SOLEMN PONTIFICAL MASS IN THE EXTRAORDINARY FORM FOR THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION

EWTN ^ | February 1, 2014

[mlizzy]

You probably mentioned it before, but I didn't remember you attended the Maronite Church. My apologies there. We have a Maronite Church only 5-7 minutes away. I'll have to ask my better half, if he'd like to go there someday to experience their Mass.

I don't completely understand the Tridentine Mass particulars, but we do take part in the Mass with responses. Are there different forms of the Tridentine? And as far as the "torpid air" (your vocabulary fondly reminds me of my late mother:)), it's a way to experience Mass like most saints did.

But all in all, I agree, it's great to find one's "pearl of great worth" indeed!

[NYer]

We have a Maronite Church only 5-7 minutes away. I'll have to ask my better half, if he'd like to go there someday to experience their Mass.

The beauty of the Maronite liturgy stems from its origins in Antioch where Peter served as bishop before he continued his journey to Rome. Many people forget that Jesus was born, died and resurrected in the Holy Land; He never went to Rome. As such, the first christian churches sprung up in the East.

The Maronite liturgy is older than the Latin mass, taking many of its prayers from St. Ephrem, the "golden harp". Some aspects of the rite date back to the first converts who were Jews. For example, during the consecration of the cup, the priest tips it in the 4 directions of the earth to signify that Christ shed His blood for all mankind. This action is a carry over from the Jewish liturgical practice of sprinkling the blood of the sacrificial animal on the 4 corners of the altar. You will certainly appreciate that communion is by intinction and on the tongue. There are no eucharistic ministers; only a priest or deacon may distribute communion.

Should you decide to go, freepmail me first and I will provide you with some additional information on the differences you will experience. Like the TLM, it is very reverent and follows a fixed calendar.

[ELS]

Maybe it was with the purpose of getting back to the “roots” of the Church, to the early Church.

Pope Pius XII condemned antiquarianism.

[ELS]

Imagine a small church packed with hundreds of people (SRO) on a hot summer day.

NYer, surely your family went to Sunday Mass in the spring, autumn and winter as well, no? Yet, you only seem to recall the uncomfortable summer months.

[Biggirl]

Prove it.

[Biggirl]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1592763200/mikeaquilina-books-20

It would surprise you, I will leave it at that. Thank-you and God Bless.

[Biggirl]

I belong to a parish in which has a wonderful parish priest, does those the NO in a reverent manner and has a great sense of humor.

I was born just a few short years before the start of VC II, have very little if not any memory of what TLM was like, loves, the 3 year Bible cycle that it is based on. Right now would not be confortable about attending a TLM myself.

Everytime I go to communion, I feel much more closer to God and I thank Him for this reason at those times. Also understands how the early Christians felt as well.

What it all comes down to is, let us not argue what is the best rite. If you love TLM, wonderful, NO, wonderful, any of the Eastern Rites, wonderful also. God Bless.

[NYer]

NYer, surely your family went to Sunday Mass in the spring, autumn and winter as well, no? Yet, you only seem to recall the uncomfortable summer months.

The comment was not about the discomfort of summer heat. Before I explain, please tell me ... were you around in the 1950s?

[savagesusie]

Thanks for the correction.

[ELS]

Prove it.

Mediator Dei

The relevant passage starts in paragraph 63 and goes into 64:

... Just as obviously unwise and mistaken is the zeal of one who in matters liturgical would go back to the rites and usage of antiquity, discarding the new patterns introduced by disposition of divine Providence to meet the changes of circumstances and situation.
64. This way of acting bids fair to revive the exaggerated and senseless antiquarianism ...

[ELS]

Imagine a small church packed with hundreds of people (SRO) on a hot summer day.

The comment was not about the discomfort of summer heat.

Really? Then what was it about?

[ELS]

Imagine a small church packed with hundreds of people (SRO) on a hot summer day. A few fans whirled above to circulate the torpid air ... He [the priest] is wearing heavy vestments which only add to his personal discomfort in the heat of the day ...

The TLM that you experience today, is held in an air conditioned church with microphones that enable you to follow along, even on the hottest day of the year.

It certainly seems you are focusing on the discomfort of hot summer days, NYer. Do you think it would have been less uncomfortable if you attended an Eastern Catholic rite on those hot summer days in your childhood?

[NYer]

Dear friend, rather than attack my response, it would be most helpful to know if you were around in the 1950s. Nothing I post will make sense without that context. Thank you for a response to that question.