I had heard rumors there was a congregation in our landlocked state still worshiping in Latin. In a dire moment this past week I needed to see if it was true and so I finally made a pilgrimage. Walking in through the broad wooden doors, I turned to the basin and in an instant was perpendicular to the world and the sanctuary within. Forces on each side of me began tightening their grips as I went for the water and then slowly entered in.
Our parish in a small town in Connecticut holds a Latin Mass every Sunday. But not just a Latin Mass, the Tridentine rite, which requires three priests and careful liturgical coordination and choreography. I find that there is a profundity to the Tridentine rite, a feeling of connection to the great sweep of theological and liturgical history and I'm sorry to see it go. I guess that our pastor is a bit of an outlaw in the eyes of the Vatican. But I will say that the Latin Mass attracts a cult-like following, at least in this parish, that can lead to insularity and an unwelcome attitude. The ultramontane lives on, unfortunately.
This was exquisite writing - reflecting the infinite light through Jerome to you to your nose, to the sweet air, and back to the oneness you experienced not being alone.
“My eyes softly closed as the light from Jerome's window fell before my nose. The colors danced softly in the sweet scented air. My agony was no longer alone as lifted petitions resounded in our bones.”
There's a special pleasure in hearing sermons in the original tongue.
Hearing Khutbahs (sermons) in Arabic is a treat. The enunciations, structure, and poetry flow differently than said in English.
When you say it in English, it feels transcribed and stilted.
In Arabic you can feel the words flow like a stream of wisdom.
Our parish in a small town in Connecticut holds a Latin Mass every Sunday. But not just a Latin Mass, the Tridentine rite, which requires three priests and careful liturgical coordination and choreography. I find that there is a profundity to the Tridentine rite, a feeling of connection to the great sweep of theological and liturgical history and I'm sorry to see it go. I guess that our pastor is a bit of an outlaw in the eyes of the Vatican. But I will say that the Latin Mass attracts a cult-like following, at least in this parish, that can lead to insularity and an unwelcome attitude. The ultramontane lives on, unfortunately.
Drake. This itself might be an essay in the making. Bravo!
There you go again. Always littering with gems. "Gravity excruciatingly defied."
Profound writing bringing out deeply buried insights, as always.
I confirm I see those good deeds you make, and glad to know you'll continue down that path. Un abrazo mi amigo!
Not only was I there with you, for the first time ever I embraced the sense of intimacy and awe found in that liturgy. For the Glory of Christ!
Steven, so much to unpack in here.
This was exquisite writing - reflecting the infinite light through Jerome to you to your nose, to the sweet air, and back to the oneness you experienced not being alone.
“My eyes softly closed as the light from Jerome's window fell before my nose. The colors danced softly in the sweet scented air. My agony was no longer alone as lifted petitions resounded in our bones.”