Flat Liturgical expression

[MorEphrem]

Perhaps I’m a bit dense but I’m uncertain how one person can makes the words of eternal life and remission of sin “dull” or “meaningless.” I think that’s reflective of the listener’s personal disposition if they need a dramatic reading, as well as the fact they think it is their prerogative to question the way their pastor is celebrating liturgy (assuming it abides to the instructions of the Church).

 

[ProVobis]

…an older group of men and a few women would arrive to say the rosary before Mass.

I presume that they have the pastor’s permission to do this. After all, it could cut into the Mass start time if not disrupt all those who are trying to say their penance after confession, or Vespers, in your case.

 

[johnmann]

I know many with disagree but I view the readings as primarily didactic so comprehension is of utmost importance. At the same time, Mass should be a single cohesive liturgy so even the readings should comport with the dignity of say, the consecration. So my preference would be a vernacular proclamation. Not dramatic but not recto tono either.

 

[OraLabora]

I know many with disagree but I view the readings as primarily didactic so comprehension is of utmost importance. At the same time, Mass should be a single cohesive liturgy so even the readings should comport with the dignity of say, the consecration. So my preference would be a vernacular proclamation. Not dramatic but not recto tono either.

That’s what the abbey does. They proclaim the Word in French (the local vernacular). The readings are chanted. Not recto-tono, but on fairly simple tones where inflections mark the punctuation. During the Octave of Easter they use a special tone for the Gospel that really accentuates the mystery being celebrated.