Going to my first Manoite liturgy tomorrow

[ringil]

This is the closest church to my home and also at a good time for me. In addition to the more mundane aspects which will bring me to celebrate with my Eastern brethren, I have watched a Maronite Qurbono on youtube and was struck with the beauty of the liturgy.

The Consecration was especially beautiful. I was struck by the intimate and emotional sense that came across in the prayers. It seemed quite powerful and I am excited to go and celebrate. I will show up a bit early and introduce myself to an usher at least, and to the priest if it seems appropriate as the church is quite small and I imagine I will stand out like a sore thumb.

I will write tomorrow of my experience.

 

[I_Thirst]

Look forward to hearing your report!

 

[ringil]

Well, just got back.

The liturgy was very nice, especially the Consecration and the singing. It seems that Maronites really are much more into singing and singing loudly, and rather well, than my latin confreres.

The most striking thing for me was their liturgy combines solemnity with a “tenderness” and emotionality that I don’t find as much co-existing in the Latin church. In the Latin Church, masses with more emotion and passion can tend to be more liberal than is my preference. And TLM and very reverent OF masses can be beautiful and solemn but, just to me, seem more stiff. The maronite liturgy shows a solemn yearing and warmness which is nice.

They had a small book to follow along but it seemed to be from a different Sunday. Songs were listed which I recognized but I don’t believe any were sung at all. Parts of the liturgy were sung however.

I wish that the readings were also read in English but, hey, it’s their tradition so that’s just my thing. I ws a bit lost at times but that was fine. I also like the EF mass and I am also lost there, so I am able to participate as best I can and leave the rest up to God.

The priest left through the side door and I didn’t see him as I left. I would have liked to have introduced myself and ask a few questions so that was unfortunate.

So, in any case, I will probable be going to this church qhite a bit more as I don’t drive and it is within walking distance, plus my wife, though Catholic, isn’t so into going to mass regularly. THis can be hard.

Now, I don’t know what parish I will join if any. We just moved here- to Buffalo.

Does anyone here think it might be a good idea to attempt a short appointment wit the priest there?

 

[AndrewF1995]

Well, just got back.

The liturgy was very nice, especially the Consecration and the singing. It seems that Maronites really are much more into singing and singing loudly, and rather well, than my latin confreres.

The most striking thing for me was their liturgy combines solemnity with a “tenderness” and emotionality that I don’t find as much co-existing in the Latin church. In the Latin Church, masses with more emotion and passion can tend to be more liberal than is my preference. And TLM and very reverent OF masses can be beautiful and solemn but, just to me, seem more stiff. The maronite liturgy shows a solemn yearing and warmness which is nice.

They had a small book to follow along but it seemed to be from a different Sunday. Songs were listed which I recognized but I don’t believe any were sung at all. Parts of the liturgy were sung however.

I wish that the readings were also read in English but, hey, it’s their tradition so that’s just my thing. I ws a bit lost at times but that was fine. I also like the EF mass and I am also lost there, so I am able to participate as best I can and leave the rest up to God.

The priest left through the side door and I didn’t see him as I left. I would have liked to have introduced myself and ask a few questions so that was unfortunate.

So, in any case, I will probable be going to this church qhite a bit more as I don’t drive and it is within walking distance, plus my wife, though Catholic, isn’t so into going to mass regularly. THis can be hard.

Now, I don’t know what parish I will join if any. We just moved here- to Buffalo.

Does anyone here think it might be a good idea to attempt a short appointment wit the priest there?

I’m in buffalo too, which church was it? St John Maron?

 

[ringil]

I’m in buffalo too, which church was it? St John Maron?

Yep!

I didn’t know what to do when the servers came down the aisle for the sign of peace. I was surprised that his hands were folded so I kind of “shook” his folded hands. I’m pretty sure I did that wrong!

 

[I_Thirst]

Thanks for the report back! It sounds wonderful. If I had a Catholic Church, Roman or Eastern, within walking distance, it would be the one I attended. Everything in my neck of the woods is only within driving distance.

Yes, I think you should meet with the priest.

 

[AndrewF1995]

Yep!

I didn’t know what to do when the servers came down the aisle for the sign of peace. I was surprised that his hands were folded so I kind of “shook” his folded hands. I’m pretty sure I did that wrong!

I went there for the first time recently for the lebanese festival, but never for the liturgy. I might go soon on a sunday! I was looking at the books in the pews and it seemed nice.