High Mass
1
8.9
- noun
- /haɪ mæs/
:
misa solemne
- Every Sunday, the congregation eagerly awaits the High Mass celebrated with rich traditions and music.
- a solemn High Mass
Examples
-
On November 3rd, thousands of pilgrims from all over the world are coming to a Pontifical High Mass in the Old Rite in St. Peter's.
Blog text (20) -
When a chief died, the bishop gave the medal to his successor during a solemn High Mass.
Academic text (2002) -
Do they still have High Mass?
Fiction book (1994) -
Frankly, I had my heart set on celebrating High Mass in your church.
-
If you say a High Mass, Father, perhaps I could be your soloist.
-
Choirs sang at Sunday High Mass and at other important church occasions.
Academic text (1999) -
After High Mass and the veneration in the chapel, the procession, including the statue of St. Gerard, made its way through the parish.
Academic text (1992) -
Father Alan Mackey graces us with High Mass most Sundays, and his homilies always include useful catechesis.
Blog text (5) -
About six months after her husband's death, I suppose in an attempt to re-enter the world from her state of bereavement, she joined the St. Aloysius Choir and sometimes sang solo at a High Mass or on a special feast like Christmas or Easter.
Fiction book (2000) -
The choir performed beautifully during the solemn High Mass at the cathedral.
Synonyms
A formal church service with set ceremonies and a serious mood
How Solemn
1
8.9
1
9.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The adjective 'high' straightforwardly signals a greater rank or importance when applied to 'Mass', so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer this refers to a more important or solemn church service. However, the precise liturgical connotations (full ceremonial, music, incense, distinction from a 'low' Mass) are specialized and not fully predictable from the constituents, so the expression is only partially transparent.
Etymology
High Mass comes from older Catholic church practice: the most formal Mass was called High because it used more singing, incense, and ceremony, so it felt elevated and special. That's why High Mass now means the full, formal church service.