Because of the baptism of 32 babies, quite a few to say the least, after the Holy Father incensed the altar and went to his throne, the Mass began with the Sign of the Cross and Greeting. The Penitential Act was omitted so that the first part of the baptism ritual could take place, "What name to you give your children? What do you ask of God's Church for your children and then the sign of the cross imposed on the forehead of each child.
After this the free-standing Kyrie was chanted as well as the Gloria and the Collect was prayed. The laity's parts of the Mass were chanted in Latin, the Holy Father prayed his parts in Italian.
The Liturgy of the Word was as usual and there were lay lectors, male and female.
After the Gospel and homily the Liturgy of Baptism continued with all the rites. Since there were 32 children it was quite lengthy.
Then the Liturgy of the Eucharist took place with the presentation of the offerings, prepareation of these at the ad orientem altar and the Eucharistic Prayer. The Offertory Antiphon was chanted.
At Holy Communion, the Communion Antiphon was chanted.
After the Dismissal, there was an anthem sung to the Blessed Virgin Mary and then there was the recessional.
If you ask me, this was a Reform of the Reform Mass with Pope Francis. If only all parishes in the world would follow what Pope Francis modeled at his Baptism of the Lord Solemn Mass.
5 comments:
Fr McDonald:
This may the best example yet of how to reform the reform. A perfect balance/integration of tradition and continuity. We are awaiting a new pastor at my parish and in the Diocese of Rockville Center, NY, the laity is afforded the opportunity to weigh-in on what we would like in this person. You can imagine my input and I believe there is a growing sense that a reform of the reform is in perfect order at this time. More and more I am witnessing newly ordained priests in this diocese far more in touch with this notion than those who are clinging to the style of the 70's and 80's. It's really amazing how the Holy Spirit works through the church. All in good time
Tom, I hope all is well for you and your family. You are correct though about priests ordained in the last five to ten years. They are not as ideological about the wonderful way Pope Francis celebrated the Mass in the Sistine Chapel and would heartily support it, whereas I've been the liturgy blogs of a more progressive ideology that won't even welcome the possibility that Pope Francis was modeling for the clergy a very clear and wonderful way to celebrate the Mass in parishes. This threatens their spin about him. They are in denial.
Father, please answer a question. Why do the majority of priests feel the need, and why do they think they have the authority, to constantly add, remove or change, words, actions, vestments etc. during the Mass? Please forgive the awful structure of my question but I was trying to fit everything in it. Why can't they just say "The Lord be with you" and proceed to "Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge........" Instead we get "good morning everyone thanks for being here and deciding to share your Sunday together. Because it's all about being a community. That is what Church is and that's what we are Church. Isn't that wonderful, let's think about that". And he just drones on and on. Sometimes it gets on my nerves so much that I would rather have a spike driven through my head. Why do they refuse to follow the Missal, which by the way, is a product of the council they profess to adore and worship. Thank you for allowing me to vent.
I experienced the same thing with some of the priests who celebrated Mass while I was on sabbatical. Often silly comments were made following the opening hymn or after the greeting.And yes, plenty of good mornings, how are ya kind of stuff. It is amazing. It is based upon making people feel welcomed. It is stupid.
He is the very model of a modern Roman Pontifex,
His easy style and gentle way leaves many traddies really vexed,
He shuns the silk and damask and the lacy outer garments too,
He celebrates the mass quite simply - modeling for me and you,
He’s very well acquainted with all matters theological,
He has no patience with right-winger’s noise ideological,
He’s Jesuit right through and through and South American to boot
And he’s the Pope and you are not, so “Tuum Petrus” we salute!
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