Posted on 06/03/2004 6:39:11 AM PDT by NYer
"The Eastern Churches are the Treasures of the Catholic Church" ... Pope John XXIII
It is long past time for the ancient liturgy in the West to be accorded the same respect as the ancient liturgies in the East.
Actually, the reverse trend prevailed for hundreds of years. To cite one example, from San Diego News Notes:
"The Maronite liturgy originally incorporated the Church's earliest liturgical forms, which is reflected in the fact that the Maronite Service of the Holy Mysteries contains the Church's oldest Eucharistic Prayer. Rome sent apostolic visitors to Lebanon between the 15th and 17th centuries to scrutinize Maronite liturgical texts, "in the period where they started to Latinize everything," Father Mouannes explained. They ordered the Maronites to purge elements from their liturgy deemed heretical, and the Maronites complied, even when obliged to burn liturgical books. However, in doing so, some of the Church's primordial liturgical practices were lost. "That's why, now, in our Mass, we have a lot of similarities with the Latin [Roman rite] Church," he pointed out. "We were Latinized more than the other ones [Eastern rite Churches], because we searched for it. We wanted to show that now we are one with Rome, one hundred percent; we are with the rock."
It was Vatican II that reversed this 'latinization' trend, recommending that the Eastern churches restore those elements that had been stripped out of their liturgy. Essentially, it has taken more than 400 years to arrive at this point!
Yes, but that is not a reason to "punish" the Traditional Latin Mass. It should be accorded the same respect as the ancient Eastern liturgies.
Very interesting article, thank you. It covers the situation from a variety of angles and doesn't take just one simplistic view. As the article points out, many Eastern rite parishes are just as modernized as the Roman Rite ones. The only time I ever attended an Eastern rite for a funeral, it was just as Novus Ordo-ized as the Western rites. But I understand that is not the case everywhere, and there seems to be a great deal of (mostly legitimate) diversity among the Eastern rites.
Back in the 80's, when we lived in McCarrick's Metuchen there was a Maronite Church about 10 minutes away from us. I don't know why, but it never occurred to us to go there. Looking back I'm not sure I realized they were united with Rome.
We actually moved our family back to Philadelphia to get away from the abuses that were going on in Metuchen.
It should. You're right. It should be given a Tridentine Rite.
But, you see, the ultra-trads and the SSPXers don't want that. It would mean they have failed in their effort to reimpose the Tridentine Mass on the Latin Rite.
The goal of many traditionalists is to totally suppress the Novus Ordo.
I understand their principle. They don't to compromise with something that they see as damaging to the formation of Catholics.
Ditto! Were it not for this forum, I would never have considered attending an Eastern Rite church either. It was 'Sandyeggo' who mentioned that she had attended a Maronite Catholic liturgy, that set my wheels in motion.
We actually moved our family back to Philadelphia to get away from the abuses that were going on in Metuchen.
You are most fortunate! There are 8 Maronite Catholic Churches in the state of PA, including St. Maron Maronite Church in Philadelphia (Rev Msgr Sharbel Lischaa, (215) 389-1300) LISTING
Give it a try sometime - but - you must attend the liturgy at least 3 times (the first visit can be quite disorienting). Also, call ahead of time to inquire which of their liturgies is in English.
In fact, make a list of other Eastern Rite churches in your community and attend the liturgy at each one of them as well. You may be pleasantly surprised by the experience. Good luck and please let me know how your adventure turns out.
Make that "They don't want to..."
It reflects an arrogance and pride that does not comport with Catholicism or even Christianity.
A separate rite would allow them to worship as they please, with their own apostolic administrators. Anyone who wishes to assist at an all-Tridentine-Rite parish could do so.
But, many ultra-trads don't want that. Just read what UR has to say.
He will tell you in no uncertain terms that a separate rite or apostolic administration is tantamount to accepting defeat.
Please ping UR when you talk about him. You ask for the same from others.
Sorry about that. I don't generally engage UR anymore, as he has plunged himself into sedevacantism, IMO.
I'm not sure about that. I haven't read everything he has written recently. However, if he is still loyal to the SSPX, then he is against sedevacantism. Their Angelus Press published a book against sedevacantism this year.
But, you have to read his stuff. It's been over the top, of late.
ping
Glad you enjoyed it! For so many years, I kept myself locked into the only liturgy I knew. This forum has been an epiphany for me for through it, I have learned so much more about my catholic faith and deepened my relationship with God.
The only time I ever attended an Eastern rite for a funeral, it was just as Novus Ordo-ized as the Western rites.
Lol! That must have been one very wealthy parish! Most of the Eastern Rite communities are quite small, with limited resources to build extravagant churches. Our community uses a small shrine built more than 50 years ago, as its church. The current pastor arrived 3 years ago, following his ordination. He studied at Boston College, attended St. John's Seminary and was ordained in Lebanon. He is bi-ritual and also assists the Diocese of Albany, by saying masses during the week at the priestless parishes, where he consecrates a sufficient number of hosts for their weekend liturgies.
After fixing up the little shrine, he worked with the parish community to help them achieve their goal of having a real church. Last year, they purchased an abandoned protestant church nearby and he, along with the men of the parish, have worked industriously to renovate the old building. Meanwhile, the women of the parish are actively working to raise funds needed to replace broken windows and install an elevator for the 'seasoned' members of the community (we have one parishioner who is 95 and still attends Sunday liturgy). There is a tremendous sense of community spirit, reminiscent of the first christian communities.
From the very beginning, I have been impressed with the orthodox teaching, the total respect for the Eucharist, and so pleased to see young boys arrive at mass, dressed in suits. Father has set high standards and expectations for those interested in enrolling in this parish. However, he watches over his community as a true father. Last year, when the organist became ill, he drove over to his house, unannounced, insisted that he get in his car and then drove him to the hospital. He remained with him the entire time. Once he was released, he drove for several hours, looking for an all night pharmacy where they could have his prescription filled. Needless to say, we hold this priest in high regard and with great respect.
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