Misézés

Misézés is the Hungarian term for the act of celebrating the Catholic Mass, the central liturgical action of the Catholic Church. It refers to the ritual in which the Eucharist is consecrated and distributed and is guided by the church’s liturgical norms, language, and calendar. The term is used mainly in Hungarian-speaking contexts and can describe Mass celebrated in various rites and languages.

A typical misézés follows the general structure of a Catholic Mass. It usually begins with an Introductory Rite that includes the Sign of the Cross, a greeting, and a penitential act. The Liturgy of the Word follows, featuring readings from Scripture, a psalmody, and a homily. The Creed and prayers of the faithful may also be included. The Liturgy of the Eucharist then takes place, including the preparation of the gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer, the consecration of the bread and wine, the distribution of Communion, and the Concluding Rite. The exact prayers, readings, and vestments vary by rite (for example, Roman Rite versus Eastern Catholic rites) and by language.

Participants and roles in misézés typically include the ordained priest as celebrant, possibly concelebrants, deacons, and altar servers; lay ministers such as readers and extraordinary Eucharistic ministers may assist in some contexts. The celebrant presides, while the faithful participate through prayers, responses, and the reception of Communion.

Variations of misézés reflect the diversity of Catholic liturgical practice, including differences between the ordinary form and other rites, Latin or vernacular languages, and regional customs. The act is considered the primary means of worship and sacramental life in Catholic communities.