A couple of days ago, my friend in Reno, Nevada e-mailed me that in their cathedral, in honor of Benedict XVI’s Summorum Pontificum Motu Propio, the traditional Latin Mass is offered sometime this month. Just now, he sent me another e-mail saying his frustration.
Henry (not his real name) was not sure if the Mass he attended was just a dressed rehearsal in action or not. He said that the priest was wearing a Roman chasuble, a vestment used before Vatican II. The Mass, he goes further, is exactly the same as the one we have now exception that in the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest joined the congregation in facing the altar. After intoning the “Dominus vobiscum,” “Sursum corda”, “Gratias agimus Domino Deo nostro” to which the faithful answered in Latin, the supposed to be Latin Mass proceeded just like the Mass we have on Sundays where everything is in English including the gestures. The "Kyrie" was in the original Greek; while the "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei" were in Latin. The "Pater Noster" was in English.
Henry asked for my comment and here’s what I can say:
If I remember it correctly, the Latin Mass starts with the sign of the cross and then, “Introibo ad altare Dei.” (I will go to the altar of God.) then “Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.” (Our help is in the name of the Lord.) “Confiteor” follows. The Mass is all in Latin except of course the homily.
If I am asked why all in Latin, it’s because that’s the way it was. Since the times are now after Vatican II, the readings can be read in English or in any other language after they are read in Latin for the faithful to understand. For the rest of the Mass proceedings, a mini Missal can be printed in Latin and in English for the faithful to follow.
In the Latin Mass in Reno, there were Eucharistic ministers, two species of the Eucharistic Christ, i.e. body and blood were given while in 1962, there is a significant difference. There was only the consecrated host and no Eucharistic ministers. The Council of Trent teaches that the host is the body of Christ where His blood is also present.
In 1962, communicants kneel on the communion rail and receive the host by tongue. In 2010 in Reno, some received communion by the hand and stood in line. In 1962, the Mass server is always beside the celebrating priest. In 2010 in Reno, the Mass server was away. In 1962, the faithful was not asked to give the sign of peace while in Reno, the sign of peace was asked to be exchanged. In pre-Vatican II, the old Missal was used while in Reno, they relied on what is currently in used.
May I go further that in the Latin Mass I know, no communicant chew the sacred host like a gum. In our catechetical instruction, we were told not to chew it so that no part would be stuck in between the teeth. In the cathedral, some communicants looked as if they were chewing a gum. In 1960, no one was bowing inside the church --- instead, genuflection was the rule. Till now, the Holy See has not yet overruled that including the wearing of veil for women. Finally in 1960, the faithful did not mimic the hand gestures of the officiating priest while in Reno, the faithful did.
Henry said that he did not notice the priest wearing "amice" and "maniple" to say the least.
May I go further that in the Latin Mass I know, no communicant chew the sacred host like a gum. In our catechetical instruction, we were told not to chew it so that no part would be stuck in between the teeth. In the cathedral, some communicants looked as if they were chewing a gum. In 1960, no one was bowing inside the church --- instead, genuflection was the rule. Till now, the Holy See has not yet overruled that including the wearing of veil for women. Finally in 1960, the faithful did not mimic the hand gestures of the officiating priest while in Reno, the faithful did.
Henry said that he did not notice the priest wearing "amice" and "maniple" to say the least.
I have no academic background on Catholic liturgy but my opinions expressed are strictly based from my recollections on how a Tridentine Mass is offered.
That was more than half a century ago. In instances where my opinion is incorrect or short, mea maxima culpa et pax. -30-
Nota Bene: It seems that there is now a regular Sunday Latin Mass at the St. Thomas Cathedral in Reno at 2:00 PM. Please get in touch at 775.329.2571. -COR INVICTUS 5/15/11.
See a rejoinder of this entry at:
http://sapientiaaedificat.blogspot.com/2010/09/yes-tridentine-mass-in-reno-nevada.html_
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Visit the following YouTube URL for the Traditional Latin Mass:
Nota Bene: It seems that there is now a regular Sunday Latin Mass at the St. Thomas Cathedral in Reno at 2:00 PM. Please get in touch at 775.329.2571. -COR INVICTUS 5/15/11.
See a rejoinder of this entry at:
http://sapientiaaedificat.blogspot.com/2010/09/yes-tridentine-mass-in-reno-nevada.html_
______________
Visit the following YouTube URL for the Traditional Latin Mass:
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