As distinct from the community mass.
These were celebrated by ordained members of the community, i.e.
monks who were priests, in side altars or chapels. Specific times
of the day were set aside for them to do so. Each priest required
two assistants: a cleric to minister to him and a layman to serve
the water and light the candle at the consecration. Whilst the Cistercians
did not insist that private masses were celebrated each day, most
priests tended to do so on a daily basis.