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I will respond to your serial posts with the more efficient single-post method. My view of the Novus Ordo is not that of an adherent to SSPX, but that of a convert from Protestanism. I love the Church, and I believe that one of the great jewels of Her crown, that of the Classical Mass, was needlessly lost under Paul VI. Nevertheless, I attend a Novus Ordo Mass as a general rule because it's so close to my house and my studies don't afford me a lot of free time as it is.

My comments about Paul VI's intentions were not an attempt at calumny, but, to the contrary, were an attempt to explain the thinking behind his otherwise inexplicable actions. My evidence for this is statements by assistants to Archbishop Bugnini, as well as an interview given in France by his former confessor (discussing matter other than that of the internal forum, of course). The priest definitely had a French-sounding name, but I don't remember it off-hand. If you'd like, you could "Google" on "Paul VI's confessor" or something like that and look for an interview that occurred one-to-two years ago.

Prayer is work, and as Paul VI himself said, "the Mass is the greatest form of prayer." Ideally, all work (and, therefore, prayer) challenges us so that we perform at our best. The greatness of the Classical Rite is that it challenges us to meditate on the great mystery of faith -- that of transubstantiation, God coming down upon the altar under the appearances of bread and wine. The sense of that great gift is something lost in the typical Novus Ordo celebration.

My use of a Down's Syndrome baby was meant to highlight the tragic nature of the liturgical reform and nothing more. But I'm sure you knew that.

Sorry to further inflame your chronically hyperemic constitution, but I do not make things up. Mother Teresa gave many, many addresses, and I'm sure that there are a few for which you don't have the transcript. Having said that, I will not further address your silly ad hominems, as neither I nor others (I'm sure) have the time for them.

The greatness of the Classical Rite is that it challenges us to meditate on the great mystery of faith -- that of transubstantiation, God coming down upon the altar under the appearances of bread and wine. The sense of that great gift is something lost in the typical Novus Ordo celebration.

This, obviously, is a matter of opinion. As a life-long Catholic of 50 years, I find the Novus Ordo much more prayerful than the Tridentine Mass. I'm supportive of allowing the Tridentine Mass where demand justifies its celebration for those who don't feel the way I do, however.

My use of a Down's Syndrome baby was meant to highlight the tragic nature of the liturgical reform and nothing more. But I'm sure you knew that.

I know how you meant it; its use was in very poor taste. Surely your fertile mind could have conjured up something else.

Sorry to further inflame your chronically hyperemic constitution, but I do not make things up. Mother Teresa gave many, many addresses, and I'm sure that there are a few for which you don't have the transcript.

Sorry, but your statement about Mother Teresa, conveniently hidden behind what "someone else told you" pegs my bullshit meter. I suspect no one told you any such thing, unless you'd like to back it up with some evidence.

Interesting that you don't consider it important to know whether a statement you attribute to Mother Teresa was actually ever uttered by her.

Thank you for your cogent posts to this lively, important thread.

I worked with two recent converts to Roman Catholicism while they were pondering their conversion decision. Both persons tell the world how the majestic, aesthetic splendor of the Tridentine liturgy had so much to do with their decision. Both, by the way, love also the Novus Ordo Latin Mass, as do I.