The status of early Christians in the Roman Empire was precarious, and government officials often regarded them with suspicion, but actual persecution was local and sporadic before the middle of the third century. The brutal measures under the Emperors Decius in 250 and Valerius in 258 affected Christian communities throughout the Empire. But they were followed by peaceful growth until Diocletian’s Great Persecution.

In one of his letters, Erasmus of Rotterdam (d. 1536) buttressed the great project of Renaissance Humanism to return to the sources (ad fontes) with the claim: “It is at the very sources that one extracts pure doctrine.” In the history-conscious 19th century, St. John Henry Newman (d. 1890) illustrated his theory of the development of doctrine (and worship) with a strikingly different image: “It is indeed sometimes said that the stream is clearest near the spring. Whatever use may fairly be made of this image, it does not apply to the history of a philosophy or belief, which on the contrary is more equable, and purer, and stronger, when its bed has become deep, and broad, and full.” 

This series of articles is intended as an overview of the development of the Roman Rite Mass until the present day. Understanding this rich and complex history will help not only the clergy in their sacramental ministry but also laypeople in participating fruitfully in the liturgy of the Church.