Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Weekday Mass in the Latin language

St Kevin's Church in Harrington Street offers a Mass in Latin every weekday morning at 0800.

Today there were 11 people present for the Mass which is celebrated at a side altar in the main church.

The main gate on Synge Street which leads to the main entrance to the church is closed with notices telling people to keep out. There are automatic gates controlled by a pin pad.

To gain access to the church one has to enter through a pedestrian gate on the South Circular Road.

There are prayers said in English at the end of the Mass which were omitted in the 1962 missal.

The priest dons a black three cornered hat during the short walk from the altar to the sacristy.

The adult altar server touching the vestment, the black hat on the credence table. All the quiet words.

Why pray in a language that most likely is not understood by those attending? Is Mass in Latin some sort of statement?

Today's Mass was celebrated in dignity and quiet. But, and surely there is a 'but' to it. It must be the stuff of a great study/book.

When the priest did turn to the people on the first occasion he looked at the congregation but on all times after that he made no eye contact with anyone.

Is this what cults are about?

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