Mass begins with the Sign of the Cross, with these introductory rites, because we begin to adore God as a community. And for this reason, it is important to plan to not arrive late, but in advance, to prepare the heart for this rite, for this celebration of the community."
Calling it a "symphony" of prayers, the Pope continued his catechesis on the Mass and Eucharist at the general audience, laying out each part of the Mass step-by-step.