This link predicts the future of Catholic worship in America. For many years Catholics who have disliked the new liturgy have been pushing for a wider use of the Traditional Latino Mass. Now in New York and in many places the Latino Mass is growing ever popular. Cubans in traditional Latino costumes–the men in tight trousers and the ladies in flouncy skirts–have been flocking to the traditional Latino Mass. With steel bands, bongo drums and ‘charismatic’ music, the Masses are enlivened with colorful vestments, processions with statues of the Blessed Virgin dressed in gorgeous robes, and some very happy people.
These traditional Latino Masses are increasingly popular throughout the USA, and those who love the Traditional Latino Mass are hoping that any day Pope Benedict will issue a special permission called a motu proprio which will make the Traditional Latino Mass even more widely practiced. Who knows, perhaps one day all Catholics everywhere will return once more to the Traditional Latino Mass.
Yeah, that’s what we need, a quasi-pentecostal service.
Father, you are too funny. But while we’re on topic, could you clear up a question? As I understand it, right now any priest can freely celebrate the TLoM, but the TLM requires the bishop’s permission? My question is: Is there something particular about the status of the TLM that makes it *hard* for a bishop to give that permission?I’m puzzled as to why, if a bishop is free to allow the TLM, there’s a problem. Is the problem that bishops are simply refusing to allow it, or that it is difficult for a willing bishop to give permission in the first place?
Individual bishops are indeed quite recalcitrant, in many places.Here in Toronto we have a Latin mass in several places in the greater Toronto area, weekly. However no permission is likely from the Bishop to allow a Latin-only parish, even a virtual-parish, within a regular parish. Nor has permission been granted for the use of other sacraments according to the 1962 missal, such as the sacrament of Penance (Confession), and others. (No you don’t confess your sins in Latin, but the priests words of absolution are in Latin. “Te Absolvo…”)Warren
I’m not only a new priest, but new to the American Catholic Church, but as I understand it, there are some bishops who do not readily give permission for Latin Mass, and there are elements in the church who downright suppress any moves to bring back the Latin.
Okay, thanks. Does anyone know are there any dioceses where the bishop is Latin-friendly and therefore there are plenty of Latin Masses?
Jennifer: come to St. Louis!
Your post, Father, had me grinning from ear to ear, but the article itself had me gasping in disbelief. Since when has the Church fostered and nurtured a “new emphasis on personal experiences with God” and “independent and direct spiritual channels” alongside the Mass and the Sacraments? Do these personal encounters with, presumably, the Holy Spirit hold the status of private revelations? Are certain priests “authorised” to be spiritual healers, rather in the way exorcists are? Or are we rather sitting on our hands while many simple people are being pushed into potential mental illness?
My link to the article does not imply approval of its contents.
Father, I was the reader who originally sent you the link to the article, I believe (I posted it in another thread early yesterday morning), unless you found it concurrently on your own. My sending it was probably a poor attempt at “tongue-in-cheek” in the Latin vs. NO thread. I have to admit, I was trying to stir the pot a bit, and apparently I have. In the words of a great scholar whom I admire more each day: “My link to the article does not imply approval of its contents”!! Nuff said… BLESSINGS, Jenny
Thanks for the link Jenny. I should have referenced you!
Well, at least the liturgical dance will be more interesting.
reminds me of a conversation I just had with my Puerto Rican dad last night…Bumper sticker on my car: Its Better In Latin (pic of a priest smoking a pipe)My dad: Oh. I like that! (pointing to sticker) I might go back to being Catholic if they had more charasmatic Latin masses.Me: Um, dad… that doens’t mean Latin America.My dad: Oh. that’s too bad. Me: No it isn’t.