Eastern Catholics following Latin devotions

[Monica4316]

Hello, this is just a topic that I sometimes struggle with… I understand that Eastern Catholics have a right to follow their traditions etc. But can they, from their own choice, practice something like the Sacred Heart devotion, the Rosary, Adoration, etc? Things like that lead me to the Church and are a major part of my spiritual life. If we can go to any liturgy, can we practice any private devotion? I’m talking not about latinization of liturgy etc - I mean what we do privately. Thank you!

 

[Monica4316]

This whole topic is really confusing to me…

Eastern Catholic priests have told me that I’m strongly encouraged to follow the Eastern traditions and attend Eastern liturgy… I understand the reasons for that. I’m open to integrating Eastern spirituality into mine. I was told its not forbidden to attend Latin rite liturgy but I’m encouraged to be Eastern first.

However since I wanted to be Latin, found the Church and a spiritual home in Latin rite parishes, and practice Latin devotions, I often wonder if I’m being disobedient to the Church… My application to transfer rites wasn’t accepted so now I’m an Eastern Catholic possibly forever, but I worry a lot if I’m disobedient to the Church by wanting to attend a Latin rite parish. Because its strongly encouraged to be as Eastern as you can. I don’t have a parish of my rite but there’s a Ukrainian parish… However I don’t know the language and I can’t relate to people as easily, while at my parish I’m familiar with the liturgy, I sing in the choir, and I find it very beneficial spiritually. I’m not sure what the position of the Church is on this.

 

[SyroMalankara]

This whole topic is really confusing to me…

Eastern Catholic priests have told me that I’m strongly encouraged to follow the Eastern traditions and attend Eastern liturgy… I understand the reasons for that. I’m open to integrating Eastern spirituality into mine. I was told its not forbidden to attend Latin rite liturgy but I’m encouraged to be Eastern first.

This is correct.

However since I wanted to be Latin, found the Church and a spiritual home in Latin rite parishes, and practice Latin devotions, I often wonder if I’m being disobedient to the Church…

No.

My application to transfer rites wasn’t accepted so now I’m an Eastern Catholic possibly forever, but I worry a lot if I’m disobedient to the Church by wanting to attend a Latin rite parish.

Not disobedient.

Because its strongly encouraged to be as Eastern as you can. I don’t have a parish of my rite but there’s a Ukrainian parish…

It’s your choice. You are not Ukrainian Catholic, however, it would be good to retain the commonalities with the Russian practice if possible morally and spiritually - there is no requirement, since your Church is impossible to attend, it’s the same as if there were a Syriac Catholic, Chaldean Catholic, Maronite, or other Eastern Church - except the similarities are greater with the Ukrainian and Russian.

However I don’t know the language and I can’t relate to people as easily, while at my parish I’m familiar with the liturgy, I sing in the choir, and I find it very beneficial spiritually. I’m not sure what the position of the Church is on this.

You can continue in the Latin parish, or find out if the Ukrainian parish has English once a month or something and attend that as well.

 

[porthos11]

This whole topic is really confusing to me…

Eastern Catholic priests have told me that I’m strongly encouraged to follow the Eastern traditions and attend Eastern liturgy… I understand the reasons for that. I’m open to integrating Eastern spirituality into mine. I was told its not forbidden to attend Latin rite liturgy but I’m encouraged to be Eastern first.

However since I wanted to be Latin, found the Church and a spiritual home in Latin rite parishes, and practice Latin devotions, I often wonder if I’m being disobedient to the Church… My application to transfer rites wasn’t accepted so now I’m an Eastern Catholic possibly forever, but I worry a lot if I’m disobedient to the Church by wanting to attend a Latin rite parish. Because its strongly encouraged to be as Eastern as you can. I don’t have a parish of my rite but there’s a Ukrainian parish… However I don’t know the language and I can’t relate to people as easily, while at my parish I’m familiar with the liturgy, I sing in the choir, and I find it very beneficial spiritually. I’m not sure what the position of the Church is on this.

Church law is explicit: any Catholic of any church can attend any liturgy of any rite. Because the Church explicitly allows this, there is no disobedience. You can indeed participate in the Latin parish’s life.

The only thing you may need to be aware of is that because you’re canonically Eastern (you didn’t specify which church), you are still bound to observe the laws in force in your church; this covers such fun stuff as fasts and abstinence, laws pertaining to marriage, etc. You are still bound to those laws, not to those of the Latin church, even though you may feel an affinity for that church.

 

[Monica4316]

Thanks for the replies… I’m Russian Catholic and my Bishop is the local Latin Ordinary and I was told by my Chancery that I’m not bound to Eastern calendar etc because I’m outside of territory of my church and V2 said something about that…

Regarding Ukrainian Catholic, I actually feel more at home in my Latin parish because I never really had an Eastern spirituality… I’d be interested I practicing it more in a parish of my rite, but I’d still want to also keep the Latin devotions and still go to the Latin parish other times. I asked some Eastern priests what I am supposed to do since I don’t have a parish of my rite, and they said I’m encouraged to attend another Eastern parish… I understand why and because Eastern Catholics have a right to their heritage, but in my situation its a struggle because of the spiritual reason, and also the parishes being very ethnic. You’d think that Ukrainian would be closer to Russian, but when everyone around you is of a particular nationality and you are not, it can be a distraction at a parish and I find it easier being in a Latin rite parish. I also grew up in North America and I only know a few Eastern Europeans. For these reasons and just because I’m so used to the Latin rite, its a struggle for me. You really feel the difference in nationality when everyone around you are of a particular nationality and you can’t relate as easily and don’t know people. Its sad but its a distraction. I wish it wasn’t like that. Also I’m used to things at my church that help me to pray and the emphasis on silence and various other customs…

I don’t know… I’ve had people encourage me to attend other Eastern rites believing this would be easier for me and a better fit, when its actually harder for me. I’m struggling to even not being bitter about being Eastern Catholic because I feel I didn’t choose it but am now being encouraged to practice it to the full. I could try it more if I had a parish of my rite, because that would be easier than another Eastern rite, and out of obedience to the Church… Also I do like the Eastern liturgy very much ( none of this comes from any dislike for the East) - but now, I worry about how I’m not doing what I’m encouraged to do even if its not under pain of sin. I like to do things that the Church encourages but I don’t know how to in my case. There is such a concern about Latinization but what happens if a person is drawn to those things and can’t transfer rites?

 

[Digitonomy]

I would attend to your own spiritual well-being first, and from there try to conform yourself to the mind of the Church. Which it sounds like you are already doing, but having misgivings about.

You may always be more comfortable in the Latin church, or maybe not, but for now that is how things are. But I think it is appropriate to maintain links to your proper church sui iuris to the extent you can, by devotions and periodic attendance at the similar Ukrainian liturgies.

I’m not telling you anything you haven’t already considered, but one reason you’re not comfortable at the Ukrainian liturgies is that you presumably haven’t been going for very long. The more you go, the more comfortable you’ll become. And while you may feel like an exotic zoo animal at times, part of God’s plan for you may be for your presence to benefit the Ukrainian parishioners, through their discussions with you, and their considering some aspects of their faith that never come up when they are just among those of their own traditions.

To sum up: I think it’s good that you’re going to the Latin parish if that’s where you’re comfortable, I think it’s good that you’re trying to attend Ukrainian parish activities periodically, and I think it’s good that you are always considering where you are and how you might best do the Lord’s will.

 

[SyroMalankara]

Thanks for the replies… I’m Russian Catholic and my Bishop is the local Latin Ordinary and I was told by my Chancery that I’m not bound to Eastern calendar etc because I’m outside of territory of my church and V2 said something about that…

Regarding Ukrainian Catholic, I actually feel more at home in my Latin parish because I never really had an Eastern spirituality… I’d be interested I practicing it more in a parish of my rite, but I’d still want to also keep the Latin devotions and still go to the Latin parish other times. I asked some Eastern priests what I am supposed to do since I don’t have a parish of my rite, and they said I’m encouraged to attend another Eastern parish… I understand why and because Eastern Catholics have a right to their heritage, but in my situation its a struggle because of the spiritual reason, and also the parishes being very ethnic. You’d think that Ukrainian would be closer to Russian, but when everyone around you is of a particular nationality and you are not, it can be a distraction at a parish and I find it easier being in a Latin rite parish. I also grew up in North America and I only know a few Eastern Europeans. For these reasons and just because I’m so used to the Latin rite, its a struggle for me. You really feel the difference in nationality when everyone around you are of a particular nationality and you can’t relate as easily and don’t know people. Its sad but its a distraction. I wish it wasn’t like that. Also I’m used to things at my church that help me to pray and the emphasis on silence and various other customs…

I don’t know… I’ve had people encourage me to attend other Eastern rites believing this would be easier for me and a better fit, when its actually harder for me. I’m struggling to even not being bitter about being Eastern Catholic because I feel I didn’t choose it but am now being encouraged to practice it to the full. I could try it more if I had a parish of my rite, because that would be easier than another Eastern rite, and out of obedience to the Church… Also I do like the Eastern liturgy very much ( none of this comes from any dislike for the East) - but now, I worry about how I’m not doing what I’m encouraged to do even if its not under pain of sin. I like to do things that the Church encourages but I don’t know how to in my case. There is such a concern about Latinization but what happens if a person is drawn to those things and can’t transfer rites?

Where are you located? Most Ruthenian Catholic parishes are pretty Americanized, other than some traditional custom or festival, you’d be just another American. My family attends whenever we are in the area, as we are friends with some of the Ruthenian members.

 

[coptsoldier]

Whilst I am Byzantine Catholic, I have a deep love for many Latin traditions. I occasionally pray the Rosary and the Divine Chaplet. One can use whatever private devotion that encourages one on their road to theosis. However, when in the Temple itself we should follow faithful Eastern Tradition. A local Melkite Parish where I am does Euchristic Adoration. That, in my opinion, shouldn’t be happening as Adoration is a unique Latin tradition. WHilst it is beautiful, we should follow faithful byzantine tradition.

 

[DeniseNY]

Whilst I am Byzantine Catholic, I have a deep love for many Latin traditions. I occasionally pray the Rosary and the Divine Chaplet. One can use whatever private devotion that encourages one on their road to theosis. However, when in the Temple itself we should follow faithful Eastern Tradition. A local Melkite Parish where I am does Euchristic Adoration. That, in my opinion, shouldn’t be happening as Adoration is a unique Latin tradition. WHilst it is beautiful, we should follow faithful byzantine tradition.

I tend to agree with you.

While I also pray the Rosary and attend Adoration, when in my Byzantine parish it is (and should be) strictly Eastern.

 

[ngchase]

However since I wanted to be Latin, found the Church and a spiritual home in Latin rite parishes, and practice Latin devotions, I often wonder if I’m being disobedient to the Church…

I would simply go to the Latin Catholic parish you have found a spiritual home in. Receive the Holy Mysteries, seek spiritual direction from a spiritual father and love our Lord and His Church. (and every once in a while go to an Eastern parish)

My Byzantine parish has many canonically Latin-rite Catholics who are members because they love our Tradition and Church. I can’t see why you couldn’t do the same in the opposite direction.

 

[SyroMalankara]

Hi NGChase! By chance, do you attend the parish that Rev. Fr. Pipta was the priest of, before he moved to be rector of the seminary? My family and I have attended, beautiful temple!

 

[chimo]

Hello, this is just a topic that I sometimes struggle with… I understand that Eastern Catholics have a right to follow their traditions etc. But can they, from their own choice, practice something like the Sacred Heart devotion, the Rosary, Adoration, etc? Things like that lead me to the Church and are a major part of my spiritual life. If we can go to any liturgy, can we practice any private devotion? I’m talking not about latinization of liturgy etc - I mean what we do privately. Thank you!

I don’t see any problem in choosing a private devotion from the Catholic Church if you are Eastern Catholic. I am an Antiochian Orthodox Christian and I have chosen Catholic devotions such as the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy and the Stations of the Cross. Choosing a Catholic devotion from the Latin rite can be very helpful since the Catholic Church’s devotions were made more for home use while Eastern devotions as good as they are can be very exhausting for the average layperson since they were made for monastic use.

 

[Peter_J]

I don’t know… I’ve had people encourage me to attend other Eastern rites believing this would be easier for me and a better fit, when its actually harder for me. I’m struggling to even not being bitter about being Eastern Catholic because I feel I didn’t choose it but am now being encouraged to practice it to the full. I could try it more if I had a parish of my rite, because that would be easier than another Eastern rite, and out of obedience to the Church… Also I do like the Eastern liturgy very much ( none of this comes from any dislike for the East) - but now, I worry about how I’m not doing what I’m encouraged to do even if its not under pain of sin. I like to do things that the Church encourages but I don’t know how to in my case. There is such a concern about Latinization but what happens if a person is drawn to those things and can’t transfer rites?

Hi Monica. Perhaps a question to be asking yourself is whether you are being a bit “scrupulous”.

 

[Vico]

Thanks for the replies… I’m Russian Catholic and my Bishop is the local Latin Ordinary and I was told by my Chancery that I’m not bound to Eastern calendar etc because I’m outside of territory of my church and V2 said something about that…

Regarding Ukrainian Catholic, I actually feel more at home in my Latin parish because I never really had an Eastern spirituality… I’d be interested I practicing it more in a parish of my rite, but I’d still want to also keep the Latin devotions and still go to the Latin parish other times. I asked some Eastern priests what I am supposed to do since I don’t have a parish of my rite, and they said I’m encouraged to attend another Eastern parish… I understand why and because Eastern Catholics have a right to their heritage, but in my situation its a struggle because of the spiritual reason, and also the parishes being very ethnic. You’d think that Ukrainian would be closer to Russian, but when everyone around you is of a particular nationality and you are not, it can be a distraction at a parish and I find it easier being in a Latin rite parish. I also grew up in North America and I only know a few Eastern Europeans. For these reasons and just because I’m so used to the Latin rite, its a struggle for me. You really feel the difference in nationality when everyone around you are of a particular nationality and you can’t relate as easily and don’t know people. Its sad but its a distraction. I wish it wasn’t like that. Also I’m used to things at my church that help me to pray and the emphasis on silence and various other customs…

I don’t know… I’ve had people encourage me to attend other Eastern rites believing this would be easier for me and a better fit, when its actually harder for me. I’m struggling to even not being bitter about being Eastern Catholic because I feel I didn’t choose it but am now being encouraged to practice it to the full. I could try it more if I had a parish of my rite, because that would be easier than another Eastern rite, and out of obedience to the Church… Also I do like the Eastern liturgy very much ( none of this comes from any dislike for the East) - but now, I worry about how I’m not doing what I’m encouraged to do even if its not under pain of sin. I like to do things that the Church encourages but I don’t know how to in my case. There is such a concern about Latinization but what happens if a person is drawn to those things and can’t transfer rites?

I see that people think it is easier, but in reality it is not. However, Catholics are bound to not try to get you to change ritual church. The reason to preserve the tradition is not ease, rather it is both a right and an obligation of the faithful. As usual it is not only about only the individual but also about the community of the faithful. Maybe knowing this will help you not to be bitter.

Since our enrollment in a Church sui iuris is based upon our status, it is only a choice for us in some cases when our status changes, like marriage (at least for females). Complete freedom of enrollment is the norm only with adult baptism, where the catechumen may choose any Catholic church sui iuris.

 

[Monica4316]

They were encouraging me to attend another Eastern rite not to transfer to it but because it is more similar to Russian Catholic than Latin…

I don’t know… I’m hearing on one hand I’m obligated to follow my rite and then people are telling me I can attend any church including Latin… How do these two statements not contradict?

And if I should attend Eastern rite churches mostly, I feel forced to give up the spirituality I have known from the beginning of being Catholic… Because I was not practicing as an Orthodox. I see what you mean that ones’s rite is not a choice but if a person finds their spirituality in another rite they can switch… And I can’t because my application wasn’t accepted because they want to preserve Eastern rites. I am trying to accept that as God’s will, trying to follow Eastern fasts even though I was told I’m exempted from it, but because I’m encouraged… But what about my spirituality? I like the Eastern spirituality and liturgy too but going to another Eastern rite that is not my own is difficult for me. And I’ve always practiced as a Latin. People are telling me I can go anywhere for church, then Eastern priests encouraged me to attend Eastern liturgies, and then there’s the point about being obligated to my rite… I don’t understand how these three different statements go together and its almost causing a crisis of faith for me. I just want to attend my parish and think about my spiritual life and the idea of being disobedient causes me worry. If anyone could help to clear that up that would be great?

 

[Monica4316]

Hi Monica. Perhaps a question to be asking yourself is whether you are being a bit “scrupulous”.

Probably yes but I don’t understand how to be obedient to the Church when I’m being encouraged to attend Eastern liturgies and I’m not, but meanwhile I am very much at home at my parish… Its like I’m being told two contradictory things and I can’t figure out how they go together.

 

[Peter_J]

Probably yes but I don’t understand how to be obedient to the Church when I’m being encouraged to attend Eastern liturgies and I’m not, but meanwhile I am very much at home at my parish… Its like I’m being told two contradictory things and I can’t figure out how they go together.

Actually, I think that this part is rather easy to explain: encouragement is, by definition, not a matter of obedience. I.e. not doing something your encouraged to do is not disobedience.

But having said that, I must admit that the other part – the language of obligation – is harder. The nuance of such statement is hard to explain, but I’ll give it a bit of thought this weekend.

 

[Vico]

…

You wrote: " I’m hearing on one hand I’m obligated to follow my rite and then people are telling me I can attend any church including Latin… How do these two statements not contradict? " and “going to another Eastern rite that is not my own is difficult for me” and “the idea of being disobedient causes me worry”.

The canon law even states that you can attend any Catholic church sui iuris. The obligation to the eastern church faithful is:

• To fulfill with great diligence the duties owed to the universal Church and to one’s own Church sui iuris (CCEO 12.2, CIC 209.2)
• To foster an understanding and appreciation of one’s own rite, and to observe it everywhere unless something is excused by the law (CCEO 40.3)

So observations are public in the liturgy and in the sacramental discipline (which does not exclude reception of Eucharist and Confession and Anointing from another ritual church). One is free in Catholic private devotions (which may include devotions such as Rosary, Way of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, indulgences, etc.). It is particularly the sacramental discipline that is kept by law by the clergy in administering Holy Mysteries of Initiation, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.

 

[adamhovey1988]

I am a Latin and I regularly pray the Jesus Prayer
Whilst I have no objection to East practicing Latin traditions (and vice versa), I do think that we shall remember what makes our sui iuris church unique. For instance, I worship with Melkites, on occasion. It it so incredibly different than we in the west are used to, but it is still, the Divine Liturgy of the Mass. I don’t believe latinisations should be done in church buildings for Eastern Catholics, however. Sometimes, though, some of the Holy temples do in fact have stations of the cross in them because much of the time they were former Latin Parish Churches. If an Eastern Christian wants to attend stations of the Cross, they should most certainly be able to, however, as it is a Latin tradition, my preference is that they do not do it with their own parish community.

 

[ngchase]

Hi NGChase! By chance, do you attend the parish that Rev. Fr. Pipta was the priest of, before he moved to be rector of the seminary? My family and I have attended, beautiful temple!

Hello SyroMalankara,

Forgive me in not responding sooner to this reply. Yes, I am a member of Holy Angels in San Diego, where Fr. Robert was the pastor. I actually am the director of Religious education at the parish.

Nelson