You may have a point. Though I’m not convinced that it is the faithful at large that have a problem with either incense or Latin… it is a very small but very vocal group in many cases I suspect.Differences may relate in part to the obligatory aspect of Mass vs. benediction and the number of people who attend. With regard to incense, for example, I know of priests who won’t use it at Mass because they are guaranteed to get complaints from people with allergies or sensitivities (or possibly just plain crankiness). But benediction would have fewer people (and those who come probably know that the use of incense is common). The same may apply to the use of Latin – it plays to the particular audience who come to benediction which is a different group from those attending Mass.
No.Has anyone else noticed that in many parishes Benediction is celebrated in a much more traditional manner than the holy mass? I’ve come across numerous parishes that would never, ever use incense during holy mass, but they always do during Benediction. They would never dream in a million years of uttering a single word of Latin during holy mass, but will gladly sing the traditional Latin hymns during Benediction. It seems an odd disconnect to me.
This isn’t really an issue of “proper form”. In the OF mass, incense and Latin are options- thus with or without is proper. I just think it’s interesting that parishes that would never use Latin in mass will during Benediction.No.
Mass and Benediction are both celebrated in their proper forms.
Kind of upsets the notions that all OF Masses are lousy, eh?This isn’t really an issue of “proper form”. In the OF mass, incense and Latin are options- thus with or without is proper. I just think it’s interesting that parishes that would never use Latin in mass will during Benediction.
I don’t see anywhere that the OP said or even implied that the omission of incense or Latin in an OF Mass was in any way improper–perhaps not his preference, but not improper at all–or that all OF Masses were lousy. Thus, I don’t understand your defensiveness here.Kind of upsets the notions that all OF Masses are lousy, eh?
Because we do things differently doesn’t mean we do them wrong.
The use of incense is optional.
It’s overuse makes people feel queasy.
Simple as that.
No.
Mass and Benediction are both celebrated in their proper forms.
Where did I say OF masses are lousy? I normally attend OF masses- though at my cathedral that often involves both incense and Latin polyphony on the part of the choir (even if most of the mass is in English).Kind of upsets the notions that all OF Masses are lousy, eh?
Because we do things differently doesn’t mean we do them wrong.
The use of incense is optional.
It’s overuse makes people feel queasy.
Simple as that.
CHAPTER V.
**On the solemn ceremonies of the Sacrifice of the Mass.
And whereas such is the nature of man, that, without external helps, he cannot easily be raised to the meditation of divine things; therefore has holy Mother Church instituted certain rites, to wit that certain things be pronounced in the mass in a low, and others in a louder, tone. She has likewise employed ceremonies, such as mystic benedictions, lights, incense, vestments, and many other things of this kind, derived from an apostolical discipline and tradition, whereby both the majesty of so great a sacrifice might be recommended, and the minds of the faithful be excited, by those visible signs of religion and piety, to the contemplation of those most sublime things which are hidden in this sacrifice.**
That’s a very beautiful passage. Thanks for posting it.I think it’s important to know why incense is used. According to Trent, Session 22,
That’s really shocking. Did she say anything more after this outburst?We once had an incident at my parish where we were using a Latin mass setting and a parishioner screamed in the middle of the Sanctus “NO MORE LATIN!”. She was taken aside by the pastor after Mass.
Good observation. I suppose the same could be said about the other apostolic disciplines mentioned by Trent above.Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but from what I understand, the rite of Benediction was not reformed during the 1960s when most of the other rites, like Mass, were.
Also, during the height of liturgical experimentation (and abuse), Adoration and Benediction was more rare–so in some sense, it remained untouched by those influences. It’s renewal in popularity came once things had calmed down a bit.
I have been to untold numbers of funerals (lots of relatives) and incense is always used right at the end of Mass around the casket or urn.Is incense required at any OF Mass? Is it even required at Easter Vigil? Does anyone know? In my parish incense is used on Solemnities at the discretion of the celebrant.
-Tim-
Here’s my guesses as to why:Has anyone else noticed that in many parishes Benediction is celebrated in a much more traditional manner than the holy mass? I’ve come across numerous parishes that would never, ever use incense during holy mass, but they always do during Benediction. They would never dream in a million years of uttering a single word of Latin during holy mass, but will gladly sing the traditional Latin hymns during Benediction. It seems an odd disconnect to me.