Dolly:
Good comments and question Ham1.
Also Pilgrim and Crusader, do you have any experience of Latin Catholics attending eastern Catholic parishes, not because they want to be an eastern Catholic, but primarily because they are disaffected Latin’s? That has been my, grantedly small, experience—if there were a good (as they see it) Novus Ordo mass or a Tridentine mass locally, they would probably bolt in a blink to that parish. Some have come trying to latinize, fortunately not successfully, but most don’t seem to be eastern in practice or knowledge nor desire to be. They are Latin in heart and this is a stop gap. They seem to consider the latin rite ‘Catholic’ and not the Byzantine (it’s not ‘catholic’ enough, meaning latin enough). Comment made to me once, “they are more byzantine than catholic” but not with anything to back it up except they didn’t seem to like eastern theology.
If, as Catholics, we really could learn to breathe with both lungs and see them both as fully catholic, and if those on the extreme traditional wing could also except both as fully catholic, we would then be able to live out our faith and allow others to see it and want to be a part of it.
BTW, St. Anne’s in San Luis Obispo is listed as having 36 families. All the western eparchy Ruthenian parishes are small only with 3 listed as over 100 families, none over 150 families.
Hi, Dolly!
You are so right! My experience has been that most Latins who take it upon themselves to visit a Byzantine Catholic Church may do so originally for the “smells and bells”… the rich ceremonial nature of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. They may come hoping to somehow duplicate ancient “feel” of the Tridentine Mass that may not be available to them in their area, but you typically won’t see those folks
continue coming back. That’s because all those “smells and bells” have a
meaning behind them, and unless one “buys into” the theological conceps associated with Eastern Catholicism, they soon become just as meaningless to them as the watered-down rites of Novus Ordo they may be attempting to flee.
The Eastern Catholic Liturgy “fits” with Eastern Catholic theology - attempts to force a fit between Western theological philosophies and Eastern ceremonials often times will leave the individual confused, lost and, ultimately, just as empty as what they’re leaving behind.
There are many Latins who visit Byzantine Catholic internet forums similar to this one.
Almost without exception, those who seem to be finding a
true fit with the Eastern Catholic Church speak of being
“drawn” to it - as if “Something”
is actually pulling them Eastward. Of course, we realize that this is
exactly what’s happening - certainly this is the work of the Holy Spirit! These folks are the ones who are not just attracted by the Eastern
ceremonials, but are also attracted by the subtle (and, in some cases, not-so-subtle!) differences between Western and Eastern
theology!
It’s a package deal, and unless an individual finds fulfillment in
both the Eastern Catholic ceremonials
and the theological beliefs behind those ceremonials, the Eastern Catholic Church will most likely remain, for that individual, something of a seemingly “less-than-Catholic” novelty.
Crusader speaks of Latins who attend a Byzantine Church in his area. He says,
“It’s considered a haven of sorts for those who can no longer tolerate liturgical abuses.” I have no doubt that he is correct in his assessment, but I find it sad that folks even
have to seek out havens from intolerable Church-related situations. In my mind, these poor folks are sadly missing the boat if they believe that the mere presence of ancient ceremonials - which the Byzantine Catholic Church is indeed rich with - is going to be enough to reaffirm their faith, and I pray for them.
All that being said, I would, again, invite
all Latins to at least
experience worship in the Eastern Catholic Tradition. If the Holy Spirit believes that there’s a fit in your life, believe me, He’ll let you know!
a pilgrim
