JKirkLVNV:
Demand has to preceed an offer, in this case. We’ve too few priests. If a bishop has good reason to offer it (demand, for example) then he should offer it. If those who think it would be “nice” can’t be bothered to drive across town, then they must not want it very bad and if I were the bishop, I wouldn’t take any action on it, either.
I wouldn’t agree with the demand preceeding the offer.
I was born in 1962 so I have no recollection of Latin or even traditional celebrations of the Novus Ordo since my childhood parish got right into the form we see today (a-la 60’s and 70’s decor and style).
But, as a teen I secretely desired to learn Latin and even attempted to teach myself. Then, as I struggled I wondered what I was doing since I would never likely hear it in the context of Mass.
Move forward to 2005. I walked through the doors of Assumption Grotto, lured by several things on Pentecost, especially the “Orchestral Mass” that I saw advertised on their website. Much to my surprise I witnessed a traditionally celebrated Novus Ordo, in Latin, and with the priest in the ad orientem posture. I was so captivated by the experience I was drawn back for weekday Masses - something I’ve not done before in secular life. Within three days I was so moved by this Mass that it changed my entire view of the Mass, and ultimately my life! Yes, this Mass was at the very core of a huge inner conversion. I have been going there ever since. I registered in that urban parish just one month after walking through those doors and the conversion process continues. I’ve never made this kind of spiritual progress in all my life. And, the culture that comes with this style of worship is also very, very big on the Sacrament of Penance. It was hard to resist going with so many people standing in 3-4 confession lines prior to Mass. It was inviting. Hence, with a Latin Novus Ordo or a TLM, a particular kind of culture comes along for the ride - one rich with sacramental life, reverence and devotion. There is so much adoration, benediction, Holy Hours for vocations, Novenas I never experienced, and a heavy Marian emphasis, which had been almost devoid in my previous parishes.
Like other parishes which have a Latin Novus Ordo, we have only one weekend Mass out of 4 that is in Latin. The rest are in the vernacular. So, it’s not like the parish is ramming it down people’s throats. Those who are moved by Latin come to the 9:30 am Mass. Booklets provide near literal translations - the kind found in the column Fr. John Zuhlsdorf writes called “What does the Prayer Really Say”. I caught these translations right away as far more beautiful and richer in meaning than that to which I was accustomed. I also found that by following in the booklet, I paid attention to words that had gone over my head from years of hearing them. It was like seeing these things new for the first time.
I have witnessed many young seminarians in my area make use of Mass in Latin. They are very reserved in the way they celebrate the Mass and they are orthodox - quite apparent from the rich, full homilies. I truly believe that in the years to come, as these fine young men become pastors, they will bring Latin back into the Novus Ordo. For many, it will be mixed, such as the way it is in the EWTN mass.
In my mind, the most charitable thing to do for Catholics is to offer, within each vicariate of each diocese, at least one Novus Ordo in Latin, celebrated with the kind of reservedness seen in the TLM. It doesn’t have to be ad orientem, but in Latin and reserved. People should not have to drive an hour to experience a reserved liturgy, especially since the Pope’s have requested that some Latin be used in liturgies. And, I’ll admit, Latin is not a requirement for the traditional experience, but from what I’ve seen in my area, more young people are attracted to it than older, nostaligic folk.
I believe if there had always been Latin Novus Ordo’s readily available to those who like it, celebrated in such a reserved manner, my gut feeling is that we may not have experienced a schism on the part of the SSPX. I can truly understand how people felt that they were being neglected in their worshiping needs, but I do not condone their separation. I don’t doubt that some want the TLM period, but I just don’t think the rebellion wouldn’t have started if the Latin hadn’t been stripped and if the Novus Ordo wasn’t hi-jacked by wayward liturgists - some with really good intentions, and some with not so good intentions.
Don’t worry. I’m in little danger of watching anything the communards of Hollywood produce. When they put the words of Our Lord, “You’re either with me or against me” in the mouth of Darth Vader in the last Star Wars movie, I decided they can drag people’s souls to hell without my further monetary contribution.