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ThuribleGuy45
Guest
I don’t doubt what you’re saying, but who was the second ticket to be used for if not the deacon’s wife? Were they supposed to bring their golf buddy? That’s a very disturbing story.
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J
JReducation
Guest
I think I may have suggested it on another thread, but just in case it was someone else, try EWTN.
I’m really enjoying their broadcast and they do reruns at night if you miss the events during the day.
A
anamchara
Guest
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Joannm
Guest
It was to be used by another deacon or preist or religious. You were given a form to put two names down I guess so that you could sit together.
F
FAB
Guest
I also believe that these items are what we are called to focus upon, to bring unity into the church. #5 is for the faithful, but much more for the secular. No more can it be said that the church is trying to run or hide the issue. No more do cahtolics some how have to hang thier heads and find some time inadiquate explaination of what happened to others.That is a very unfair statement.
Focus on the Holy Father’s messages instead of the liturgy at DC.
JR
- Unity of Christians
- Role of the USA in the world
- The respoonsibilities of the UN to human rights
- The connection between Jews and Christians
- The sexual abuse scandal
- The place of people with disabilities in the Church
- The education of seminarians
- Catholic education
- The contributions of Americans to the Catholic Church
- The vitality that religiious life brings to the Church
As I watch the mass I had a couple of thoughts. How wonderful and rich is our liturgy that it can be celebrated in National Staduim in what was a a mass to celebrate to diversity of our faith and a liturgy that be celebrated as a “high mass” reminding us of our traditon.
These two contrast show that the Church is for all people. In his meetings with other religuious leaders, the Pope is keeping open important diologe, make Christ’s church the light in a troubled world, calling for us the put aside our differences as the faithful and shine as part of that light.
If I were not of the faith, and came across this site, I would think that the church was one that was fractured, with people more concerned with the faults of our liturgy and leaders than followers of our Savior. I of course know that is not the case. But I do know that renewal is needed. Not renewal in bring back traditional rights, but renewal of each of our own spirits to live and proclaim the word in our lives. To live our faith, and share our faith as though Jesus is standing at our side.
Peace,
FAB
J
JReducation
Guest
This is an excellent post. I would also add two things.
- The number of religioius men and women at the mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral representing older and newer congregations and orders tell us that what people are saying about the decline in vocations is not a critical as people want to make it sound. We may have less, but we seem to have more holy men and women. I thought that the three Sisters who read the scriptures and the responsorial psalm bear a great witness to the fact that religious life is alive and well in the USA.
- I also felt very happy to see the Holy Father pray for the Brothers. Brothers have usually been mistreated and ignored by the laity in the United States. Many lay people treat Brothers as if they are men who “didn’t go all the way to the priesthood.” Nothing can be further from the truth. Christ called these men to consecrate their lives to him by living according to the charism of their religious institute, vowing powerty, obedience and chastity for the rest of their lives. Their life is to be a life of prayer, penance, and service to those in need. This is a very different call from the call to the priesthood. Priests are not called to live a consecrated life. They are called to live a life of priestly ministry which does not include vows, rules, charisms and community. It was nice to see the Brothers get recognition, especially when the two Brothers brought up the gifts. I believe one is a Franciscan and teh other is a Christian Brother.
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ProVobis
Guest
As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t believe in watching Mass (any Mass) on TV, unless it’s instructional. To me, TV is entertainment and I would rather not associate the Mass with entertainment. EWTN may be “reverent” but it’s still TV, though I do admit having watched the Sep 14th EF Mass out of weakness.
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mercygate
Guest
Indeed, I am frequently in a position to remind myself that if Jesus can show up for Marty Haugen without rolling his eyeballs, then so can I.
Yankee Stadium was a refreshing surprise.
F
Fitswimmer
Guest
Well, I’m hoping that some people found the coverage as inspiring as I did. I have never been lucky enough to see the Holy Father, so watching on TV is the closest I could get. I was VERY inspired by his words and by the light of Christ that just seems to shine through him. I Tivo’s EWTN’s coverage and I’m going to save it so that when I hit a dry patch I can watch it again.
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ProVobis
Guest
I’m not saying it’s wrong, but whenever you hear applause, then it’s probably because it’s designed to be entertainment. Having said that, it’s possible to be inspired by entertainment obviously, but I don’t think the Mass should ever be undermined by applause.
F
Fitswimmer
Guest
It’s jarring to me too-but how else could the people express their joy at being with the Holy Father? I think the reason he did not discourage it was becuase he understood that people wanted to do that, and even though it’s not proper for liturgy he wanted to allow them that opportunity. I’m sure he was hoping that the greater good would come in an awakening of faith and interest by those who attended. I’m hoping that some of them are online today reading his writings, or went to morning mass, or said a rosary or read their Bible…
I was very inspiried by his visit and I wasn’t even one of the lucky people who saw him live-I only watched on TV!
S
stmaria
Guest
I didn’t have a problem with the applause for the Pope. Those in attendance couldn’t contain their joy of having the Vicar of Christ in their presence. Applause for a layman at a Mass is a different matter.
At least twice at St Patricks the Holy Father refered to himself as the “successor of Peter”. That one statement of truth will spark more interest in the history and teachings of the Church by non-Catholics than any “ecumenical dialogue” that has taken place in the last 40 years.
F
Fitswimmer
Guest
I’m looking forward to reading the texts from his sermons and talks.
D
Deacon_Ed_B
Guest
I especially liked what Vice-President Chaney said in the farewell at the airport. If you missed it, it was most edifying.
Prayers & blessings
Deacon Ed B
Prayers & blessings
Deacon Ed B
J
JReducation
Guest
Every event during the papal visit was beautiful and meaningful in its own way. Each event had a special message for the world, but especially for Catholics. It’s no surprise that the target audience of each event be Catholics, because the Holy Father is the chief shepherd of the Catholic Church.
As to the fact that it was available on television, this is not a surprise, because the Holy See has used the media as a means of communication during liturgy and other events since the 1960s. The Holy See wants the Liturgies of the Church on television, internet and radio. In fact, the Holy See owns its own television studio. That’s how we get the live feeds from masses celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Yesterday, there was a televised tour of the Vatican and the Holy See. The tower is located on the rear of St. Peter’s Basilica, because it is the highest point on Vatican Hill. We need not be afraid that the Liturgies of the Church are being converted into entertainment. On the contrary, the Church is teaching us the appropriate use of mass media communication.
As to the applause during the liturgies and different rituals, those were also appropriate. They are spontaneous signs of love and joy. Love and joy are part of our faith. We are not Calvinists. We are Catholics. We don’t say mass, we celebrate mass. Our faith is built upon the joy of the Resurrection. Without the Resurrection, Jesus would have been just another Jew sentenced to capital punishment by the Romans.
Imagine the joy of the Apostles when they saw their Master alive. Suffering and joy is the trademark of Catholicism. During the Liturgy at St. Patrick’s Cathedral the religious interrupted the Pope as he was beginning the penitential rite, they again interrupted Cardinal Egan as he addressed the Pope. At that point the Pope, who was sitting, stood and bowed to the religious with a broad smile on his face. He was happy to be with them and was elated by their display of respect and love for Peter.
Such displays of love toward the Vicar of Christ take nothing away from Christ or the solemnity of the Liturgy. To display love and joy toward Christ’s Vicar in the end is a display of love for Christ. Were it not for the faith in Christ’s words to Peter, the Pope would mean nothing to those who were present. He means something to these men and women because they have consecrated their lives to Christ and this is his vicar among them. He represents the goal of their lives and their spouse. It would be unreasonable to expect a religious or even a lay person to meet Christ and not express some kind of love and joy.
There are two truths that apply to the Holy Father’s visit. First, this is the servant who has been entrusted with the care of God’s household. Why shouldn’t the world see him on television and why shouldn’t Christians acknowledge this great honour with cheers and applause? He has been entrusted with the most sacred duty.
The second truth is similar to the first. He has been entrusted with the care of his household, because he is faithful and wise. Fidelity and wisdom deserve to be seen and publicly acknowledged. It is better television than sex, violence, crime, and dirty politics.
Finally, let us recall the words of the Liturgy of the Hours for today, remembering that the Divine Office is also liturgy, not just prayers. Today is the Feast of St. Anselm. The office for today came from the Common of Pastors. Let us keep in mind the fact that the Pope is the chief pastor of the Church. Today’s Liturgy of the Hours tells us, “This servant proved himself faithful and wise; the Lord entrusted the care of his household to him, alleluia.”
JR
As to the fact that it was available on television, this is not a surprise, because the Holy See has used the media as a means of communication during liturgy and other events since the 1960s. The Holy See wants the Liturgies of the Church on television, internet and radio. In fact, the Holy See owns its own television studio. That’s how we get the live feeds from masses celebrated at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Yesterday, there was a televised tour of the Vatican and the Holy See. The tower is located on the rear of St. Peter’s Basilica, because it is the highest point on Vatican Hill. We need not be afraid that the Liturgies of the Church are being converted into entertainment. On the contrary, the Church is teaching us the appropriate use of mass media communication.
As to the applause during the liturgies and different rituals, those were also appropriate. They are spontaneous signs of love and joy. Love and joy are part of our faith. We are not Calvinists. We are Catholics. We don’t say mass, we celebrate mass. Our faith is built upon the joy of the Resurrection. Without the Resurrection, Jesus would have been just another Jew sentenced to capital punishment by the Romans.
Imagine the joy of the Apostles when they saw their Master alive. Suffering and joy is the trademark of Catholicism. During the Liturgy at St. Patrick’s Cathedral the religious interrupted the Pope as he was beginning the penitential rite, they again interrupted Cardinal Egan as he addressed the Pope. At that point the Pope, who was sitting, stood and bowed to the religious with a broad smile on his face. He was happy to be with them and was elated by their display of respect and love for Peter.
Such displays of love toward the Vicar of Christ take nothing away from Christ or the solemnity of the Liturgy. To display love and joy toward Christ’s Vicar in the end is a display of love for Christ. Were it not for the faith in Christ’s words to Peter, the Pope would mean nothing to those who were present. He means something to these men and women because they have consecrated their lives to Christ and this is his vicar among them. He represents the goal of their lives and their spouse. It would be unreasonable to expect a religious or even a lay person to meet Christ and not express some kind of love and joy.
There are two truths that apply to the Holy Father’s visit. First, this is the servant who has been entrusted with the care of God’s household. Why shouldn’t the world see him on television and why shouldn’t Christians acknowledge this great honour with cheers and applause? He has been entrusted with the most sacred duty.
The second truth is similar to the first. He has been entrusted with the care of his household, because he is faithful and wise. Fidelity and wisdom deserve to be seen and publicly acknowledged. It is better television than sex, violence, crime, and dirty politics.
Finally, let us recall the words of the Liturgy of the Hours for today, remembering that the Divine Office is also liturgy, not just prayers. Today is the Feast of St. Anselm. The office for today came from the Common of Pastors. Let us keep in mind the fact that the Pope is the chief pastor of the Church. Today’s Liturgy of the Hours tells us, “This servant proved himself faithful and wise; the Lord entrusted the care of his household to him, alleluia.”
JR
M
muffinmojo
Guest
Not meaning to be offensive, but His Holiness has said that applause in and of itself breaks the spirit of the liturgy. According to his interpretation of the liturgy, it is not meant to be spontaneous or off-the-cuff.
I think he would prefer that his sacred duty be acknowledged by those present taking more than ordinary joy and reverence at the Mass he is celebrating. Applause brings it down to ‘woohoo, the Pope is here!’ instead of reverence towards the Mass he is about to celebrate. The Mass trumps the Pope any day, as I’m sure he would say.
J
JReducation
Guest
I’m not disagreeing with the Pope. But let us not forget that the Pope is also very serious when he says that faith without reason is dangerous. He is a very rational man and can tell the difference between different kinds of applause and different reasons. Otherwise, he would not have stood when the religious cheered him and gestured to them almost as if taking a bow or a gesture of acknowledgement and gratitude from him to them.
JR
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