I’m answerring late, but I went to a TLM, or Gregorian Rite as Cardinal Hoyos calls it, for the second year in a row. Midnight Mass in a small but traditionally ornate, and old, Catholic Chapel in an old Catholic hospital. Last year, I was still learning the Mass and got lost a few times in the missal, which was a distraction. This year, I assisted at the midnight Mass only getting behind briefly. At one point I was almost in tears. Tears of joy.
Both times were an approved private Mass per the Holy See. Never in my life have I been so aware of the essence of Holy Mass as last night’s Mass. The sermon brought it all together for me. Fr P.B.connected the Sacrifice of the Mass and the Birth of Christ(via his sermon) in a way that I could never see on my own.
From the moment I walked into that Chapel, until the time I left, there was never any indication that everyone in attendence were not there for the right reason. After Mass, as I knelt in prayers of thanksgiving, there was not a single distraction. There was no rush to the exit, and once out of the Chapel into the hall of the second floor of this hospital, I sensed no urgency at all from those waiting for the elevator, instead, waving those who had just walked up as the elevator door opened to go ahead.
Some things just stand out, and this year’s Midnight Mass at that small Chapel, that 99 % or our registered parishioners in our Archdiocese probably don’t even know exists, those there last night, left as better Catholics.
It was that solemn and reverent traditional Rite that has been prayed by the Saints for hundreds of years at midnight. The First Mass of the Nativity Of Our Lord.
I gather there was a time, when those at the Midnight Mass would assist at the Mass at Dawn, and also the Mass during the Day, each with it’s own Scripture, and chock full of Catholic Doctrine. Fitting, and such an easy sacrifice in honor of the Nativity.
Three Masses on Christmas. Three Masses during which 99 % of those there who possessed the Faith kept their eyes on the Tabernacle, the Altar, the Clergy, or an image nourishing Catholic piety, from the moment they enter the narthex until they left it. In the Unity in Christ’s Name as He willed, without the distractions and awareness of those in the pew next to them, other than that very sense of unity of prayer, they prayed Holy Mass. Not just Christmas, every Mass.
So yes, I’d encourage one assist a TLM as often as possible, even weekdays and even if it requires going without a couple of hours sleep.
Not because of my personal spiritual and emotional attachment to the Gregorian Rite, but simply because, we have lost so much.
Don’t go to one TLM and tell us what you think. Go to 50 and let us know.
J+M+J
