[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.