The RCC in Spain

[jlyn1110]

In August, I’ll be leaving the States to study in Spain for a semester. Since Spain has such a rich Catholic tradition, I know that I won’t have difficulty finding beautiful places to hear mass. One thing that I’m having difficulty with, however, is getting an idea of what to expect once I’m there. I’m curious about things like particular dress codes, chapel veils, and if I’ll see/experience anything that’s radically different from how things are done in the USA.

I’ll be in Madrid, for the most part (if that’s important), and I’ve been studying Spanish for over 6 years, so I can handle the readings/homily in Spanish (I hope!).

I’d really appreciate feedback from other world travelers…even if you don’t have too much to say about Spain.

Peace,

JLyn

 

[1ke]

Almost every country I’ve been to has an English speaking parish for ex-pats, diplomats, etc.

Spain is no exception. You can go to Mass in English in Madrid:

ourladyofmercy.info/pages/main.html

You can, of course, go in Spanish. I’ve been in several countries in Euope in the native languages. I’ve never encountered anything different, dress-wise, than in America. People dressed just as we do.

 

[DallasCatholic]

In August, I’ll be leaving the States to study in Spain for a semester. Since Spain has such a rich Catholic tradition, I know that I won’t have difficulty finding beautiful places to hear mass. One thing that I’m having difficulty with, however, is getting an idea of what to expect once I’m there. I’m curious about things like particular dress codes, chapel veils, and if I’ll see/experience anything that’s radically different from how things are done in the USA.

I’ll be in Madrid, for the most part (if that’s important), and I’ve been studying Spanish for over 6 years, so I can handle the readings/homily in Spanish (I hope!).

I’d really appreciate feedback from other world travelers…even if you don’t have too much to say about Spain.

Peace,

JLyn

Just as in the U.S. what you find in Spain will depend on which parish you attend. I lived in a suburb of Madrid for 3 years, if you are expecting magnificant Church buildings in Madrid you will be a bit dissapointed. However a short trip to Toledo will give you access to a beautiful Cathedral. You should also go to Sevilla which also has a gorgeous Cathedral (which houses the tomb of Cristobol Colon). My favorite plaza in Madrid just happens to be Plaza de Colon. The Catholic Church in Spain is having a bit of a crisis at this point. Many young people are leaving or have already left the Church. Campus Crusade for Christ has several missionaries in Spain to try and take advantage of this sad state. Madrid itself is very secular but you can still find pockets of traditionalism. Make sure you travel to some of the smaller towns, and if you visit on a feast day of that town’s patron saint you might be able to see a procession. Make sure you get out of Madrid for Holy Week (Semana Santa) so that you can get the full experience. Also don’t forget to visit Cordoba and the Mosque there.

 

[CatholicNick]

If you are in Madrid, I recommend you go to the Parish of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest located there.

icrsp.com/Apostolats/Annuaire-2007/Espagne.htm

Addresses of the Churches and telephone numbers of the priests are on there should you wish for further details. I’ll translate the mass details for you on there (archdiocese of Madrid):

Casa St. Teresa de Jesus: Mass in the week at 20.00

Eglise Saint Louis des Francais: Mass on Sundays and Feasts at 19.00

 

[30miller]

In August, I’ll be leaving the States to study in Spain for a semester. Since Spain has such a rich Catholic tradition, I know that I won’t have difficulty finding beautiful places to hear mass. One thing that I’m having difficulty with, however, is getting an idea of what to expect once I’m there. I’m curious about things like particular dress codes, chapel veils, and if I’ll see/experience anything that’s radically different from how things are done in the USA.

I’ll be in Madrid, for the most part (if that’s important), and I’ve been studying Spanish for over 6 years, so I can handle the readings/homily in Spanish (I hope!).

I’d really appreciate feedback from other world travelers…even if you don’t have too much to say about Spain.

Peace,

JLyn

Suggestion: Read Warren Carroll’s “The Last Crusade” and then definitely visit the “Valley of the Fallen” an hour or so’s drive from Madrid and also the site of the Alcazar in Toledo. (6,832 Catholic priests and religious were martyred during this 3 year Spanish Civil War from 1936 - 1939).

 

[ArchRemmy]

When I was in Spain the mass I went to was in Polish.

This was in Barcelona though.

 

[Sarabande]

In August, I’ll be leaving the States to study in Spain for a semester. Since Spain has such a rich Catholic tradition, I know that I won’t have difficulty finding beautiful places to hear mass. One thing that I’m having difficulty with, however, is getting an idea of what to expect once I’m there. I’m curious about things like particular dress codes, chapel veils, and if I’ll see/experience anything that’s radically different from how things are done in the USA.

I’ll be in Madrid, for the most part (if that’s important), and I’ve been studying Spanish for over 6 years, so I can handle the readings/homily in Spanish (I hope!).

I’d really appreciate feedback from other world travelers…even if you don’t have too much to say about Spain.

Peace,

JLyn

I agree with 1ke. Mass is pretty much the same in every European country I’ve ever visited. I’ve never been to Spain, though, so I can’t say. Since you already speak Spanish, you shouldn’t have a problem with the masses in the native language.
I know in many churches/cathedrals I visited over there, they have people that make sure your bare shoulders and arms are covered, which I think is great. I didn’t notice people doing that right before mass, I think because people over there tend to know the protocol already and will not have bare shoulders or arms for mass. Visitors, on the other hand, forget or don’t know. Also, many of the older churches don’t have kneelers, so people either continue to stand and I’ve seen some kneel on the floor.

Have fun! Studying abroad is a wonderful experience. I’ll never forget mine.