Note (return) — CHAP. I.
Reading edition
From the missio, missa, or dismissal announced by the deacon to the people before and after the mass of the faithful, the term missa or mass is derived. It was in use in the early ages; for it is found not only in the epistle to the bishop of Vienne attributed to Pope Pius I, and in that of Pope Cornelius to Lupicinus: but S. Ambrose also says "I continued my duty, and began to celebrate mass" and in another place he exhorts the people to "hear mass daily12".