The erroneous idea developed that Latin and the Tridentine rite should be virtually banned.
We do not need further protestanization of the liturgy,IMHO. When a person tells me that they went to an Episcopalian service and "it was just like our Mass" something is VERY, VERY WRONG!! 10 posted on 05/20/2003 6:36 PM PDT by Lady In Blue (Bush,Cheney,Rumsfeld,Rice 2004)
It's unfortunate that some have gone out of their way to alienate traditionally-oriented Catholics. It does seem that some liturgical social engineers manipulate the Mass in a Protestant style. It's pointless whether it's valid for the congregation to clap their hands to the beat of "Go Tell It on the Mountain." If it is alienating even a few Catholics such practices should be avoided. The idea that a 1960s-style folk Mass is closer to the spirit of early Christians' worship is really a ridiculous one. No one knows what a second-century "Agape" was like.
One unfortunate result has been that in some cases, there is too much emphasis on the personality and opinions of the priest in long-winded politicized sermons. The Mass actually in point of fact IS NOT supposed to be ideological in the modern sense. It is not about raising social consciousness. The people are there to worship, pray, and commune sacramentally with God for grace and to achieve the blessings of salvation in Heaven.
Clapping is common in St. Peter's Basilica, and has been for years.