Traditionalists and the corporeal works of mercy

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eelpis

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Sometimes when you disscuss traditional Catholicism, you get the impression that all “they” care for are splendid liturgies. I have met several people however that have given me another perspective.

Are there traditional Catholics who volunteer at shelters for homeless people?
Who give generously to the poor?
Who take care of those suffering from incurable diseases like HIV and leprosy?

Other things?
What do you do?
What is your experience?
 
eelpis said:
Sometimes when you disscuss traditional Catholicism, you get the impression that all “they” care for are splendid liturgies. I have met several people however that have given me another perspective.

Are there traditional Catholics who volunteer at shelters for homeless people?
Who give generously to the poor?
Who take care of those suffering from incurable diseases like HIV and leprosy?

Other things?
What do you do?
What is your experience?
Click to expand...
Holy Family Catholic Church near downtown Columbus, Ohio has been the home of the Traditional Latin Mass in the diocese of Columbus for over a decade.

In addition to the spectacular Liturgies and the amazing Jubilee Museum, Holy Family is also home to a soup kitchen. Depending on how the figures are derived it is either the #1 or #2 busiest soup kitchen in the Columbus area.

There are quite a few wonderful people who give a lot of their time there on a regular basis. And many, many more (such as myself) who have volunteered there for a day or 2 at a time in the past.

James
 
eelpis said:
Sometimes when you disscuss traditional Catholicism, you get the impression that all “they” care for are splendid liturgies. I have met several people however that have given me another perspective.

Are there traditional Catholics who volunteer at shelters for homeless people?
Who give generously to the poor?
Who take care of those suffering from incurable diseases like HIV and leprosy?

Other things?
What do you do?
What is your experience?
Click to expand...
I’ve been a Traditional Catholic since converting to the Church eleven years ago. My experience has been that Traditionalists usually focus more on the spiritual works of mercy, but do not neglect the coporal works. One of my best friends, for example, can’t pass a broken down car without stopping to help them. When he helps them, he always leaves them with holy cards and a miraculous meda, thereby combining a spiritual work with a corporal work.

I have two friends who publish holy cards and distribute them all over the world. If you’ve ever seen holy cards from Our Lady of the Rosary Library, that’s one of my friends.

Many go to the abortion mill to pray the Rosary on Saturdays, and I know of some who visit people in the hospitals.

The reason it probably seemed to you that we only care about the Mass is because that is what we have been fighting for. Doing corporal and spiritual works of mercy is not something that requires much “noise”. You just do them and move on. With respect to the Mass and politically incorrect dogmas of the faith, however, when we defend these it makes a lot of “noise”, and therefore stands out. That is probably why it seemed to you that we only care about the Mass.

Most Traditionalists are fervent Catholics who love the faith and live it.
 
Pax_et_Caritas said:
I’ve been a Traditional Catholic since converting to the Church eleven years ago. My experience has been that Traditionalists usually focus more on the spiritual works of mercy, but do not neglect the coporal works. One of my best friends, for example, can’t pass a broken down car without stopping to help them. When he helps them, he always leaves them with holy cards and a miraculous meda, thereby combining a spiritual work with a corporal work.

I have two friends who publish holy cards and distribute them all over the world. If you’ve ever seen holy cards from Our Lady of the Rosary Library, that’s one of my friends.

Many go to the abortion mill to pray the Rosary on Saturdays, and I know of some who visit people in the hospitals.

The reason it probably seemed to you that we only care about the Mass is because that is what we have been fighting for. Doing corporal and spiritual works of mercy is not something that requires much “noise”. You just do them and move on. With respect to the Mass and politically incorrect dogmas of the faith, however, when we defend these it makes a lot of “noise”, and therefore stands out. That is probably why it seemed to you that we only care about the Mass.

Most Traditionalists are fervent Catholics who love the faith and live it.
Click to expand...
That has been my experience too.

That’s why I don’t like the stereotyping of trads.

The most loving Christians I have ever known, are traditional Catholics.
 
A lot of the liberal catholics I know who claim to work for social justice are “cafeteria catholics” masquerading as good Catholics. I know plenty of atheists and secularists who work for social justice too. I think social justice often has political implications in the modern world. Some people show up at events such as AIDS Walks or protests for workers because it’s trendy or everyone else is doing it or it makes them “feel good” about themselves.

I would also classify some of the liberal catholics I’ve personally encountered as “fake” and uncharitable. I’ve found that the kindest priests and Catholic faithful I’ve met are traditional/orthodox.

I also don’t think you can classify “Traditional Catholicism” as pertaining only to the Tridentine Mass. Outside of the Western world, the Novus Ordo is celebrated very reverently with traditional hymns and devotions. Marian practices and processions on feast days are a part of everyday life.

Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI could certainly be classified as “traditional Catholics”, if that’s even a valid term, but their concern for the poor and vulnerable is greater than anything I’ve ever seen before.
 
Ah Discipleship.

You forgot Spiritual Works of Mercy. That’s my preference, seems easier to me as well. It’s a great form of penance for me sometimes.

Spiritual Works of Mercy are acts of;

Converting sinners
Instructing the ignorant
Advising the doubtful
Comforting the sorrowful
Bearing wrongs patiently
Forgiving injuries
Praying for the living and dead.

But my experience is great, it leaves me at peace with God at times.

Peace be with you,
and with your spirit,

_[Samuel]
 
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