We'll Take "The Quiet Mass"

Catholic Exchange ^ | October 16, 2002 | Jeffrrey Tucker

[Maximilian]

Great article, thanks for posting it.

And the obvious fact is that like Thomas Drolesky, the author cannot be pigeonholed as a "schismatic" fringe character. Catholics all across the spectrum are coming to recognize the superiority of the Latin Mass. Even the author's kids can see it. I've had the same experience in my family. I'd have a revolt on my hands if I ever tried to take my family back to the Novus Ordo.

[nickcarraway]

Not everyone has access to Latin Mass.

[Maximilian]

>>Not everyone has access to Latin Mass.

Very good point. Especially when it's been 14 years now since the pope told every bishop to extend a "wide and generous" application of the indult to allow everyone access to the Latin Mass who wanted it. Even the author of the article has to drive 50 miles each way to go to St. Francis de Sales in Atlanta.

[Polycarp]

Catholics all across the spectrum are coming to recognize the superiority of the Latin Mass.

I don't think "superiority" is exactly the right word, but it is close.

Why?

Christ is present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, at every Catholic mass, whether Novus Ordo or Tridentine.

Christ is infinite.

His Presence at both masses is equal.

The Catechesis of this reality in the Novus Ordo is certainly inferior.

The reverance of the preponderance of Novus Ordo masses I've attended is far inferior to that of the Tridentine Masses I've attended, but...

The Novus Ordo masses in Latin at Mother Angelica's new shrine in Alabama was the single most sacred, reverent, beautiful, comprehensible, and moving masses I've ever attended.

I've attended the Indult Tridentine Latin masses in Cleveland, Erie, and Pittsburgh, (and I'll probably be back to the Indult mass at St Rose in Cleveland this weekend while I'm at a medical conference there) but none of them hold a candle to the Novus Ordo mass in Latin I attended in Alabama.

Christ is present in all these masses.

To say He is less present at one or the other is simply heretical.

To say that sacramentally the Novus Ordo is inferior is also heretical.

To say that prudentially, the Novus Ordo is lacking in Catechesis and often abused or celebrated with little reverence or sacredness, and is even in some cases an illicit mass, as compared to the Tridentine Rite, and thus prudentially the Tridentine Rite may be superior, may be correct. Of course, one must note that while certain Novus Ordo masses are said in an illicit way, all SSPX masses are by the nature of the schism of the SSPX intrinsically illicit until Pope JPII says otherwise.

[yendu bwam]

Still, I'm inclined to think that eventually the majority of Catholics will come to recognize — and reinstate — the beauty and profundity of the "quiet Mass" of the Tridentine rite, which my 3-year-old son can see so clearly.

Many yearn for the beauty and glory and the quiet holiness and sacredness of that which has been lost.

[TxBec]

I keep wanting to go down to Austin for a Latin mass.

[sinkspur]

Still, I'm inclined to think that eventually the majority of Catholics will come to recognize — and reinstate — the beauty and profundity of the "quiet Mass" of the Tridentine rite, which my 3-year-old son can see so clearly.

I'm inclined to think not.

Most American Catholics like the Novus Ordo and would "vote" to keep it, saccharin anecdotal stories like this one notwithstanding.

[Polycarp]

Not everyone has access to Latin Mass.

Very good point. Especially when it's been 14 years now since the pope told every bishop to extend a "wide and generous" application of the indult to allow everyone access to the Latin Mass who wanted it.

Another very good point on your part. I must travel 92 miles each way to my nearest Indult Latin Mass. I wish this Pope would sack the heretical/dissenting/gay hierarchs in the USA before adding to the Rosary for that matter.

Cleaning out the rot in the US hierarchy would give me much more cause for joy and celebration, for example, than adding to the Rosary, regardless of the merits of encouraging Rosary prayer.

[Goetz_von_Berlichingen]

"Most American Catholics like the Novus Ordo and would "vote" to keep it . . ."

I am sure that you are correct. It should also be remembered that most American Catholics vote Democrat.

[Maximilian]

If you're going to be in Cleveland, St. Rose is nice, but you might want to try the other indult Mass on the East Side. It's at Immaculate Conception on Superior around 30th. If you're staying downtown, it's only 5 minutes away, just past the Cleveand State campus. It's a more traditional service, and has a very nice congregation. I've been there twice, as well as to St. Rose's several times. Fr. Viall is gone from St. Rose's, so I don't know what it's like now. If the conference is out on the East Side off I-271, then you may want to try the FSSP parish in Vienna. If you take Rte 422 from I-271, it's about 45 minutes. It's a full Latin Mass parish with 2 FSSP priests on staff. They have a new pastor since I was there last, but you'll certainly get a very reverent service.

[Dusty Rose]

the whole point of the Mass is something very different: that in the sacrifice on the altar, the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Our Lord. In the multitude of readings, greetings, and songs in our parish church, that point tends to fade into the distance.

Transubstantiation happens in all languages. How deeply and reverently that is ackknowledged depends upon the catechsis, faith and receptivity of the believing community. I think reverence for the Eucharist is prominent at Masses in Latin because the worshippers there are strong believers who go out of their way to attend and participate. It does not follow that if the Masses are celebrated in the vernacular that Jesus is any less there or that the Masses are not a legitimate expression of worship. It is fortunate that you have the availability of a Latin Mass that helps you and your family grow in the Catholic faith. However, it is unfortunate that you do not have Mass in the vernacular that is that is just as reverent and points to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Unfortunately for all of us, authentic worship experiences that truly express what is wondrously happening in our midst, in Latin or in the vernacular, are few and far between. All of us need to keep focussed on the center of our faith, the Presence of Jesus in the blessed Sacrament among us. All other devotions, teaching and church activities need to point to Him. When He is lifted up, He will draw all people to Himself.

[Maximilian]

I wish this Pope would sack the heretical/dissenting/gay hierarchs in the USA before adding to the Rosary for that matter. Cleaning out the rot in the US hierarchy would give me much more cause for joy and celebration, for example, than adding to the Rosary, regardless of the merits of encouraging Rosary prayer.

Amen to that, brother.

[sinkspur]

I am sure that you are correct. It should also be remembered that most American Catholics vote Democrat.

What does that have to do with whether or not American Catholics like the Novus Ordo?

Or are you going to try to make some lame equivocation between the Democratic Party and the Novus Ordo?

I'm sure lots of Catholics who favor the Novus Ordo also eat carrots; that says nothing about the Novus Ordo.

"Ergo hoc, ergo propter hoc."

[sinkspur]

That should be "Propter hoc, ergo propter hoc."

[el_chupacabra]

It's great to be with the community and hear a nice homily, but the whole point of the Mass is something very different: that in the sacrifice on the altar, the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Our Lord. In the multitude of readings, greetings, and songs in our parish church, that point tends to fade into the distance.

I grew up in the post-Vatican II Church. I've never even been to a latin mass, so I cannot comment on that form of celebration. I do, however, love and cherish a "modern mass" when it is reverent and focuses on the Eucharist. It can be a very powerful and moving mass.

I can't speak for the rest of the country, but if you visit central and southern Arizona you can find some very, very "progressive" masses. The music and musicians yield the spotlight only for the homily. It can be very difficult for me to focus on the Sacrifice. The music dominates the liturgy. It often even accompanies the readings. The congregation claps with the music, waives their hands in the air and many of the songs have their own "hand gestures" (apparently based on ASL).

I know this version of the Liturgy is very popular with teens, but as my faith grows deeper I long for the quiet and find more conservative Liturgy more difficult to find.

Maybe I'm just getting old, or maybe I have some ingrained prejudice against anything that appears "too protestant"?

[RobbyS]

The Anglican rite has much of the elegence that you are looking for. It gives credence to the traditionalist suspecious of the new mass that the American Church did not simply take it over ragher than adopting the bad translation that they have.

[american colleen]

Massachusetts is 90% baptized Catholic (outside of RI, the most heavily Catholic state) and 80% of those voting Catholics vote for Ted Kennedy every election year. Just heard this today on the radio.

Today our "Catholic" DemocRAT Shannon O'Brien, running for Governor, came out in favor of legalizing gay marriages.

Bet she'll win.

Thank God I don't go with the majority. God save us all.

[american colleen]

Most American Catholics like the Novus Ordo and would "vote" to keep it, saccharin anecdotal stories like this one notwithstanding.

You could be right, but in my experience, most/almost all Catholics don't even know there is still a "Latin Mass" available. I don't think most diocesan newspapers mention it.