Today, Assumption Grotto celebrated the Feast of All Souls. Normally, the 9:30am Mass is in the Extraordinary Form (Tridentine), but Fr. Perrone opted for the Ordinary Form in Latin. It was concelebrated by three priests of the Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross.
Fr. Perrone gives the following explanation:
There are currently two calendars in use for the Roman rite: one for the new ("ordinary") form and one for the old ("extraordinary form" or Tridentine). Accoringly, today's celebration of All Souls Day must be observed on Sunday in the new rite, but in the Tridentine form All Souls Day is transferred to Monday. We are not celebrating the Tridentine form of the Latin Mass today only, so as to allow all our parishioners the opportunity to assist at a Mass for the Dead, an opportunity which they might not have if the designated Tridentine observance for today - the 4th Resumed Sunday after Ephiphany - were celebrated. Tomorrow, the Tridentine Masses wil be for All Souls Day. Next Sunday we will resume the Tridentine Sunday Mass, where the feast of The Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Savior will be observed. We are sorry for the confusion that prevails when there are two calendars simultaneously in use, a circumstance that will be addressed and remedied by the Holy See in the future.
As you can see, black vestments were in use. If you are not accustomed to this, it may take you aback. However, suspend judgment for a moment and read the column of Bishop R. Walter Nickless of Sioux City, Iowa. He talks about black vestments and the connection to the dead. You might be surprised by what you learn about our Catholic faith. He provided the explanation because he chose this year to wear black himself. I'll send you to the blogpost by Fr. Z, who includes some comments of his own, where you can read what Bishop Nickless has to say.
The Grotto Knights of Columbus provided color guard.
Our pastor, Fr. Eduard Perrone conducted a 37-piece orchestra. The Assumption Grotto Choir and Orchestra performed the Requiem by Maurice Durufle which was absolutely beautiful. Pre-Mass music was by Joseph-Ermend Bonnal, "Priere et Choral" for organ and orchestra (which he notes is the first performance in the USA). Below is a towards the back of the Church where the choir and orchestra is situated. You can see the organist, Matthew Simpson on the balcony, where he uses a mirror to see Fr. Perrone.
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