If you attend a Catholic church or have one nearby, you may have seen advertisements and bulletins blurbs about the traditional Latin mass. What is this mass? How is it different from the one many American Catholics attend every week, and what does it offer to parishioners? Read on to find out more!
What is the Latin Mass?
The traditional Latin mass – also known as the Tridentine mass – is an alternative service offered at many Catholic church branches around the world. It offers education and prayer in both Latin and the local language of the area where it is taking place, giving attendees a sense of inclusion in the Church’s history and roots.
Why Choose Latin Mass?
There are many people who do not understand why a separate Latin mass should be offered at their local Catholic church. After all, why do everyday parishioners in the Detroit area want a traditional Latin mass in their Catholic church? The truth is, not all of them do – but enough are interested in the merits of the tradition that it is a popular choice for churches around the world.
The reason why so many people love the traditional Tridentine mass is twofold; first, there is a rich and storied history woven into the service itself that offers a feast for the senses as it unfolds. Many people treat themselves to the service as a way to enjoy the theater and beauty of their own religion, while others simply enjoy the historical aspect of seeing it all.
The second and perhaps simpler reason why so many people choose Latin mass has to do with the education it offers. In the course of a year, a faithful attendee to Latin mass services will receive a comprehensive and complete education in the most important aspects of the religion, including the teachings of both Jesus Christ and his Apostles. For many, this is reason enough to choose the Tridentine mass – at least for a year!
What about you? Have you ever attended a traditional Latin mass? If not, perhaps you should give it a try, this year. You might find that you, too, fall in love with the old-world aesthetics and rich traditions that the service offers.