**Someone wrote: ** *Depends where you were. There was a “Transitional” Missal released in 1965 which was essentially the EF, but celebrated almost entirely in the Vernacular. IIRC, this was not used everywhere, but then it wasn’t during my lifetime, so others will have to verify that. *
The enthusiasm expressed about the
Novus Ordo just baffles me! It was not the engine of renewal in the Church that enthusiasts describe; it surely accounted for massive decliness in Catholics’ attendance at Mass and for the dreadful fall in priestly vocations. The 1965 liturgy seems precious by comparison with that of 1970!
I was put off from “swimming the Tiber” in no small part due to the appalling trashing of Catholic worship that resulted from the
Novus Ordo! Finally, I have swallowed my reservations and go to a local church that worships with the
Novus Ordo, holding my nose and trying desperately to stifle my distaste, which never will disappear, simply because, despite the liturgical and artistic crimes that the Church has inflicted upon itself for its Western (“Latin” No More for all practical purposes) Rite, it still is the genuine Mass that the priest offers up in the
Novus Ordo Mass at the inverted altar. I used to experience such bliss, spiritual and artistic, in the 1962 genuine Vatican II Mass and, only somewhat less, in the 1965 Mass, but never, alas, shall I ever experience that with the
Novus Ordo.
The 1965 Mass in some parishes was celebrated in Latin or in a mix of Latin and the vernacular. I am old enough to remember that, singing in a Gregorian Choir back then.
Don’t make us laud what is so deficient! Obedience to attending the
Novus Ordo Mass is punishment enough for Catholics who knew the glories of the 1962 and 1965 Rites’ worship! Due to the recalcitrance of the local bishop here, no provisions for the 1962 Mass ever will be available in this diocese, which also is the case in all too many others, despite Benedict XVI’s generous provision and urgings.
Pax, Jerry Parker