When we last encountered Amy Welborn on the net some ten years ago she was one of the “Bravest of the Brave” in defense of the liturgical status quo (along with Mark Shea, George Weigel etc.). Now, on a trip to Charleston, she visited Stella Maris parish:
“Now, please note, if you can – the church seems to be mostly in its original state, which means that this is the original altar, with no extra altar stuck in the sanctuary.
Yes, Mass was celebrated ad orientem. It was mostly in English (except for the Gloria in Latin), and no Propers, but with decent hymnody and some Bach from the hard-working choir and organist. The homily was quite good, centered on the concepts of exitus and reditus as an way of talking about the Ascension and mission.
And can I repeat? Mass was celebrated ad orientem. The Leonine Prayers were recited after Mass. The homily was theologically substantive and evangelical. There were no self-referential extemporaneous goings-on. The place was packed. The congregation was attentive, reverent and vocal.
Everyone survived and the earth continued to revolve (I think).”
Source: CHARLOTTE WAS BOTH
What also needs to be mentioned, however, is that later in the day on Sunday a Traditional Mass has been celebrated at Stella Maris for many years now:
(Above and below)Pictures from 2006
(Above) A photo of the sanctuary today from the parish’s website. Please note that in fact the altar has been beautifully restored at some time after 2006.
Judging by Amy Welborn’s remarks, the concept of “mutual enrichment” of the “two forms of the Roman rite” may be working more effectively than anyone could have imagined.
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