Is It All Just "Smells & Bells"?
What really IS IT about the Latin Mass?
Yesterday, I was hit by a ton of bricks. Here's what's up -
This past weekend, I wasn't at my usual parish. Due to pressing family matters, I was on the road (and apologies to a certain someone I was suppose to meet at 9:00 AM Mass!).
But anyhow, my big sister and I went to the early Mass here in San Diego. Even though I've been to Holy Cross many a time, there was nothing really "new" or out of the ordinary. Everything was pretty much the same, be it Holy Cross chapel in San Diego, or one of the Latin Masses I attend in North Carolina.
As Sis and I walked in, I saw that the altar was configured in it's usual, Traditional form; the only talking in the chapel was The Rosary being recited; there was the usual long line for Confession; men were in coat and tie, ladies wearing dresses and mantillas; the priest was dignified and actually conducted himself like a Catholic priest. And of course, the unmistakable awareness that Christ was physically present. Pretty standard stuff.
No Novus Ordo "it's all about me" attitude that was pervasive. No avalanche of noise that's the norm at St. Bozo's. No presider trying his damnedest to come across like Shecky Greene.
Anyhow, for some strange reason about 10 minutes into the Mass, it hit me.
For an hour and a half, once a week, this REALLY IS the most beautiful thing this side of heaven. I'll admit it... I was almost moved to tears.
It was the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in San Diego that converted me back in 1997. It was beautiful then; it is beautiful now!
ReplyDeleteCavey-did you get a chance to say "hi" to your buddy later on that day?
Caveman, love your site. I just found a petition for TLM and they're looking for 100,000 signatures. Any chance you want to post it on your site to help them out?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/156597131
My mother went to Mass in Dunn yesterday...it was 2 hours long, because it was a high Mass..she said it was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. We attended a Traditionalm Latin Mass First Holy Communion last weekend in Berlin, NJ. It is a wonderful place to be.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless, EJT
You are right it is.
ReplyDelete"...there was nothing really "new" or out of the ordinary."
ReplyDeleteMaybe you mean nothing out of the extraordinary? ;)
I totally agree, though... and I love bringing people to the TLM for the first time... or even listening to a particularly beautiful Pater Noster at a Missa Cantata like yesterday. I wish more people could see the beauty that we see.
i totally agree the TLM is the most beautiful thing this side of heaven.
ReplyDeleteThe TLM should be standard! I'd also go with the option of the vernacular or a combo of both it and Latin. You'd think liberals would be all for it since they're all about "free speech" and preventing corruption.
ReplyDeleteMy first TLM was at St. Michael's Abbey just south of the base at El Toro. It completely changed - and vastly improved - me as a Catholic.
ReplyDeleteEver since I came to the TLM, I have made avoided as much as possible the Novus Ordo. The TLM is the most beautiful thing this side of Heaven.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. After being gone for so many years, I truly wasn't expecting to fall in love with the EFM. But the very first time I attended, I knew I was home.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have been seeking for quite some time is a level of reverence in the worship service that has been sorely missing in non-denom type churches.
Within the EFM, I realized I was with people who truly adored the Lord. It wasn't "Mass as usual" for them. It seemed to hold a greater meaning than the NO although I know the NO in some places is celebrated with reverence and joy.
God bless you. Hope you can attend more of the EFM in the future. :-)
Last Saturday my husband went to morning Mass with me--afterwards he said, "Now I know why you like to go to daily Mass so much--I really enjoyed that!" No it wasn't the TLM, but a very peaceful Mass, with no distractions--no children running in and out, no one coming in late--just peaceful and beautiful I know how you feel thinking it really is the most beautiful thinkg this side of heaven--sometimes I think going to Mass is heaven!
ReplyDelete