Want to get into tradition

[mathematoons]

I’m interested in being more traditional, and being more rooted in the traditions (small t) of the Church, but no one where I live shares this interest. I can’t make it to a Latin Mass, but I’m interested in what aspects of small-t tradition I can implement in my own life. I’ve searched online, but it’s not clear; all I see there are a bunch of disjointed lists of devotions (I already do devotions) and the like.

So, what do you all do? What advice would you give someone who’s interested in tradition?

 

[anon68864946]

I’m not really sure if I can help, because I am in the same predicament as you I think the Latin Mass is beautiful, I think the old traditions of the Church are beautiful too. They really remind me who it is that we are worshiping, and how worthy of reverence, honor and respect He is!
Have you tried kneeling for Communion and receiving on the tongue? I think it is the most beautiful way to receive Jesus. After all, if we really believe that He is truly, completely present in the Eucharist, shouldn’t we receive Him as reverently and humbly as possible? I think if Jesus were to appear in front of us, we would not be worthy enough to just stand before Him. I think we would probably fall to His feet, since He is so majestic, and we are all sinners…
It takes courage to receive Jesus in this way though, especially if no one else does in your parish. I started kneeling for Communion just this year, and sometimes still find it really, really hard, mainly because I worry that other people think I’m being “over the top”, “weird” or that I’m “holier than thou”. I’ve found that if I pray a quick prayer to my Guardian Angel and the Holy Spirit while lining up for Holy Communion, I have the courage to kneel, and I also worry less about what others think of me. I should also add that I never, ever regret receiving Jesus in this way, no matter how hard it is . I feel Jesus’ peace and presence inside of me so, so much more when I kneel.
Another thing that some Traditional Catholics do during the Mass is to bow their head slightly each time the names of Jesus and Mary are mentioned, out of respect.
If you are a female, you could try veiling at Mass, another beautiful aspect of our traditional faith, and a visible act of humility, reverence and submission to the Lord. Again though, it takes courage.
I’m not sure if I answered your question, but I hope I have helped! God bless you!

 

[mathematoons]

Wow, only one answer, and this from someone else with the same problem.

Perhaps that should tell me that pursuing tradition is not the way to go, at least not right now. Thank you for your help–and I give that same thanks to those who gave me that silent message by not answering.

Now that I think about it, it is a paradox that people who want to learn about tradition have to use such an anti-tradition thing as the Internet. Perhaps my thinking was amiss in asking the question in the first place.

 

[In_Nomine_Domini]

Now that I think about it, it is a paradox that people who want to learn about tradition have to use such an anti-tradition thing as the Internet.

Yes, but not just because the internet is not “traditional,” but rather because traditions are cultural artifacts one inherits from one’s family.

Many Catholic traditions have to do, in point of fact, with how a family can approach a particular feast or festive season, and what sorts of things they do in order to celebrate. While it’s true that these can be brought into a person’s home life, such traditions, when lacking a cultural foundation, are often rather ersatz. Moreover, many traditions are linked to former liturgical calendars which are no longer in widespread use.

Sincere tradition is organic and never forced.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I think those sorts of traditions are lovely and add a sense of the here-and-now to our spiritual lives.

Something I like to do is observe various saints’ days – my personal patron saint, the patron saint for my profession, the patron saint for my city, other saints that I like and admire. Depending on the day of the week it may mean bringing goodies to work (even if I’m the only one who understands why!), going out to dinner with friends, saying extra prayers, etc. While I didn’t do it this year, in some years I’ve put together packets of bird seed for St. Francis day and given them out with a note encouraging people to spend some peaceful time feeding the birds while praying for peace in the work. (Even the most secular person is in favor of peace!)

These sorts of traditions enrich our lives.

 

[Melchior_1]

I know many Catholics who one would classify as “charismatic Catholics” who partake in "t"raditional practices. The Companions of the Cross endorse many of them, in fact.

I receive the Eucharist on the tongue while on one knee, use Lectio Divina, abstain from meat on Fridays, and a few others. My friend and I, who do more contemporary songs/hymns.when we do music at Mass, during Lent and Advent will use Latin plain chant for the parts of the Mass.

So no, you don’t need the EF to practice traditional practices.

 

[poche]

I think you should build a life of prayer for yourself. Pray the rosary and read the Bible daily. Also study the catechism every day.
Cardinal Arinze said that he reads two pages from the catechism every day.

 

[Catholic-Mormon]

I believe there is great significants and importance to understand the foundations of God’s church and thenCrist’s church. Foundations are important because they hold up the remainder of the current day church. However focusing on only foundation will never give us insight to build beautiful stained glass windows and spires. We not only need to look at the past to learn lessons we also need to look forward to unifying all of God’s church. It is only by looking up and beyond can we see all the truth that can be held. One thing I would like to see happenin all christian churches is to accept each other’s baptisms. I think looking at least this far will bring great strides in unifying and growing God’s church.

 

[redbaron162]

Two great places so start, whether you want to be traditional or not it will help you be a great Catholic, is the Rosary and the Brown Scapular of Mt. Carmel. Info for which are both easily found.

Start reading is my best advice, start with the Church Fathers and work your way to today. (That should be enough to keep you busy for awhile haha) Also read the writings of Vatican 2 (they are surprisingly traditional when you actually take the time to read them).