Father seems to be enjoying himself, but rightly expresses that he doesn't expect to go back to his parish and begin celebrating as he experienced the Liturgy there in Washington at the colloquium. Those of you who have been at Assumption Grotto for some time know all too well that Fr. Perrone took a gradual approach to getting the Liturgy where we enjoy it today. He catechized the parish with each change he was making.
Do read the delightful post by Fr. Martin Fox and use it also as an example to understand that changes require patience and time. Priests just like him all over the world are becoming interested looking at the Liturgy from a different angle. We must give them the room to grow and explore, while not expecting too much too fast lest they distance themselves from it all.
The Beauty of the Roman Liturgy
G.K. Chesterton has a line often quoted: "Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been wanted and not tried." It would well apply to the Roman Rite, insofar as what many, many Catholics experience is really a minimal shadow of the liturgy as it is intended, as clearly spelled out in the teachings and directives of the Church.
This must come as a terrible shock to many Catholics, and I have been trying to find a way to soften the blow, but I haven't found a way to do it, without concealing the truth.
What prompts this reflection is my participation in study and celebration of the sacred liturgy here at the Church Music Association of America colloquium. What are we doing? We are learning Gregorian chant and polyphony, and reflecting on the nature of the liturgy in various lectures and conversations, and of course, celebrating the liturgy itself. No minimalism here!
Each Mass is celebrated with full use of the music that is integral to the liturgy, from the opening processional chants, with the prayers of the Mass sung, either by the celebrant, the choir or the faithful, as well as in some cases, even the readings. And we have no scruples about using incense and proper ceremony (such as the priests exchanging the sign of peace in the traditional Roman fashion -- a kind of embrace, rather than a handshake), and no one fusses about time.
....continue reading at the blog of Fr. Martin Fox
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