Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Latin Mass isn't DEAD
KIM KIMZEY, Staff Writer
Searching for reverence and their spiritual roots, some younger Catholics might feel drawn to the Latin Mass.
Priests say it is the solemnity of the centuries-old rite, known as the Tridentine Mass, that appeals in part to worshippers who grew up celebrating the Novus Ordo Mass.
"The real energy and enthusiasm around this Mass is with the younger people," said Father Lawrence McInerny, pastor of the Stella Maris parish on Sullivan's Island.
The church has offered the Latin Mass in addition to the Novus Ordo Mass for the past five years.
Between 180 and 200 people attend the weekly Latin Mass at Stella Maris. Many are visitors who are drawn to the service for various reasons.
"I don't want to disparage the Novus Ordo Mass, but (the Latin Mass is) more mystical and contemplative," McInerny said.
He believes it is the Latin Mass' symbolism, mystery and order that partly account for its rising popularity.
"People need symbols and ritual," McInerny said. "You don't change the traditional Mass around. It changes you."
The Latin Mass is not currently offered at Catholic parishes in Spartanburg.
Father Michael Polewczak said worshippers at the Catholic Church of Jesus Our Risen Savior have not approached him about offering the Latin Mass.
"Why has it grown in popularity? That's an interesting question I don't have the answer to," he said.
Polewczak, a self-labeled "cradle Catholic," remembers the Latin Masses of his youth well. He said many people interested in the traditional rite did not grow up celebrating it.
Father Michael McCafferty believes young people are searching for their roots.
He said priests at St. Paul the Apostle parish in Spartanburg have not received requests for the Latin Mass.
"A whole generation has grown up with that not a part of their heritage, and they're curious about it," McCafferty said. "There's such a thirst among young people, they're looking for things that are timeless and ancient and beautiful."
He said there is something majestic and awe-inspiring in the Latin Mass.
He believes some of those awe-inspiring aspects, including portions of liturgy and Gregorian chants, can be incorporated into today's Novus Ordo Mass.
Regardless of which mass is celebrated, McCafferty said the service "is something that's supposed to be beautiful and dignified and bring us into an experience with the sacred."
Labels: Gregorian Chant, Latin, Liturgy, Novus Ordo, Traditionalism
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