In Praise of the Low Mass

[Cowboy2012]

Having been broken in and assisted at more low Masses than High/Cantatas, I do enjoy the silence inherently involved in it in a special way. I also think, for one just starting to assist at the TLM that the Low Mass is easier to take in, at least that was my experience. I am not pitting one against the other, it is just that it is a little easier to follow for the unitiated. Also, having served countless Low Masses, a good many of them as the only laymen there, or just a few souls, it can get to be a little more intimate.
Just my thoughts.

CB

 

[Celticnovice]

Once I understood the purpose of a Low Mass, I became a “fan” and haven’t looked back since…

It is especially nice experience the contemplative side of the Latin rite, which doesn’t get as much attention as it could.

 

[Hesychios]

Once I understood the purpose of a Low Mass, I became a “fan” and haven’t looked back since…

It is especially nice experience the contemplative side of the Latin rite, which doesn’t get as much attention as it could.

I have been a longtime admirer of Blessed Charles de Foucault, and the religious communities inspired by his example.

Blessed Charles led an eremetical life, the foundations he inspired are much more activist, but their charism is very contemplative. They understand and appreciate the value of meditative silence, which is used effectively in small groups.

In a setting like that a low Mass is not only appropriate but can be extremely moving.

The ‘speedy Mass’, of course is not what I am referring to here. It is not necessary for a low Mass to be a quick Mass, but it does seem necessary for a quick Mass to be a low Mass.

 

[Rich_C]

I just read “A Bitter Trial,” a great collection of correspondence of the English author Evelyn Waugh about how Vatican II and the consilium affected the English laity. Mr. Waugh and the Archbishop of Westminster both wrote that English Catholics were particularly attached to the Low Mass.

I thought that was very interesting since it is not considered to be the highest expression of the Mass. For them, it had a lot to do with it being the Mass that survived the English Reformation, secretly in Catholic homes. They often thought of how all their martyrs died for it.

I will appreciate the Low Mass more for having read that.

 

[Cowboy2012]

I have not read “A Bitter Trial”. I have read some of Waugh here and there. I know he was not happy with the changes, to put it lightly, and he died before the New Mass if I remember correctly. So much to read, I will see if I get to this someday. Thanks.
CB

 

[sw85]

I have not read “A Bitter Trial”. I have read some of Waugh here and there. I know he was not happy with the changes, to put it lightly, and he died before the New Mass if I remember correctly. So much to read, I will see if I get to this someday. Thanks.
CB

Tolkien, too, was deeply wounded by the change in the liturgy, and according to his grandson, continued to shout out the replies in Latin rather than in English. Much of this was due to his grandmother’s conversion to Roman Catholicism, which resulted in her being shunned by her family and ultimately dying in poverty.

I sometimes think people don’t fully appreciate the extent to which people became invested in the old form of the Mass, to which they came to need it and depend on it, and to which they felt absolutely betrayed when it was taken from them with virtually no notice or recourse.

 

[Cowboy2012]

SW, You are so right about the actual hurt and confusion that occurred at the time of the changes(and what still occurrs.) Many converts of just a few years before wondered why they had been catechised so properly and then had a rug pulled from under their feet. This is not opinion, but fact.
I won’t derail the thread. Just a reminder for us to be thankful to have the grace to want to cleave to what Holy Mother Church has taught.

CB