Antonín Dvořák was commissioned to compose a mass by the architect and patron Josef Hlávka for the inauguration of the chapel that he had built for his summer residence in Lužany.

It could be called: faith, hope and love for God Almighty, and an expression of thanks for this great gift, for having been given the opportunity successfully to complete a work in praise of the Highest, and in honour of our art.

[1]He expressed that he was satisfied with the work for modest forces, which he thought could be subtitled Faith, Hope and Love ("Glaube, Hoffnung und Liebe"), and be understood as giving thanks to God.

He mentioned other artists he regarded as motivated by Christian faith: Beethoven, Bach and Raphael.

[1] The first public performance was on 15 April 1888 at the municipal theatre of Plzeň, now with an ensemble of two harmoniums, cello and double bass.

[1] Bärenreiter published a critical edition of the organ version, including the added parts for cello and bass, regarded as authentic by the composer.

The composer achieves expressiveness with simple means,[2] such as folksong-like tunes in rich harmonies.