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George_Waters
Guest
Sincere question: aside from fulfilling my Sunday obligation and the incalculable benefits of Holy communion, why go to a Latin mass? Thank you.
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ForeverAdam
Guest
By attending the Traditional Roman Mass, you get to participate in a Mass that contains the prayers, rituals, and general order of Mass that the majority of Roman Catholic saints experienced. This helps you feel a real, and not just academic, continuity with your spiritual heritage. It makes you feel like you’re not just learning about the saints but actually sharing a common home with them.
God bless,
Adam
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LovedMyAlydar
Guest
I go because I feel a real kinship with Catholics past. I love ancient history and this mass just makes you feel at one with all those Catholics who have gone before you. It puts my soul at peace. We stay after for Vespers and it is simply beautiful.
My husband, a converted Southern Baptist said the mass offers something he just could not find in the faith of his childhood. He likes the music, the ceremony, the sense of community.
My youngest children still home are the biggest supporters of the TLM. These are children who never knew what a TLM was. When asked if they would like to go to a regular mass they turn it down. Even though our mass is on Sunday’s at 4pm, they still prefer it. They are learning to serve the mass as well. Yes, it’s hard and alot to learn but they truly enjoy it. They say that the TLM is “much more serious” than the other. That Father doesn’t play around and that they can go to confession before mass.
Confession, something you have to beg folks to do at a NO mass, ours has to turn people away so that Father can get ready for mass.
My husband, a converted Southern Baptist said the mass offers something he just could not find in the faith of his childhood. He likes the music, the ceremony, the sense of community.
My youngest children still home are the biggest supporters of the TLM. These are children who never knew what a TLM was. When asked if they would like to go to a regular mass they turn it down. Even though our mass is on Sunday’s at 4pm, they still prefer it. They are learning to serve the mass as well. Yes, it’s hard and alot to learn but they truly enjoy it. They say that the TLM is “much more serious” than the other. That Father doesn’t play around and that they can go to confession before mass.
Confession, something you have to beg folks to do at a NO mass, ours has to turn people away so that Father can get ready for mass.
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kleary
Guest
To worship God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost in a mannar that totally expresses the Catholic Faith in the Liturgy. [Edited by Moderator]
In the “Latin Mass” the Catholic Faith is shown in every liturgical prayer and action in the Sanctuary.
I could go on with two or so pages of all the rubrics and reasons why things are “different”. Why the priest celebrates facing the altar and not the people, why the Deacon faces “North” when proclaiming the Gospel, why the preist’s hand is kissed all the time, why all in Latin, why Holy Communion is received in the kneeling position and on the tongue and via a priest only.
In the words of a Protestant, “If you Catholics really believe it is Jesus you are receiving in Holy Communion you would receive Him ON YOUR KNEES.”
Ken
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Thursday1
Guest
Someone better tell this guy he’s facing the wrong way. . .
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the EF, i.e it has to be said ad orentium. Much like people thinking the Latin Mass= 1962 missal, it is a commonly held belief, but wrong.
A deacon can distribute communion as well, though it seems traditionalists forget that the deaconate is a call to ordination separate from that of the call to the priesthood (though obviously a man must be ordained a deacon before being ordained a priest).
And, lastly for the big one in the beginning of your post. I do not deny that the OF does not totally express the Catholic Faith, but I do deny that the EF does. There is more to the Catholic Faith than the western Church. No rite totally expresses the Catholic Faith, but they all express the Catholic Faith.
If you meant that the OF does not totally express the Catholic Faith of the Western Church, then I deny that. The OF is the Mass of the Church, and is beautiful and nobel in its liturgical actions. I bow to the wisdom of those Christ put at the helm of His Church, and accept the form of the Mass they gave with gratitude.
Yours in Christ,
Thursday
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freudmacher
Guest
I go because I have never feel so close to heaven as I do at a TLM. This past weekend at the Institute Priory in Chicago, the Mass was said in the church, not in the normal chapel. This church is completely gutted and no ceiling (a roof, just not a ceiling) there were no statues, no pews…no stained glass windows. Nothing special. just a simple high alter. Even with nothing around, as the mass was offered, I still felt so close to seeing heaven, just a little glimps of what must be up there. It’s something amazing.
(the church is being remodeled, it’s just taking time)
(the church is being remodeled, it’s just taking time)
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George_Waters
Guest
Thank you everyone.
I too love history and the saints and I have gone to Latin Masses for that reason.
The TLM has been offered in my area for a very long time and I occasionally go, but I have to admit it is more about history than anything else. The church is old and the pews are so small and so close together that it is difficult for me to kneel with my long legs, though the pews are padded unlike my home parish. Every time the whole mass seemed distinct and cold. It’s not the Latin, it really just seems the people and the father is on autopilot. There is no joy or sense of community.
I am glad it is different you many of you. I wish it were for me as well.
I appreciate all your responses.
I too love history and the saints and I have gone to Latin Masses for that reason.
The TLM has been offered in my area for a very long time and I occasionally go, but I have to admit it is more about history than anything else. The church is old and the pews are so small and so close together that it is difficult for me to kneel with my long legs, though the pews are padded unlike my home parish. Every time the whole mass seemed distinct and cold. It’s not the Latin, it really just seems the people and the father is on autopilot. There is no joy or sense of community.
I am glad it is different you many of you. I wish it were for me as well.
I appreciate all your responses.
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Scotty_PGH
Guest
How about this: Go to one, then come back and answer your own question. You will certainly be able to!
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Scotty_PGH
Guest
This post is completely off topic.
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Scotty_PGH
Guest
Hmm, then I retract what I said above. Clearly the Mass of All Time is not for you. Fortunately, though, you now have a buffet of different options depending on which church you pick on a given Sunday.
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stmaria
Guest
What is the date of your photo? The priest facing the people was allowed under Pope Pius XII but only during Holy Week. Removing the Tabernacle as it appears to have happened in this Photo was a concern of Pius XII.
Pope Pius in 1948 established a liturgical commission where he allowed minor changes to the Mass but only during Holy Week where the priest would occasionally face the people.
In his book*, Reform of the Liturgy*, Father Annibale Bugnini. who helped writhe the new liturgy recounts these early days of the reform.
*REFORM OF THE liturgy *PG 8-9 “ On May 28, 1948 a commission for liturgical reform was appointed…Father Annibale Bugnini…was appointed secretary…In the twelve years of its existence the commission held eighty-two meetings and worked in absolute secrecy…the commission enjoyed the full confidence of the Pope { Pius XII}, who was kept abreast of its work by Monsignor Montini {Pope Paul VI }
Pg 10 the first fruit of the commissions work was the restoration of the Easter Vigil [1951] Holy Week [1955],
Pope Pius XII made it clear in 1956 in a speech that the Tabernacle would remain on the altar.
The Liturgical Movement
An Address of Pope Pius XII to the
International Congress on Pastoral Liturgy
(September 22, 1956)
The position of the tabernacle
‘The Most Blessed Eucharist should be kept in the most distinguished and honorable place in the church, and hence as a rule at the main altar unless some other be considered more convenient and suitable for veneration and worship due to so great a Sacrament…The Most Blessed Sacrament must be kept in an immovable tabernacle set in the middle of the altar…. There is question, not so much of the material presence of the tabernacle on the altar, as of a tendency to which We would like to call your attention, that of a lessening of esteem for the presence and action of Christ in the tabernacle. The sacrifice of the altar is held sufficient, and the importance of Him who accomplishes it is reduced… **To separate tabernacle from altar is to separate two things which by their origin and their nature should remain united…**Specialists will offer various opinions for solving the problem of so placing the tabernacle on the altar as not to impede the celebration of Mass when the priest is facing the congregation. The essential point is to understand that it is the same Lord present on the altar and in the tabernacle.”
The priest could face the people but only during Holy Week.
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Scotty_PGH
Guest
That is actually a photo of Pope Pius XII offering Mass in St. Peter’s. From what I understand, Mass was always offered there facing the bulk of the people, based on the design of the basilica. This fact does nothing to prove the guy above’s point. He thinks he’s being clever.
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Cat
Guest
“This helps you feel a real, and not just academic, continuity with your spiritual heritage. It makes you feel like you’re not just learning about the saints but actually sharing a common home with them.”
“I go because I feel a real kinship with Catholics past. I love ancient history and this mass just makes you feel at one with all those Catholics who have gone before you.”
“I go because I have never feel so close to heaven as I do at a TLM.”
“Even with nothing around, as the mass was offered, I still felt so close to seeing heaven, just a little glimps of what must be up there. It’s something amazing.”
The above statements are all quotes from the posts in this thread so far.
I have often seen this same kind of statement when it comes to TLM. Many who advocate TLM make the claim that they “feel” a certain way about this Mass form.
With all due respect, I think we need to be very careful about basing any of our faith on our feelings.
On this board, I’ve heard Catholics accuse Protestants of practicing “feelings-based” worship.
Well, isn’t that what the statements above are? There is no proof that you really are “closer to heaven” just because you FEEL closer to heaven, is there?
According to the Magisterium, any valid Mass is “heaven on earth.”
I have no objection to emotions, and believe that if you are truly happier at at TLM, that’s where you should be. Same for NO.
But I don’t think it’s right to advise someone to attend TLM or NO based on your personal feelings. What if they don’t feel the same way?
Here’s a quote from the thread that proves that not EVERYONE “feels” the same warmth and joy about the TLM:
“It’s not the Latin, it really just seems the people and the father is on autopilot. There is no joy or sense of community.”
This is a statement of “feelings,” too, and it is perfectly valid. This person is not a worse Catholic because he/she doesn’t “feel” a certain way about the TLM.
We’re all different, and the Lord, in His wisdom, has given us a Church to teach us the right way. Even if that right way doesn’t “feel” right to us (e.g., you personally don’t “feel” that NO Masses are as reverent as TLM, or vice versa), we can be assured that it IS the right way because our Church has been given authority by the Lord Jesus Christ.
“I go because I feel a real kinship with Catholics past. I love ancient history and this mass just makes you feel at one with all those Catholics who have gone before you.”
“I go because I have never feel so close to heaven as I do at a TLM.”
“Even with nothing around, as the mass was offered, I still felt so close to seeing heaven, just a little glimps of what must be up there. It’s something amazing.”
The above statements are all quotes from the posts in this thread so far.
I have often seen this same kind of statement when it comes to TLM. Many who advocate TLM make the claim that they “feel” a certain way about this Mass form.
With all due respect, I think we need to be very careful about basing any of our faith on our feelings.
On this board, I’ve heard Catholics accuse Protestants of practicing “feelings-based” worship.
Well, isn’t that what the statements above are? There is no proof that you really are “closer to heaven” just because you FEEL closer to heaven, is there?
According to the Magisterium, any valid Mass is “heaven on earth.”
I have no objection to emotions, and believe that if you are truly happier at at TLM, that’s where you should be. Same for NO.
But I don’t think it’s right to advise someone to attend TLM or NO based on your personal feelings. What if they don’t feel the same way?
Here’s a quote from the thread that proves that not EVERYONE “feels” the same warmth and joy about the TLM:
“It’s not the Latin, it really just seems the people and the father is on autopilot. There is no joy or sense of community.”
This is a statement of “feelings,” too, and it is perfectly valid. This person is not a worse Catholic because he/she doesn’t “feel” a certain way about the TLM.
We’re all different, and the Lord, in His wisdom, has given us a Church to teach us the right way. Even if that right way doesn’t “feel” right to us (e.g., you personally don’t “feel” that NO Masses are as reverent as TLM, or vice versa), we can be assured that it IS the right way because our Church has been given authority by the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Scotty_PGH
Guest
Thanks for giving us a lengthy lecture, but your post contributes nothing to the original question.
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George_Waters
Guest
I already have attend TLM masses, yet the question remains. I guess you didn’t read my last post. I was wanting other opinions. Thanks though.How about this: Go to one, then come back and answer your own question. You will certainly be able to!
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George_Waters
Guest
The Mass of all time is not for me? Gee thanks for making it all my fault that the TLMs I have attended seemed like a group of autonomotons simply running through the motions. And here am I thinking the Mass is said for us all.
I sincerly wanted to love the TLM due to it’s history, yet sadly that was not to be. Perhaps I will be able to attend a better representation sometime when I am out of town.
Which church I pick? What’s the deal with so many people picking their church? I attend my home parish. The only time I have gone to another parish (aside from trips out of town or for other celebrations) was when I went to the TLMs.
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George_Waters
Guest
I disagree. Cat’s post was certainly on topic and stated with charity recognizing the validity of individuals feelings as well as ALL masses recognized by Holy Mother Church… regardless of of personal prefrence.
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Cat
Guest
Thank you, George Waters for your kind words.
My post was very much on topic.
My point is, that you may attend a Mass and have no warm, positive feelings about it, but as long as it is a valid Mass, you have received the Lord Jesus, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, and He will give you the graces you require to become a saint.
I don’t believe that we should allow our feelings to prejudice us against Mass forms.
I agree with those above who have posted that attending a TLM is a living history lesson. It is always good to remember who we are and where we came from, and it is good to keep the traditions of the Church going perpetually.
Perhaps someone said this already, but I think that since our Holy Father is so very supportive of TLM, it would be a good thing to demonstrate respect for him and attend TLM when the opportunity is there.
Another good reason to attend TLM is to encourage understanding between “traditionalist” and “contemporary” Catholic Christians. Communication is important, and we can’t communicate if we separate ourselves from each other.
I think one more good reason to attend a TLM is to exercise the mind. When we become “comfortable” in our Mass, we tend to let our minds drift (at least I do!), and not really give our full attention to the liturgy. But in a TLM, you really have to pay attention, follow the Missal, and use the brain to translate the Latin into your language.
My post was very much on topic.
My point is, that you may attend a Mass and have no warm, positive feelings about it, but as long as it is a valid Mass, you have received the Lord Jesus, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, and He will give you the graces you require to become a saint.
I don’t believe that we should allow our feelings to prejudice us against Mass forms.
I agree with those above who have posted that attending a TLM is a living history lesson. It is always good to remember who we are and where we came from, and it is good to keep the traditions of the Church going perpetually.
Perhaps someone said this already, but I think that since our Holy Father is so very supportive of TLM, it would be a good thing to demonstrate respect for him and attend TLM when the opportunity is there.
Another good reason to attend TLM is to encourage understanding between “traditionalist” and “contemporary” Catholic Christians. Communication is important, and we can’t communicate if we separate ourselves from each other.
I think one more good reason to attend a TLM is to exercise the mind. When we become “comfortable” in our Mass, we tend to let our minds drift (at least I do!), and not really give our full attention to the liturgy. But in a TLM, you really have to pay attention, follow the Missal, and use the brain to translate the Latin into your language.
B
Brooklyn
Guest
The reason I attend a TLM is because I feel (yes, there’s that word again) that I am truly a participant in the Mass. That may seem contradictory since in the Low Mass at least, the people don’t openly participate other than a few responses. However, in order to know what is happening in the Mass, it is necessary for me to follow very closely in the Missal, which forces me to pay much more attention. I am aware of everything the priest is doing and saying. The Mass becomes much more alive to me, and I truly feel (one more time - there’s that word) I am entering into the Holy of Holies. There is a very real sense of awe and wonder.
The fact that every word that is said, every gesture the priest makes has great meaning brings the Mass home to me so that it does become an other worldly experience.
As one poster said, go to a TLM, and then you will know for yourself.
Mary
The fact that every word that is said, every gesture the priest makes has great meaning brings the Mass home to me so that it does become an other worldly experience.
As one poster said, go to a TLM, and then you will know for yourself.
Mary
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