TLM strength yet again recognized by New York Times

Rorate Caeli ^ | December 11, 2020 | Kenneth J. Wolfe

[ebb tide]

TLM strength yet again recognized by New York Times

It is always encouraging to see mainstream media observe the beauty and vibrancy of the traditional Latin Mass and its communities.  The New York Times, which has previously cited the strength of the traditional Latin Mass in France, has done so again, this time within an observation that churches there are the only places to hear live music during coronavirus shutdowns:

Every Sunday, St.-Roch, known as the “church of artists,” celebrates a Tridentine Mass, the traditional Latin Mass that was standard until the introduction of services in vernacular languages in the late 1960s. The Tridentine Mass isn’t exactly audience friendly: For starters, the priests perform most of it while turned toward the altar, with their backs to the congregation.

Still, it has its aficionados. The crowd on the first Sunday of December was among the largest I’ve seen indoors since the start of the pandemic. At least 400 people filled St.-Roch, with limited social distancing and no enforcement of mask rules.

The full piece (complete with its jabs) may be read here.

[ebb tide]

I was moved, at Mass, by the love and devotion I recognized in many attendees, because that’s how I feel at the theater. The decision to allow religious services while theaters and museums remain closed has been met with scorn by many in the arts here, but there is no reason to begrudge believers their worship.

[ebb tide]

Ping

[RebelTXRose]

First Mass in 6 months...Latin Mass. The bishop doesnt bother them. No Masks, capacity a little more than bishop wants.

So refreshing to be around folks who aren’t SCARED.

[Samuel Smiles]

In my humble opinion, this is one point where the Tridentine Mass might be flexible. The tradition is indeed ‘ad orientem’, and changing to ‘versus populum’ would be an innovation.

But Our Lord himself said “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew xviii:20). So if one believes in the Real Presence, as I do, a priest standing ‘versus populum’ is also standing ‘ad Christum’. Those wiser than I are free to disagree.

[ebb tide]

Our Lord Himself, Body Blood, Soul and Divinity, are present in the tabernacle, front and center on the higher altar, where He should be at the Traditional Latin Mass.

Why in the world should a priest turn his back on Him?

[Samuel Smiles]

I explained that in my post. However, mine is indeed an innovative stance, and I respect without hesitation your courteous disagreement.