A pontifical Mass is a significant ceremony in the Catholic Church, celebrated by a bishop with distinctive rituals and vestments. The term “pontifical” refers to the bishop’s role as a successor to the apostles, symbolizing their connection to the early Christian Church.
During a pontifical Mass, the bishop is accompanied by various ministers, including deacons, subdeacons, and acolytes, who assist with different aspects of the ceremony. The bishop wears special vestments, such as the mitre and crosier, which symbolize their office and authority. The Mass itself follows a traditional structure, with the bishop singing certain parts, such as the Gospel and Epistle, and delivering a homily to the congregation.
