MyCatholicSource.com - 'Quick Help' Page: What Direction Does The Priest Traditionally Face During Mass?

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The priest traditionally faces eastward (ad orientem) towards the direction of the heavenly Jerusalem. The priest faces the altar (and not the people) for a number of reasons such as: this is the traditional direction which may be traced back to apostolic times; the priest is facing east towards the rising sun (which is symbolic of Christ); it demonstrates his intermediary position; it is the same direction Christ would have sat at the Last Supper (eastward, and not facing the disciples); the priest's direction better represents the sacrificial nature of the Mass, and it avoids the appearance that the priest turns his back to God (symbolically eastward and traditionally truly present on the altar in the Tabernacle) to turn his face towards the people; etc. The priest's facing eastward towards the rising sun is also symbolic of the Lord who is the true "Light of the World" and who is expected to return from the east. [Note: With the introduction of the Novus Ordo Mass in the 1960's, many priests may (unfortunately) face the people (versus populum). For reasons supporting the traditional ad orientem orientation, try here.]

Did you know? It is still possible – thanks be to God! – to lawfully attend the Traditional Latin Mass. The Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass differs from the 1960's Novus Ordo Mass in many & significant ways (try here for more information). To locate a Traditional Latin Mass in your area, try here.

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"...a common turning to the east [the traditional position, wherein the priest and the people face eastward, and not each other]...remains essential. This is not a case of something accidental, but of what is essential. Looking at the priest has no importance. What matters is looking together at the Lord." (Cardinal Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI)

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