ROME — A new online course has been launched to help the faithful rediscover the “beauty, meaning, and power” of the Holy Mass.

Led by Italian liturgical scholar Aurelio Porfiri, the course aims to offer “deep formation” in the sacred liturgy and features an “innovative” program with instruction from several esteemed formators.

These include Auxiliary Bishop Athanasius Schneider of Astana, Kazakhstan, who, with Porfiri, co-authored the 2022 book The Catholic Mass: Steps to Restore the Centrality of God in the Liturgy.

A key theme that ran through that book, and which will doubtless be a focus of the course, was the observation that many have today fallen into the error of anthropocentrism, whereby man, rather than God, is placed at the center of the universe. The effects have been widely felt, not least in the Church and especially at the Mass.

Also offering instruction is Abbot Philip Anderson of the Benedictine Abbey of Our Lady of Clear Creek in Hulbert, Oklahoma; professor Edward Schaefer, president of The Collegium and expert in Carolingian chant; professor Kevin Magas, lecturer in dogmatic theology and head of the Liturgical Institute at the University of Notre Dame; Salesian Father Roberto Spataro, a professor of Latin and Greek and Secretary at the “Pontificia Academia Latinitatis”; and professor Robert Fastiggi, who teaches systematic theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.

The course founders say it offers, through 14 in-depth lessons, a “comprehensive introduction to the theology, history, spirituality and aesthetics of the Catholic Mass, with particular attention to the richness of the Roman Rite.”

Beginning on Sept. 24, the course will take students throughout the various meanings of the Mass, beginning with its spiritual and theological foundations, and moving on to its essence in all its facets before concluding with the Mass’ focus on the centrality of God.

Porfiri, author of more than 70 books translated in several languages, said the course aims to help students understand “not only the external structure of the liturgy but also its inner dynamism and mystical significance.”

“If we want to renew the Church, we must first renew our understanding and celebration of the Holy Mass,” continued Porfiri, an internationally recognized composer, conductor, educator and author with decades of experience in sacred music and liturgical formation. “This course is for all who want to love the Mass more deeply and live it more fully.”

Highlights of the course include a “spiritual and theological exploration” of each part of the Mass. This, therefore, includes the role of silence, beauty, music and sacred gestures; reflections on the traditional liturgy and its relevance today; insights from bishops, priests, theologians, musicians and writers; and practical guidance on how to interiorize and live the liturgy.

“This course is ideal for priests, seminarians, religious, liturgical ministers, catechists, educators, and laypeople who desire a deeper formation in the liturgical life of the Church,” the publicity material says.

The organizers stress that while the course is hosted on an educational platform, all essential information — including the course fee, how to enroll, detailed curriculum, and previews — is available at the official website: TheCatholicMass.online.