My parents always say how "in their day" much of the mass was said in Latin and my dad (who is no longer practicing) always brags that he still knows the Latin prayers. I remember when I was younger and our Church incorporated some Latin music once in a while, my mom would get excited because she remembered the lyrics and simply loved the songs.
Now that I have made the U-turn in my spiritual journey and have returned to the Church, little aspects like this intrigue me. (also I love languages and once part of MJ-ism I loved was the Hebrew prayers; I still recite the Sh'ma in Hebrew) I love the Salve Regina video I posted a few topics back, and I have been listening to some other Gregorian chants and Latin "tunes" on youtube. They're very peaceful and so incredibly beautiful. On one of the blogs I follow, the blogger, a young Catholic mother, recites the rosary in Latin to her child before bed which soothes her to sleep unlike any other technique. I have keep hearing about the Traditional Latin Mass, although I have never been to one or heard of one before the internet lol Has anyone ever been to one? What is it like? I heard women have to cover their hair upon entering ;) My kinda mass!
I think there's something very unifying in language. Muslims insist a convert learn Arabic to fully understand the Qu'ran and prayers, Orthodox Jews recite their services in almost all Hebrew, the Amish use High German/PA Dutch,and so on. I have been looking at the Latin rosary lately, I find it quite lyrical!
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I haven't been keeping up with my rosaries this Lent, but I have been doing well with the other sacrifices. I had a quick question though, why does the RCC not count Sundays during Lent, but the Orthodox does? (I thinkthey don't...but even so, their Lent is much more challenging, they go Vegan basically! I cannot imagine...especially here at school, there is simply no way!) I read in my church pamphlet that Sunday is a celebration for us and that we are not allowed to sacrifice on this joyful day, is that universally accepted? Do you break your Lenten fasts on Sunday?
Peace always,
RA~
PS- Just a quick update, I just wanted to let everyone know once again how incredible God is!! My faith has truly been cleansed and renewed these past 2 months here at school...I cannot even describe how close I feel to the Lord after really delving into the Eucharist, the saints, and coming around to Mary. It's like a completely different spiritual level than I have ever experienced and I regret putting it off for so long. But God is good! baruch HaShem :)
I am a young girl striving to separate herself from the allure of the world in the hopes of attaining a peaceful & God-fearing life. I would love to share my experiences as a testimony to my faith. May God keep you all. Pax Vobiscum.
4 comments:
RCC does count Sundays during Lent. The people who tell you otherwise are trying to weasel their way out of Lenten duties. One should never break one's Lenten fasts or dedications on Sunday.
I love the Latin Mass. It's quite a bit longer than Novus Ordo, so I can never convince my family to go. Women are not required to cover their heads for it, but they look very out of place when they don't. The choir sings in Latin, obviously, but the people don't really join in although they have the lyrics. There is much more kneeling and chanting. Readings are done in Latin and English, and then the homily is done in Latin. The priest faces away from the congregation instead of toward them. Communion is received kneeling at a railing, in the mouth, with an altar boy holding a plate under your chin in case something gets dropped. And I think the Latin Mass uses incense at every service, but I could be getting that mixed up with the Masses I attended when I was in London.
I'll agree with Carmela on this one. I will add a caveat, however, that if you make a personal Lenten resolution, then you are free to make it whatever you want. For instance, you could say "I am going to abstain from meat on all days but Sundays" Since it is a personal decision, it is all your own commitment. The Church only requires abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent and fasting on Ash Wed. and Good Friday.
I just found your blog and I love it!! I'm a convert to the Catholic faith (came home my senior year of college, specifically) and love reading about other people's faith journeys. Looking forward to your posts!
thanks Maggie! it's great to have new faces in here :D
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