Pierre Chaignon (1791–1883) was a French Jesuit priest and spiritual writer. He spent his life as a priest in the spiritual direction of other priests, running retreats and writing several books. This is an English translation of Le Prêtre è l'Autel (1853). It was written to guide priests as they prepare for the Mass, and to help them to celebrate it in a holy and thoughtful way. With a clear and logical style, Father Chaignon draws from the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Ignatius of Loyola and others Catholic scholars as he follows the priest through the different parts of the Mass, explaining every prayer and ceremony. Since its appearance, this work has been found useful for meditation and spiritual reading. Published by Benzinger Brothers, New York, 1951.