[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[WriteOn]

Our parish offers the Latin Mass and there are several Latin Masses about, including the indult. But I keep bumping up against the same issue. I can't understand what's going on. My wife thinks we should go to the Latin Mass. But how in the h*ll do you learn it? Is there a video or something? :-) I have no training in Latin to speak of...