This evening a Missa Cantata was celebrated at St. Gabriel’s, Stamford in honor of Our Lady of Mt Carmel. The pastor, Fr. Cyprian LaPastina, was the celebrant and deacon Aaron Huberfeld of the Institute of Christ the King preached. It was instructive to experience how effective the Traditional liturgy can be in the more intimate setting of this church. Those familiar with this church will note that the sanctuary can be adapted for both the Traditional and Novus Ordo masses. Some aspects of this ceremony might raise eyebrows among liturgical purists. For example, to simply read the epistle and gospel in English (on shaky authority)while surrounding them with Latin chant downgrades the liturgical and aesthetic impact of the readings. And it seems questionable to chant a hymn during the reading of the last gospel. Nevertheless, it was an impressive start (or rather restarting) of the celebration of the Traditional Mass at this parish.
The new, classical chapel. Another impressive addition by the pastor to an ungainly building that was a originally a gymnasium.
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While I generally agree that it is problematic to read the Epistle and Gospel in the vernacular in lieu of the Latin, I think is equally problematic to read it solely in the Latin and not provide the translations from the pulpit prior to the sermon. My son can't keep up with the translation in the Missal, and doesn't feel as connected to the readings at St. Mary's as he does in the NO Mass, or in other Churches such as St. Agnes, where the English is read. I don't think he, at 9 years of age, is alone in this. While the translations are provided on hand outs, that is no benefit to the young or those with sight problems or those who do not read the sheets, and the tradition has been to read the Epistle and Gospel in the vernacular in the hope and expectation that those who cannot or do not read the translation, as many don't, will get the benefit. Given the option, I might chose the chanting of the vernacular to the omission of it entirely from the Mass.
Dear Joe,
In the works that have been given to the ICRSP in Madrid, Spain, the priest normally reads the epistle and Gospel in vernacular. I guess it depends on the priest, but I agree with you: it should be the standarized towards understanding in this point alone.
Since when is the the Supreme Pontiff's authority shaky. He did in His goodness sign SP didn't he?
Art. 6. In Masses celebrated in the presence of the people in accordance with the Missal of Bl. John XXIII, the readings may be given in the vernacular, using editions recognised by the Apostolic See.
Calm down, anonymous. The issue is whether SP confirms the pre- 1962 practice of reading the readings in the vernacular in addition to the Latin or whether it states they may be given exclusively in the vernacular.
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