Mass appeal to Latin tradition [Poster has concerns about accuracy]

The Washington Times ^ | October 28, 2007 | Kristi Moore

[sitetest]

Roman Catholic churches nationwide are rushing to accommodate a surge in demand for the traditional Latin Mass, which is drawing a surprising new crowd: young people.

Since July, when a decree from Pope Benedict XVI lifted decades-old restrictions on celebrating the Tridentine Mass, seven churches in the Washington metropolitan area have added the liturgy to their weekly Sunday schedules.

"I love the Latin Mass," said Audrey Kunkel, 20, of Cincinnati. "It"s amazing to think that I"m attending the same Mass that has formed saints throughout the centuries."

In contrast to the New Order Mass, which has been in use since the Second Vatican Council in 1969 and is typically celebrated in vernacular languages such as English, the Tridentine Mass is "contemplative, mysterious, sacred, transcendent, and [younger people are] drawn to it," said the Rev. Franklyn McAfee, pastor of St. John the Beloved in McLean. "Gregorian chant is the opposite of rap, and I believe this is a refreshing change for them."

Susan Gibbs, the director of communications from the Archdiocese of Washington, said the attraction demonstrated by the young adults is "very interesting."

Besides the liturgy"s rich historical content and spiritual significance, the younger generations show an interest in the old becoming new again, said Louis Tofari of the Society of St. Pius X, an order of clergy that opposed the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

[sitetest]

I didn't see this posted. My apologies if it's a duplicate.

[sitetest]

Fair warning: I’ve found over the years that the Washington Times’ reporting on things Catholic is somewhat sloppy. For instance, there is no clear note that the Catholic Church considers the SSPX to be out of communion with the Church, that its leaders are excommunicated, and all its priests suspended.

Then there’s their goofy habit of using the honorific “Mr.” for priests, as in “Mr. Tofari.”

As well, the article initially says that there are seven parishes ADDING the old rite to their Sunday schedules, but then, on the jump page, lists seven parishes that have offered the old rite for some time. And one of those parishes is in Front Royal, Virginia, which is, if I recall correctly, actually in the Diocese of Richmond.

[sitetest]

Ping.

[vladimir998]

“I love the Latin Mass,” said Audrey Kunkel, 20, of Cincinnati. “It”s amazing to think that I”m attending the same Mass that has formed saints throughout the centuries.”

Smart kid!

“Susan Gibbs, the director of communications from the Archdiocese of Washington, said the attraction demonstrated by the young adults is “very interesting.” “

Translation: We’re terrified that young people are naturally attracted to this ancient, ‘oppressive’ liturgy. Gee, don’t the want more ‘Praise and Worship’ music and guitars? (Yuck!)

[Judith Anne]

Thanks for posting.

[narses]

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[sitetest]

Speaking of accuracy, Front Royal appears to be in the Diocese of Arlington, Va. LOL.

[narses]

Many priests think the changes approved by the pope will do more than bring young people into the church. They think the celebration of the Tridentine Mass will increase the faith of many followers.

The Rev. Paul Scalia, 37, has been celebrating the Tridentine Mass at St. Rita Church in Alexandria. He said the increase in young attendance is evidence that the Mass is something living and life-giving.

"The beauty is tremendous, as it draws us to God, who is beauty Himself," Father Scalia said.

[sitetest]

You’re welcome.

[sitetest]

Thanks for pinging your list.

[sneakers]

Thanks for posting this. If it was posted before, I missed it.

[maryz]

the Washington Times’ reporting on things Catholic is somewhat sloppy

Could be worse:

The priest also leads the parishioners facing east, the traditional direction of prayer.

At least they didn't describe it as "with his back to the people" or -- as one priest wrote -- "facing the wall" (as if there's no altar or tabernacle!).

[A.A. Cunningham]

Roman Catholic churches nationwide are rushing to accommodate a surge in demand for the traditional Latin Mass,

A phenomenon not being experienced in the Archdiocese of Denver. Thank you Charles Chaput.

[maryz]

Nor in Boston -- Cdl. O'Malley was the first to say there's "no demand" for it in North America, especially New England. And since word is he's planning to close about 40 more parishes, it seems unlikely any pastor is going to want to cross him here.

[Kolokotronis]

“And since word is he’s planning to close about 40 more parishes, it seems unlikely any pastor is going to want to cross him here.”

Personally, I like the Cardinal and I know he’s a friend of our +Methodios, That said, it would appear there is a declining demand for Vatican II style Roman Catholicism in his Archdiocese too.

[maryz]

Suppressed is more like it -- he fought the indult as much as he could: one church in a run-down neighborhood (actually where Law had allowed it) and no parking, then moved it to a western suburb, not really convenient for Boston. And only one in an archdiocese the size of Boston. Held a compulsory priests' meeting on September 14, the day the MP went into effect and just blithely ignores demands, requests, tears and imprecations for a TLM. He was the same way when he was bishop of Fall River, I hear.

Your +Methodios is probably friends with him because he hasn't requested a TLM!

[Kolokotronis]

“Your +Methodios is probably friends with him because he hasn’t requested a TLM!”

Probably. We already have the TGDL!

[maryz]

Well, treasure it! Look in on a Novus Ordo once in a while to remind you . . . ;-)

[dangus]

Front Royal is Arlington diocese.

Using Mr for priests is just bizarre.

[dangus]

... but I see you know that by now :^D