7th March 1965

As has been noted on a number of Blogs, 7th March marks the 50th Anniversary of the celebration by Pope Paul VI of the first Mass offered in Italy according to the modifications in the rite of Mass requested by the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council. Pope Paul chose a Roman Parish Church for this special Mass.

We will discuss in a forthcoming post this Mass and the specific revisions of the Order of Mass which were promulgated at the beginning of 1965.

In the meantime, our attention is drawn to this photograph of the Mass, shewing the Pope wearing (probably for the first time) one of the more ample chasubles which became common in Rome thereafter. This chasuble was made of purple silk. It appears to have a silken lining. Its ornament, being a simple column back and front, is not visible in the photograph. Of note is that the chasuble is not of the same proportions as those which were common later in the reign of Pope Paul and the reign of Pope John Paul II. Being not too long, it is possible clearly to see the Pope's albe.