Papal Mass Hints at Liturgical Changes
At the Papal Mass in Washington DC, those who attended the service were told something unusual: stand up during the consecration.
That’s right, the people who claim the Pope is wanting to bring back the old traditions are right. The Pope is indeed trying to take the church back!
The Pope wants us to go back, back before the council of Trent, back before the schism, back to Nicea, where the command was to celebrate the liturgy in joy — standing up.
Ok, maybe that is not what one should get out of the Pope’s liturgy.
It is, however, the kind of argument many on the internet give. Every small thing the Pope does is scrutinized to indicate some new direction by which we can see the liturgy going in the future. Every last detail is judged and assessed, and interpreted by people following one agenda or another, being shown how the Pope’s newest activities confirms their desires.
Maybe the reality is simpler. Maybe sometimes what the Pope does is what is easiest to do in the situations and contexts he finds himself in. Maybe people shouldn’t be interpreting every little thing he does after all.
What a wonderful event it was to be a part of. All around me were fellow Byzantines — priests, nuns, and seminarians; one just wonders why we were thrown up at the top away from everyone else. I will be writing more of my experiences at the liturgy soon.
Christos Voskrese! Voistinu Voskrese!
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It was a coup by the radical American liturgists!
“…one just wonders why we [Byzantines] were thrown up at the top away from everyone else.”
We’re annoyed by your refusal to speak Latin ;)
Seriously, it’s a good point you make. And I’m glad to hear that the mass was good.
Histor
Looks like they used the Mass of Creation. Bet that pissed a lot of people off. Good for them. It’s a good Mass.
Of course, standing during the consecration is the proper posture when a worship space has no kneelers.
True. Of course some people cry out with the words “liturgical abuse” when there is standing going on during the consecration — and they claim they will kneel “even if there is no kneeler.
I would have liked to see them try.
Of course standing/kneeling both are good traditions; while I do have a preference (ancient tradition), I don’t go legalistic when going to liturgy — especially one celebrated by the Pope.
And yes, Mass of Creation. It was beautiful.
Hello Henry,
I cannot agree more! The Mass of Creation has got to be one of the most beautiful celebrations around. As far as kneelers? I know many people probably have good intentions for using them, and maybe think they are being reverent, humble, or whatever. I think that is great, but not if it interfers with the joy we can all have through music and dance.
Peace!
I don’t know about the Mass of Creation. Maybe I have experienced it and didn’t know it. But other than it might have pissed some people off, could you offer some other “good aspects” of it? Other than “It’s a good mass”. Your attitude stinks Michael Iafrate. And so does Henry’s with his “I’d like to see them try and kneel” comment. I question your motives and intentions on this blog. I know you write a lot about theology Henry but judging by your other comments I have to think that those long posts are just your indulging your ego and showing off. Very prideful I would say. I really fear there is something wrong with the two of you seeing as how you had to introduce comments like that. Why was it necessary to gloat about the mass and that it might have upset people you loathe? FWIW, when my son asked me how we were going to kneel in Yankee stadium, I told him I didn’t think we would or could. Maybe I’ll educate him on the Eastern practices and the riches of those rites, despite being home to people like Henry Karlson.
Michael, If you read Amy Welborn’s site, they are all complaining about the music. Are you kidding me?! I would LOVE to attend a Papal Mass. There are some really bitter people in this world, or maybe they are not bitter, maybe they have nothing better to do than to criticize and tear down.
I wonder which is worse; lamenting bad music during Mass in the view that it is not the best we can offer the Lord , or taking glee in knowing people lament bad music during mass. RCM, They are discussing the Mass in DC at Amy Welborn’s blog. They aren’t doing it with any less good will than Henry and Michael are here.
I was hoping for music from Michael Iafrate and the Steubenville Strummers.
Tim – I had no “attitude” whatsoever in my comment about the Mass of Creation. I was simply noting that ever since the Pope’s visit was announced, Catholic blogs have been abuzz about what music would be used, and so many of them entered into another rouch of bitching about the Mass of Creation, praying that it would not be used. RCM’s comment supports that observation, showing that the bitching indeed continues. I find this unfortunate, because I think it’s a well-written Mass, especially compared to a lot of other contemporary Masses. (I like the minor-key Masses as opposed to stuff like “Halle Halle Halle,” for example.
Greg – What exactly does your comment mean? Are you seriously going to presume to know my preferences for liturgical music, based solely on the fact that I like the Mass of Creation? And the Steubenville reference? What of it? Or is your comment supposed to some kind of crack about the music that I actually make in real life? If so, you’re entitled to your opinion, but I would prefer to see you write a substantive review of my albums in that case. Can you please say what you think directly and clearly instead of these kinds of comments?
rouch=round
Where was the Gregorian chant? That should take precedent over anything…as said in the Vatican II documents. And what the heck is the “Mass of Creation”? The name itself to me just sounds silly and modernistic. I’m a Roman Catholic who attends the Tridentine mass, but only go to the mass that are ok with the local bishop.
Sarah:
Mass of Creation:
http://www.giamusic.com/products/P-168.cfm
Marty Haugen:
http://www.martyhaugen.net/
Is creation modernistic?
Sarah – Gregorian chant is great, but not required. You know this.
Hahaha… I’m enjoying myself thoroughly with the complaints about the Papal Mass. It’s actually kind of sad.
It’s sad that you are enjoying it. True.
I know, Marty Haugen is the Arius of the 20th and 21st century.
“…one just wonders why we [Byzantines] were thrown up at the top away from everyone else.”
to symbolize that you are closer to heaven. :)
(I was in the 300 section)
According to the Roman Rite, at any mass where kneelers are not present such as an outdoor mass or a mass in a gymnasium, the congregation should stand during the entire Eucharistic Prayer. A low bow from the waist is also requested at the Epiclesis itself and when the sacred elements are shown to the people.
According to the Roman Rite, at any mass where kneelers are not present such as an outdoor mass or a mass in a gymnasium, the congregation should stand during the entire Eucharistic Prayer.
Or in a church without kneelers.
Doesn’t one of the canons of First Nicea call for people to stand during the eucharistic prayer?