Will the Tridentine Mass have a "renaissance" soon?

[TimothyH]

As I was saying, Brother pointed something out to me that I had not stopped to think about. He does not like to have people in his congregation who make a distinction between the EF and the OF. The distinction that he’s talking about is the use of the word “rite”. The Tridentine is not a rite. It’s a form of the Roman Rite. He will ask anyone to leave his mass, if he knows that they think this way, because they are not thinking with the Church. He’s of the opinion that one who does not think and feel with the Church has not right to be at mass where we come as one community to offer the sacrifice.

I apologize for snipping Brother Jay’s post but I do so to highlight this one paragraph.

This is a very provocative statement, that someone who does not think and feel with the Church will be asked to leave. I mean that in the strictest sense of the word “provocative”, meaning that it is thought provoking. I stopped in my tracks when I read it.

If you will indulge me Brother Jay, did you use the phrase “his mass” on purpose? Also, where does the brother’s authority to ask someone to leave comes from? Is it based on the fact that the laity are not members of a closed community and they can be asked to leave the chapel or would a secular priest have the same authority, to ask someone to leave “His” Mass in an ordinary parish?

I ask these things not to challenge but to learn.

When I went to the inquiry sessions for the diaconate, one thing the formation director made clear was that candidates were going to be asked to put aside their own social and political beliefs in order to “Think with the mind of the Church” and this meant that we were to embrace all that the Bishop embraces. It was something I’ll never forget, something I think God wanted me to hear. The monks in the Cistercian monastery taught me the same thing but in a different way, taught me not to trust my own worldview and perspective on life, and not to be so afraid of different ways of thinking.

It is difficult for me to express what I want to ask, so I’d really appreciate it if you could develop this just a bit more for me.

-Tim-

 

[Megan7]

I hope with all my heart that such happens, as the Tridentine Mass is the most beautiful thing on this side of Heaven!

I just wanted to say that I love the “Little Lamb” in your signature. Thank you. God bless.

 

[Seamus_L]

I believe the TLM will continue to grow slowly. One of the best things that has happened in the 21st century has been the increased availability of the TLM, at least in the USA. Unfortunately, we still have some dioceses where it’s badly needed. Finding a priest who is enthusiastic about it will always be a very big plus. The best thing we can do is to attend and pray.

 

[catholictiger]

I wouldn’t mind the tridentine mass becoming more widely practiced in the Church, it can be a very good thing to the church. But what I more hope for is a renewal of the new mass. I really think our last two popes have put a high importance of renewing the liturgy. Hopefully Pope Francis will continue to do this.

I hope that when I’m an old man I will look back on my 20s and say how this was the beginning of a renewal of the mass in the Church and how glad I am that it happened. I fear though that if I become a priest trying to bring beauty back to the Mass or bring more beauty to the Mass will be a life time struggle. (all masses are beautiful because Jesus is present)

 

[ProVobis]

Wasn’t this also true in 1969? Did a “majority of the people” want to get rid of the Mass as they, and their ancestors for a millennium, knew it? If the vernacular Mass could be imposed in the 60’s, so can the TLM be imposed today.

Overall, I think people have a different reason for attending Mass today than back in the 50’s. Many just don’t feel the obligation anymore and those who do express their attitude (or lack of it) very well, especially during the (sometimes cold) handshakes, no hymn singing, etc. The over-55 crowd has their local Saturday evening or Sunday morning Mass, probably go out of habit, and are content with it. They have their sermon, receive communion, and go home. They can’t remember any of the readings when they walk out the door. The younger crowd I think is still searching for their spirituality. They are more open to classical music, the ancient languages, and fine arts in general. Some may find the older Mass more interesting in a lot of ways. Some may find the Eastern liturgies more to their liking. But they are curious and I think this is where everyone will benefit. Just my observations.

 

[M-Dent]

Overall, I think people have a different reason for attending Mass today than back in the 50’s. Many just don’t feel the obligation anymore and those who do express their attitude (or lack of it) very well, especially during the (sometimes cold) handshakes, no hymn singing, etc. The over-55 crowd has their local Saturday evening or Sunday morning Mass, probably go out of habit, and are content with it. They have their sermon, receive communion, and go home. They can’t remember any of the readings when they walk out the door. The younger crowd I think is still searching for their spirituality. They are more open to classical music, the ancient languages, and fine arts in general. Some may find the older Mass more interesting in a lot of ways. Some may find the Eastern liturgies more to their liking. But they are curious and I think this is where everyone will benefit. Just my observations.

These are interesting and in some places quite accurate observations.

Yesterday my family attended the Missa Cantata at our parish. The number of young families and college aged young adults is quite notable. Interestingly, an approving comment was made by an elderly woman in the parking lot how so many of the youngsters always dress like its Easter. The priest has commented on this (what appears to be an interesting development) when we have conversations regarding the parish.

I agree many of the younger people are searching for spirituality. Imo, some are subtly acknowledging they have identified something supernatural. Being open to the mysteries in the Divine Liturgy is the key. The Holy Spirit is the one to credit.