CRÈCHE AND PROPERS FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD IN THE TEMPLE, AKA, THE PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, AKA, CANDLEMAS, AKA, GROUND HOG DAY…

 I celebrated the Vigil Mass for Candlemas at Saint Francis By the Sea Church on Hilton Head Island’s north end. I infrequently celebrate there.

I was most pleased, though, to see that the crèche had not been taken down after Epiphany but remained in place for Candlemas! How many parishes do that today????? Did yours?

Also, the proper Entrance chants were chanted in English and to a very singable refrain for the congregation as well as the Communion Antiphon. 

How many Modern Mass parishes actually hear and sing the official chants of the Mass which are prescribed. Normally they get a metrical hymn of some kind. Could you imagine substituting the Liturgy of the Word with something that approximates the Scriptures and that the liturgy director does so with his or her tastes to boot! But that is what happens to the Introit, Offertory and Communion Antiphons, which are Scripture, someone, usually the music director picks something else, something she or he likes. UGH!

FROM THE “IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T WASTE A COLOSSAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FIXING IT!

Immaculate Conception Church in Omaha, Nebraska:this is an FSSP TLM parish’s before and after. Evidently even traditionalists have a zeal for unnecessary renovations and wasting of money to do it. 

Am I being too critical? What do you think:

BEFORE:

AFTER: