We're probably all familiar with those who mean well but wrongheadedly change the texts of the Mass to make them "inclusive." E.g., those who adjust the preface dialogue and say, "It is right to give God thanks and praise," even though the antecedent for the expunged "him" in this case is "the Lord,...

All forms of the Holy Mass are powerful in the sense that the bread and wine become the body and blood of the Lord. Yet, contrary to the unquestioned assumptions of many traditionalists, it is my firm conviction that the renewed liturgy (that's the term used by Pope Benedict XVI) that emerged after ...

Some people think that the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (known as the "Tridentine Rite" or the "Traditional Latin Mass") is "meant for those who could not make the transition from Latin to English [or other languages] after the Council." Some state that "there is no participation by the peop...

When have you last heard a priest talk like this? And, no - Vatican II did not eliminate words found in this sermon. This is the other half of the faith many have not been hearing. Please feel free to add your thoughts in the combox. Comments are usually moderated in the evening when I am home. Serm...

Well, today I have offered my first Mass in the Extraordinary Form. I'll share a few of my many thoughts and feelings. I was very self-conscious a lot of the time, trying to recall all of my practicing, watching and reviewing of how to offer the Mass correctly. Even though I have practiced with no s...

After the altar is incensed, the priest, and other members in the sanctuary are incensed, followed by the faithful. In the photo above, the humeral veil is now draped over the shoulders of the subdeacon who uses it to hold the paten from the close of Offertory until after the Pater Noster. The pries...

A photo taken at Midnight Mass as the Gloria was well underway in the orchestra Mass. Alexandre Guilmant's 3rd Solemn Mass was conducted by Grotto's pastor, Rev. Eduard Perrone. During longer versions of the Gloria or Credo, the priests will sit - a signal the faithful follow, as well. As you will s...

CVSTOS FIDEI MORNING EDITION Crystal Ball - Donald R. McClarey, American Catholic It Can Happen Here - John Zmirak, Inside Catholic Hook, Line, and Sinker - Patrick Archbold, Creative Minority Report USCCB Probe Aid Directed to ACORN - Julia Duin, Washington Times Abp Burke on Benedict's Reform of t...

Natural Family Planning Awareness Week highlights the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love and responsible parenthood along with the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed M...

Summorum Pontificum is the Apostolic Letter authorizing wider use of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. Along with that document, the Pope issued an "accompanying letter" containing these words: Needless to say, in order to experience full communion, the priests of thecommunities adhering to ...