Welcome to the National Shrine of Saint Philomena

THE SAINT PHILOMENA MESSENGER
Issue Number 41

Dear Friends of Saint Philomena,

We are often asked the reasons for our celebrating the traditional Roman liturgical rites in Latin and not the vernacular ones at the Shrine.

MANY PEOPLE ARE UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THERE IS REALLY NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TRADITIONAL MASS IN LATIN AND THE MASS IN THE VERNACULAR THAT IS FOUND IN NEARLY EVERY CATHOLIC CHURCH TODAY.

THIS IS OFTEN BECAUSE THEY HAVE :

NEVER PARTICIPATED IN A LATIN MASS, OR
HAVE NEVER READ OR RESEARCHED ANYTHING ABOUT THE MATTER

(OFTEN THEY MIGHT HAVE CERTAIN RESERVATIONS ABOUT WHAT THEY SEE AND HEAR DAILY AND ON SUNDAYS, BUT THEY ARE LOYAL CATHOLICS AND DO NOT WANT TO CAUSE TROUBLE.)

THIS LITTLE ARTICLE WILL EASILY PROVE THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE, IN FACT MANY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE LATIN MASS AND THE VERNACULAR MASS AND THESE DIFFERENCES ARE VERY SIGNIFICANT!

LET US EXAMINE JUST SOME OF THESE DIFFERENCES:

1. THE ORIGIN OF THE RITE

The Latin Mass (From now on L.M.) has developed under the inspiration of God over almost two thousand years since its origin at the Last Supper. It has been virtually unchanged since the time of Pope St. Gregory the Great, d. 604.
The Vernacular Mass (From now on V.M.) was introduced by Pope Paul VI in 1969. It was the product of Archbishop Bugnini (Reputedly a Freemason) and six Protestant ministers. In the words of Bugnini, the changes brought about in the traditional rite “deal with a fundamental renovation… a total change… a new creation.” As Pope Paul VI explained many elements of the traditional liturgy were removed or modified in order to make the Mass more attractive to Protestants, with the hope that they would return to the Church. The Pope recognized that this would be painful to many Catholics. Looking back over more than 35 years we must acknowledge that this return of Protestants did not take place. In fact millions of Catholics ceased to practice their faith and the Orthodox Churches – “separated brethren” closest to the Catholic Church, have been scandalized at what they see as the destruction of Western liturgical tradition.

2. THE POSITION OF THE CELEBRANT

L.M: Between the people and the altar, leading them in prayer. If possible the church is “oriented”, in other words the celebrant and congregation face east, towards the beautiful rising sun, symbol for almost two thousand years of Jesus rising from the dead and from which direction early Christians believed He would come again.
V.M: Celebrant, commonly known as the “President of the Assembly”, faces the people from behind the altar or table.

3. THE ALTAR

A Catholic altar of sacrifice

The “Ecumenical” table

L.M: Gloriously decorated, with wax candles, relics of the Saints, Crucifix, etc.
V.M: Often just a table, two false wax candles at one end, a bowl of flowers at the other.

4. THE TABERNACLE WITH THE RESERVED SACRAMENT

L.M: In the centre of the High Altar, encouraging worship of the miraculous presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. (How many converts have been made to the Church – including myself – by sensing this Divine Presence that the poor Protestant churches DO NOT HAVE!)

V.M: Never on the main altar or table. Could be on a shelf behind, to one side of the sanctuary, on a side altar (if one still exists), in a special chapel or location somewhere else.

5. THE RITE OF MASS ITSELF

V.M: In basic structure the rite is similar to the L.M. However it is CERTAINLY NOT THE SAME. Many prayers in the L.M. are cut out, especially those with reference to the Mass as a sacrifice, as being particularly offensive to Protestants.
The Offertory Prayers come from the Jewish religion.
The Sacred Words of Our Lord Jesus Christ for the Consecration of the Precious Blood are changed. This is a VERY SERIOUS THING, so much so that some consider this to INVALIDATE the V.M.

L.M. has:
“This is the Chalice of my Blood…. It will be shed for you and for many (Latin: “multis”) for the remission of sins.”

V.M. has:
“This is the cup of my blood….it will be shed for you and for all (Latin: “omnibus”) so that sins may be forgiven”.

As far as I know NO OTHER MAINLINE CHRISTIAN DENOMINATION has dared to change the words of God as recorded in Holy Scripture for their celebration of the Eucharist.

Our Lord’s Sacrifice on Calvary was sufficient for ALL, but was effective for MANY because NOT ALL are saved! Hell exists and it is occupied. The V.M. has at its heart the heresy of universal salvation (Everyone goes to Heaven).

6. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

L.M: At sung Masses the organ is employed. At very special celebrations a classical orchestra may accompany the liturgy.
V.M: Rarely is the organ used. Guitars, pianos, bongo drums, tambourines, castanets and other percussion instruments are employed.

7. MASS SETTINGS AND SONGS

L.M: Gregorian Chant and the works of classical composers are used, as are traditional and modern hymns, so long as the latter are truly Catholic.
V.M: All manner of modern settings are employed, “Folk”, “Polka”, “Rock”, etc. Songs are often from Protestant origins, others are silly, childish banal ditties, which many Protestants, especially the very reverent Episcopalians, would never tolerate in their services.

8. BEHAVIOUR OF THE PEOPLE DURING MASS

L.M: Silent, except for emergencies. No moving about the church. People encouraged to spend time in silent preparation before Mass and thanksgiving afterwards. Often the Holy Rosary is prayed before Mass.
V.M: Maybe a “Minister of Music” will be practicing a song with those present before the service. Chatting/ fellowship encouraged in church. It is taught that the Eucharist is a meal and nobody is silent at a family dinner. There may be movement also “since we are in our Father’s house”. People encouraged to leave immediately at the end: to “go out and change the world” . Applause for president, ministers, servers, etc. is increasingly common.

9. ATTITUDE OF THE CELEBRANT DURING MASS

L.M: Except maybe during the sermon there is no “eye-contact” with the congregation. The priest concentrates on prayerfully offering the most wonderful miracle of the Catholic Church.
V.M: “Eye-contact” throughout. Familiarity encouraged. “Good morning everybody!” “Good morning, Father Mike!” “Hi you all, how are you this morning? Tired? Yeah, last night I went to bed late too. Let’s get this over and done with quick, eh?” (True recorded statement).

10. THE VESSELS AT MASS

L.M: Vessels are of the finest. Gold or silver, or at least the interior of the chalice is plated with gold.
V.M: Wood, pottery and glass are frequently employed.

11. THE THUMB AND INDEX FINGER OF THE CELEBRANT

L.M: These are joined from the consecration until after the Communion vessels are cleared of the Blessed Sacrament, this is to ensure that no particle of the Most Holy is lost.
V.M: These are left un-joined, allowing particles to fall, the president to scratch his head and elsewhere, pick his nose, answer cell-phone, etc., possibly with particles of God present (All these have been seen to happen).

12. THE ALTAR SERVERS

L.M: Because the “acolyte” is one of the minor orders and orders are restricted to men, when no ordained acolyte is present boys and men may serve the Mass.
V.M: Girls and women may serve.

13. RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

L.M: Holy Eucharist received on the tongue by communicant kneeling at the altar rail. Only an anointed priest gives Communion. A Communion plate is held under the chin of the communicant to catch any particles of the Precious Body of Christ that might otherwise fall to the ground.
Only persons in a state of grace may receive the Blessed Sacrament.
V.M: Communion is given under the appearances of bread and wine. The presider is assisted by “Eucharistic Ministers”. The people are encouraged to receive the Eucharistic Bread on the hand. There is rarely a Communion plate, so particles fall to the floor, remain on the hands of the communicants, etc. The cup is given into the hands of the Communicants, allowing for it to be dropped or spilt, especially by the infirm and elderly.
More or less everybody receives Communion on the basis that they were taught it is virtually impossible to commit a mortal sin (“Fundamental option” theory).

ONE COULD GO ON, BUT THESE ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE LATIN MASS AND THE VERNACULAR SERVICE.

A FINAL THOUGHT:

More than ten years ago the U.S. Catholic bishops lamented that at least 65% of the laity attending the vernacular Mass no longer believed that Jesus Christ was truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

There is NO QUESTION that 100% of the attendees at the Latin Mass DO believe that the bread and wine become God.
Strange, therefore, that modern bishops and priests should discourage people from attending the Latin Mass?