Today I attended the Solemn High Mass at St Patricks in New Orleans for the Feast of the Epiphany. Of course, since relatively few people want or even attend the Traditional Mass there were only a few hardy souls there, huddled in the pews, mindlessly reciting rosaries and reading prayer books. Some were engaged in private devotions. No one understood what was going on and the priest sped through the Mass so fast, no longer than 5 minutes, I’d guess, that I was able to get to Shoneys early for a seat at the breakfast bar before the crowds hit.
Thought I’d throw that in so that the Traditional Mass haters would feel good. You know being charitable and all that good stuff,
In reality, I got there about 15 minutes before the Mass was to start and couldn’t find a parking place. When I did it was two blocks from the Church. When I got to the church there was actually a line snaking into the vestibule. Standing room only. Hundreds of people in attendance, young, old, single, families, black, white, asian, hispanic you name it. They were there, in force.
The Mass started at 9:15 and ended somewhere around 10:45 or so. I guess that Father forgot he was supposed to race through it. A pity. Due to the Mass being a Solemn High Mass they of course had the Priest, Deacon and Sub Deacon and numerous servers, many of whom were seminarians at the local Seminary, I was told, who are studying the Traditional Mass at the Seminary. They even had the traditional blessing of the chalk and distributed chalk to all who wished to bless their homes in extension of the blessing given at the Church.
A truly beautiful beautiful Mass