Sign-In
Cart
AD Orientem: The Direction That Changes Everything (Booklet)
Paperback
Publisher Price: $9.95
ISBN13: 9781505140231
Publisher: Tan Books
Published: May 5 2026
Pages: 72
Weight: 0.10
Height: 0.30 Width: 3.70 Depth: 5.90
Language: English
By Peter Kwasniewski - Published by TAN Books
OverviewThe Holy Sacrifice of the Mass stands at the very heart of the Church's life, the august and unbloody renewal of Calvary, and the highest act of worship rendered to Almighty God on earth. It is the source from which all grace flows and the summit toward which all Christian life is ordered. Yet in our time, many of the faithful experience the liturgy as something at once familiar and obscure--its outward form known, yet its inner meaning no longer instinctively understood.
This lucid and penetrating booklet addresses one of the most neglected yet profoundly revealing elements of Catholic worship: the sacred orientation toward the East of priest and people in prayer. Far from being a matter of taste, nostalgia, or mere external arrangement, the direction in which the Church prays expresses the very nature of the Mass itself. The way we stand is inseparable from Whom we adore.
For centuries, the Church's liturgical posture toward the East formed the faithful through a silent but powerful catechesis. Together, priest and people turned toward the Lord who comes, signifying that the Mass is not a closed circle of mutual affirmation, but an offering lifted upward to the Father through the Son in the Holy Ghost. When this shared orientation was altered, something deeper than architecture changed: the instinctive Godward focus of worship was weakened, and the sense of sacred transcendence dimmed.
With clarity and charity, this work uncovers how subtle shifts in liturgical practice have gradually reshaped Catholic consciousness, often without deliberate intention. At the same time, it proposes a recovery of ad orientem worship not as a rejection of the present, but as a restoration of what is perennial: a liturgy unmistakably directed to God, radiant with reverence, humility, and awe.
Explains why the eastern orientation of the priest and people is theological, not decorative
Reveals how posture and bodily direction silently catechize the faithful
Shows how modern liturgical assumptions have reshaped Catholic worship
Clarifies common objections to traditional liturgical orientation
Invites readers to rediscover the Mass as God-centered sacrifice, not self-expression
To ask which way do we face is ultimately to ask toward whom we are turned. In the answer to that question lies the difference between a worship that opens the soul toward God and one that quietly folds it back in on itself.
-- From the text
This booklet is ideal for Catholics seeking deeper understanding of the Mass, clergy and seminarians engaged in liturgical formation, parish study groups, and anyone grappling with the contrast between the traditional Latin Mass and the modern liturgy. It is especially suited for readers who sense that something vital has been lost in contemporary worship and want a clear, reasoned explanation rooted in theology, history, and human nature.
FAQsIs this book only for those who attend the traditional Latin Mass?
No. It is written for all Catholics who want to understand what the Mass is, how it communicates meaning, and why orientation matters regardless of liturgical form.
Does this critique Vatican II?
The focus is not polemics but recovery. The book examines how certain post-conciliar practices altered the Church's embodied language of worship and what has been lost as a result.
The Eucharist as sacrifice, not performance
Liturgical orientation and embodied theology
Reverence, transcendence, and sacred silence
Also from
Kwasniewski, Peter
His Reign Shall Have No End: Catholic Social Teaching for the Lionhearted
Kwasniewski, Peter
Paperback
True Obedience in the Church: A Guide to Discernment in Challenging Times
Kwasniewski, Peter
Paperback
His Reign Shall Have No End: Catholic Social Teaching for the Lionhearted
Kwasniewski, Peter
Hardcover
The Ministers of Christ: Recovering the Roles of Clergy and Laity in an Age of Confusion
Kwasniewski, Peter
Paperback
The Holy Bread of Eternal Life: Restoring Eucharistic Reverence in an Age of Impiety
Kwasniewski, Peter
Paperback
Resurgimiento en medio de la crisis: Sagrada liturgia, Misa tradicional y renovación en la Iglesia (Spanish edition)
Kwasniewski, Peter
Paperback
Reclaiming Our Roman Catholic Birthright: The Genius and Timeliness of the Traditional Latin Mass
Kwasniewski, Peter
Hardcover
Reivindicación de nuestros derechos hereditarios como católicos: Genio y actualidad de la Misa tradicional
Kwasniewski, Peter
Paperback
Reclaiming Our Roman Catholic Birthright: The Genius and Timeliness of the Traditional Latin Mass
Kwasniewski, Peter
Paperback
Reivindicación de nuestros derechos hereditarios como católicos: Genio y actualidad de la Misa tradicional
Kwasniewski, Peter
Hardcover
Il Rito Romano di Ieri e di Domani: Ritornare Alla Liturgia Latina Tradizionale Dopo Settant'anni Di Esilio
Kwasniewski, Peter
Hardcover
Also in
Catholicism
33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It- Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration
Gaitley, Michael E.
Paperback
The Last of the Old Breed: An Oral History of the Final Marines from World War II
Davis, Scott
Hardcover
Consagracion a San Jose: Las Maravillas de Nuestro Padre Espiritual
Calloway, Donald H., MIC
Paperback
Pray Like a Champion Today: Sacred Stories from the Sidelines of Notre Dame Football
Wills, Nate, CSC
Paperback
American Pope: Leo XIV's Road from the South Side of Chicago to Vatican City
Detrow, Scott
Burke, Daniel
Hardcover
Consecration to St. Joseph: Year of St. Joseph Commemorative Edition: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father
Calloway, Donald H.
Hardcover
Catholic Book of Prayers: Popular Catholic Prayers Arranged for Everyday Use (Large Print Edition)
Fitzgerald, Maurus
Paperback
Crosses Coloring Book for Adults: Grayscale Crosses Coloring Book Christian Coloring Book for Adults Bible Coloring Book Adults
Publishing, Monsoon
Paperback
The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis
O'Connell, Gerard
Pique, Elisabetta
Paperback
The 10: 10 Challenge: 10 Weeks, 10 Ways to a Jesus-Led Life
Jackson, Andrea
Lesperance, André
Paperback
A Catechism of the Strange: Stigmata, Relics, and the Miracles That Shape the Soul
Allen, W. Tyler
Paperback
Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear: A. A. Milne and the Creation of Winnie-The-Pooh
Brandreth, Gyles
Hardcover
Bible Basics for Catholics (Expanded Edition): A New Picture of Salvation History
Bergsma, John
Paperback
I Believe in Love: A Personal Retreat Based on the Teaching of St. Therese of Lisieux
D'Elbee, Jean
Paperback
Nrsv, Catholic Bible, Gift Edition, Leathersoft, Brown, Comfort Print: Holy Bible
Catholic Bible Press
Hardcover
A Prayer Book of Catholic Devotions: Praying the Seasons and Feasts of the Church Year
Storey, William G.
Hardcover
St. Joseph First Communion Catechism (No. 0): Prepared from the Official Revised Edition of the Baltimore Catechism
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine
Paperback
My Daily Bread: A Summary of the Spiritual Life: Simplified and Arranged for Daily Reading, Reflection and Prayer
Paone, Anthony J.
Paperback
Remain in Me and I in You: Relating to God as a Person, Not an Idea
Sattler, Wayne
Sattler, Fr Wayne
Paperback
Nrsv, Catholic Bible, Gift Edition, Leathersoft, White, Comfort Print: Holy Bible
Catholic Bible Press
Hardcover
Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking, and Right-Wing Conspiracy Inside the Catholic Church
Gore, Gareth
Paperback
Defend Us in Battle: The Promises of St. Michael and the Heavenly Angels
Fenelon, Marge Steinhage
Paperback
The Case for Catholicism: Answers to Classic and Contemporary Protestant Objections
Horn, Trent
Paperback
Every Word in the Lord's Prayer: Reflections on the Perfect Pray-Er's Perfect Prayer
Kreeft, Peter
Paperback
Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence
Pope Leo XIV
Paperback
33 Days to Greater Glory: A Total Consecration to the Father Through Jesus Based on the Gospel of John
Gaitley, Michael E., MIC
Paperback
Sister, Soldier, Surgeon: The Life and Courage of Sister Deirdre Byrne, M.D.
Carzon Ph. D., Leisa Marie
Paperback
Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper
Pitre, Brant
Paperback
An Exorcist Explains the Demonic: The Antics of Satan and His Army of Fallen Angels
Amorth, Fr Gabriele
Paperback
St. Joseph Sunday Missal: The Complete Masses for Sundays, Holydays, and the Easter Triduum (Large Print Edition)
Catholic Book Publishing & Icel
Paperback
Revelations of Catalina on the Holy Mass: The story of an encounter between the Virgin Mary and the Bolivian Mystic
Rivas, Catalina
Paperback
Virtues of the Saints:: 15 Heavenly Habits for Children
O'Hearn, Patrick
Calloway MIC Donald H.
Hardcover
How to Be a Saint: An Extremely Weird and Mildly Sacrilegious History of the Catholic Church's Biggest Names
Sidley, Kate
Hardcover
Water from a Deep Well: Christian Spirituality from Early Martyrs to Modern Missionaries
Sittser, Gerald L.
Paperback
Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of the Little Flower, St. Therese of Lisieux, with Additional Writings
St Therese of Lisieux
Hardcover
How to Be His: A 33-Day Dedication to Our Eucharistic Jesus
Schweitzer O. P., Fr Ignatius John
Maingot, Fr Jesse
Burke, Dan
Paperback
Who Do You Say I Am?: Daily Reflections on the Bible, the Saints, and the Answer That Is Christ
Dolan, Timothy M.
Paperback
A Book of Everyday Blessings: 100 Prayers for Dancing Monks, Artists, and Pilgrims
Paintner, Christine Valters
Paperback
Experiencing God (2021 Edition): Knowing and Doing the Will of God
King, Claude V.
Blackaby, Henry T.
Blackaby, Richard
Hardcover
Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of the Little Flower, St. Therese of Lisieux, with Additional Writings
St Therese of Lisieux
Paperback
The Baltimore Catechism: The Doctrines of the Catholic Church - Lessons on God, His Commandments, Christ, Sin, Confession and Prayer - the 1891 Editio
Baltimore, Third Council of
Paperback
The United Saints of America: On Pilgrimage with Our Mother Mary from Sea to Shining Sea
Stanton, Peggy
Paperback
A Book of Uncommon Prayer: 100 Celebrations of the Miracle & Muddle of the Ordinary
Doyle, Brian
Paperback
Drinking with the Saints (Deluxe): The Sinner's Guide to a Holy Happy Hour
Foley, Michael P.
Hardcover
The Way of the Heart: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers
Nouwen, Henri J. M.
Paperback
Discernment of Spirits for Beginners:: Learning to Hear God and Defeat the Lies of the Enemy
Hackett, Mary Ruth
Burke, Dan
Paperback
Litanies of the Heart: Relieving Post-Traumatic Stress and Calming Anxiety Through Healing Our Parts
Crete, Gerry
Paperback
Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence: The Secret of Peace and Happiness
de la Colombiere, Claude
Saint-Jure, Jean-Baptiste
Paperback
Visitas Al Santísimo Sacramento Y a la Santísima Virgen María = Visions to Sainthood
De Ligorio, Alfonso
Paperback
Together for Life: Celebrating and Living the Sacrament Revised with the Order of Celebrating Matrimony
Champlin, Joseph M.
Jarret, Peter A., C. S. C.
Paperback
Nrsv, Catholic Bible, Journal Edition, Cloth Over Board, Blue, Comfort Print: Holy Bible
Catholic Bible Press
Hardcover
Operation Gladio: The Unholy Alliance Between the Vatican, the Cia, and the Mafia
Williams, Paul L.
Paperback
Wonder Is a Lovely Place to Be: 365 Days of Wit, Wisdom, and Irrepressible Imagination
Doyle, Brian
Hardcover
Nrsv, Catholic Bible, Gift Edition, Leathersoft, Teal, Comfort Print: Holy Bible
Catholic Bible Press
Hardcover
Queer Saints: A Radical Guide to Magic, Miracles, and Modern Intercession
Pagliarulo, Antonio
Paperback
The Rule: St. John Paul II's Rule for a Joy-filled Marriage of Divine Love
Martin, Peter
Martin, Theresa
Paperback
Unveiling the Sixth Station of the Cross: Reparation to the Holy Face, Mother of All Devotions
Zuzolo, Mary Jane
Paperback
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Saints: An Authoritative Guide to the Lives and Works of Over 300 Christian Saints
Paul, Tessa
Creighton-Jobe, Ronald
Hardcover
The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius in Daily Life
O'Brien, Kevin
Paperback
Summa of the Summa: The Essential Philosophical Passages of the Summa Theologica
Kreeft, Peter
Paperback