The Extraordinary Form of the Mass

Last night I was truly blessed to be present at the first Solemn High Mass offered in Charlotte in decades.  I have been to a couple of Latin masses before but the Bishop was celebrating along with many priests, seminarians and altar boys for the Feast of St. Ann (Mother of the Virgin Mary) and since it was held at St. Ann's church it was, let's say, a really big deal and one of the most beautiful things I've ever been a part of.

It was pretty much standing room only and that made me hope that more priests and their parishes will consider offering the Latin Mass.  There was a universal reverence in the church that you don't always see at Mass in the Ordinary Form.  For example, there were many women wearing chapel veils and at the end of the almost two hour Mass the entire congregation recited the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel.  It was a very moving, unified moment as Catholics, strengthened by the Eucharist we had just received, to pray for protection from the evil and temptations of the world we would once again enter into after leaving Mass.

The Gregorian Chant seemed to be the only music fitting for the miracle that is The Sacrifice of the Mass.  The obvious focus and devotion that the priests and servers had for every movement and element of the Liturgy was an invitation for contemplation.  The humble act of kneeling at the altar rail and receiving Holy Communion on the tongue is something that needs to return in even the Ordinary Form, in my opinion.

I am grateful that our wonderful Pope Benedict XVI is encouraging this form of the Mass to return and I am hopeful that this new generation of seminarians and young priests will embrace it wholeheartedly as they have been victim to the negative effects of the changes of the last four decades.  I saw the utter joy and peace on their faces last night after the Mass that can only be had when you know you were part of something True, Good and Beautiful.  It was truly like Heaven on Earth.

May the Holy Spirit guide The Church to universal perfection of The Liturgy so it may be a witness to the mystery, beauty and perfection of God Himself.  Amen.