Learning to Love your Rite?

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Antonius_Lupus

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Dear brothers and sisters,

As many of y’all know, I have been exploring Eastern Catholicism due to its rich expression of the Faith. However I reminded of the fact that God chose to make me a Roman Catholic for a reason.

I feel sometimes that Roman Catholicism has lost its awe. While the Roman Catholic Church has not lost the Truth of the Faith, I feel that she has lost the beauty of the Faith’s expression. Many Roman Catholics are becoming Eastern Catholics or even Eastern Orthodox, because (among other reasons) there is a beautiful and awesome worship to be found in the other rites of the Church.

I come from a long-line of Spanish ancestors and I am well on my way to becoming bilingual. Sometimes when I think about the mysticism of St. Theresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross (both were Spaniards) I wonder what has happened to this sense of liturgical awe in Roman Catholicism.

What has happened to the Roman expression of the Faith?

Is there a Western style of Christian mysticism and liturgical awe that can stand toe-to-toe with Eastern Catholicism?
 
i am confused on all of this. im new to learning that there is even an eastern catholicism. i thought we became one church agian. WHAT would be the difference
 
i am confused on all of this. im new to learning that there is even an eastern catholicism. i thought we became one church agian. WHAT would be the difference
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It is one Church. All the doctrines are the same. The only difference is, if I understand correctly, the way the Mass is celebrated, and the Eastern Rites are more likely to use Icons (or Ikons) and the West is more likely to use Statues. Correctly phrased, we are part of the Catholic church, Roman Rite.

There is still very reverent and mystical expressions of Roman Rite Catholicism. The third link is particularly beautiful.

youtube.com/watch?v=9eFAgs5MG8E&feature=related
youtube.com/watch?v=jtJb_zWDw0U
youtube.com/watch?v=Xx33NiZO8Lc&feature=related

On prayers, sacramentals, and actions:

fisheaters.com/beingcatholic.html
 
Antonius_Lupus said:
Dear brothers and sisters,

As many of y’all know, I have been exploring Eastern Catholicism due to its rich expression of the Faith. However I reminded of the fact that God chose to make me a Roman Catholic for a reason.

I feel sometimes that Roman Catholicism has lost its awe. While the Roman Catholic Church has not lost the Truth of the Faith, I feel that she has lost the beauty of the Faith’s expression. Many Roman Catholics are becoming Eastern Catholics or even Eastern Orthodox, because (among other reasons) there is a beautiful and awesome worship to be found in the other rites of the Church.

I come from a long-line of Spanish ancestors and I am well on my way to becoming bilingual. Sometimes when I think about the mysticism of St. Theresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross (both were Spaniards) I wonder what has happened to this sense of liturgical awe in Roman Catholicism.

What has happened to the Roman expression of the Faith?

Is there a Western style of Christian mysticism and liturgical awe that can stand toe-to-toe with Eastern Catholicism?
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All Rites of the Church have many beautiful and unique gifts to bring to the Church. I believe God calls each of us to make all sorts of decisions, and has plans for us to go certain places. Even if you choose a different way than what God wants, you may be saved in the end, and you may get a lot from and give a lot to the place you do go- but wouldn’t you rather go where God plans for you to go. I imagine if it is God’s plan, it will be the best- even if your, different, plan turns out ok.

If you see a need for a restoration of Latin-Rite Catholic spirituality, you may be called to work to restore it. Switching to another rite may help you, but it sure doesn’t do much for people who feel the same way as you- who want the richness and beauty of their own Rite to shine more clearly to the world.
 
m134e5 said:
All Rites of the Church have many beautiful and unique gifts to bring to the Church. I believe God calls each of us to make all sorts of decisions, and has plans for us to go certain places. Even if you choose a different way than what God wants, you may be saved in the end, and you may get a lot from and give a lot to the place you do go- but wouldn’t you rather go where God plans for you to go. I imagine if it is God’s plan, it will be the best- even if your, different, plan turns out ok.

If you see a need for a restoration of Latin-Rite Catholic spirituality, you may be called to work to restore it. Switching to another rite may help you, but it sure doesn’t do much for people who feel the same way as you- who want the richness and beauty of their own Rite to shine more clearly to the world.
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I just lament the way the liturgical beauty of our Rite has gone down hill. Sigh.
 
Antonius_Lupus said:
I just lament the way the liturgical beauty of our Rite has gone down hill. Sigh.
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I’m right there with you, and I’m about to petition for a Canonical Transfer to join the Maronites.

I must warn you though, do not join an Eastern Catholic Church (they’re referred to as Churches, not rites. many easterners get offended, and understandably so when their Church is referred to as a Rite) because you like their liturgy. That’s a great offense to them, and also to your former ritual Church. You’ll have to do a lot of research, prayer, talking with the priest at the particular parish. You’ll have to take that particular Church in it’s entirety. That means its theology, customs, spirituality, liturgy, etc.

The Eastern Churches have so much to offer the Church as a whole, but sadly many Roman Catholics are ignorant of their existence. I originally started attending my Maronite parish because all the Latin Churches in my area were more Protestant than the Protestant ones!:eek: However, I learned their theology, customs, etc. and I feel in love with them and feel completely and 100% connected to them. Some say that the Roman Liturgy (Mass) is the oldest, but there are many Eastern Catholic Divine Liturgies that are far older and still have their beauty and antiquity.

You’re certainly in my prayers, and if you ever want to talk about Eastern Catholicism, certainly feel free to give me a PM.

Alaha minokhoun
Andrew
 
How do you lose awe in the Eucharist, if you believe that it is the body and blood of Christ?

Is it actually the aesthetics of the ritual that draws you? If so, get your priorities in order.

Jesus is present in the Eucharist, that is what’s awesome, not the aesthetic style of the rite.

Jim
 
Antonius_Lupus said:
I just lament the way the liturgical beauty of our Rite has gone down hill. Sigh.
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You aren’t the only one who feels this way. There are places that present Latin Rite Catholicism as it should be. They are few and far between, unfortunately, because the cultural idea of “simplicity” has taken its toll- but with every culture, there is a counterculture- and it’s growing. There are groups who, when told they shouldn’t be submissive to God put communion rails in and kneel for communion anyway. There are groups who, when told the Mass is about them and the priest should face them have Mass ad orientem anyway. There are groups who, when told that nobody understands Latin anymore and won’t get as much out of a Latin Mass, always go to the Latin Mass- and have a very deep spiritual life. There are groups who use nice vestments, liturgical vessels, and altars, and churches even though society says “that could have been sold, and the money given to the poor” (which disciple said that?!)

Sometime ago, there was a huge forest fire in Yellowstone National Park (I think that’s where it was…it’s been about 10 years or so since I learned this). Many, many, huge, centuries-old trees were burned to the ground. It was total devastation- things looked bad for awhile, but the next Spring, the wildflowers were astonishing- the absence of the trees and everything else allowed them to grow. This is a good example of how God works- purifying things- letting them be nearly destroyed, and bringing them up again, refreshed and renewed.

Join the counterculture. Study the rich liturgical heritage that we have, and let it impact your life. Find ways to get involved in the liturgy somehow (such as being in a Schola or choir that specializes in traditional Catholic music, by being active in the liturgical planning of your parish, by taking classes on the liturgy and Catholic Tradition- if you are able, and- most importantly- by devoutly praying for a “restoration of the sense of the sacred” (the Charism of the Society of Saint John Cantius).
 
Hello,
JimR-OCDS said:
How do you lose awe in the Eucharist, if you believe that it is the body and blood of Christ?

Is it actually the aesthetics of the ritual that draws you? If so, get your priorities in order.

Jesus is present in the Eucharist, that is what’s awesome, not the aesthetic style of the rite.

Jim
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Yes, we need to get our priorities straight. It is precisely because Jesus in in the Eucharist that we must make our Liturgies as beautiful as possible. We must not present Him, Who is Beauty itself a load of garbage and call it a Mass.

Mass is to be a meeting of Heaven and earth. It is a foretaste of our eternal inheritance. And what is presented by a large percentage of parishes is not very appetizing to contemplate spending and eternity with. Neither must we go back to the Tridentine Liturgy to bring beauty back (though it may perhaps be the easier route). The Mass of Paul VI can also be very beautiful. It too can have the beauty of the ages.

Novus Ordo Solemn Mass, Part 1
Novus Ordo Solemn Mass, Part 2

I do believe that the Holy Father is working to enact the true reforms called for by the Vatican II Council, and bring true beauty and dignity back to all the Catholic Masses.

FYI, the Eastern Liturgies have always been more elaborate (if you will) than the Western Liturgies, even before Vatican II. They really pull all the stops for grandeur and pomp and circumstance. The Latin Church’s Liturgy has always been comparably much more austere (and there is a beauty in that also). For a complete study as to why and how this is, you’d probably need a book (or 10) - certainly more than can be analyzed in an online thread.
 
Hello,

Antonius, you should also be aware that along with the Liturgy, the Byzantines have a different theological outlook and prayer life.

We all within the Catholic Church believe the same truth, but between the various rites (and even within rites) we have different ways of viewing that truth. Imagine looking at a sculpture. We all see the same work of art, but we look at it differently. Some may see an emphasis in one area, someone else another.

Also, the Byzantines have a different praxis for prayer (aside from the Liturgy). They don’t use Rosaries, Novenas, Stations of the Cross, etc. What you’ll find them using are Prayer Ropes for the Jesus Prayer, Akathist Hymns, Molebens, etc. You wouldn’t be forbidden to say the Rosary privately, but it won’t be easy to find a Byzantine Church saying a Rosary before Liturgy.

They also have much more rigorous penitential practices than the Latin Church. Fasting and abstaining from meat, dairy, oil, wine for all of Lent (everyday - not just Fridays). Depending on the particular Church, a stringent week long fast (among other preparations) to receive Communion is required.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to discourage or dissuade you from attending a Byzantine Catholic Church or even switching rites if that is where you are called (hey, we’re all Catholic). But, you should be aware of more than just their beautiful Liturgy - and you will if you attend their Church for a while.

If you have any questions, you may ask here or in the Eastern Catholicism board - or feel free to pm me.
 
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