A Convert's Perspective on the TLM
Since converting to Catholicism, I’ve discovered the thousands of years worth of beautiful tradition within the church. I think one of the greatest discoveries for me has been the traditional latin mass (TLM). I remember reading about the mass on a Catholic forum while going through RCIA. Upon discovering that there was a church a mere 5 blocks from me with TLM twice weekly, I immediately set out to experience it. It was All Souls Day and I came prepared with a silk scarf to cover my head. I picked up a red missalette and settled in the very last pew. I had read enough to know that TLM involved a lot of kneeling, standing and genuflecting and I didn’t want to make a fool of myself. What I didn’t know at the time was the mass was a low mass and the red missalette didn’t have the propers of the mass. I was horribly lost. I couldn’t hear Father. Why was his back to me? Why wasn’t anyone talking?
Looking back now, I can chuckle at my ignorance but I was seriously confused. And I was sure I’d never go back. A few months later, I became curious again. So I attended a second mass, this time on a Sunday. It was another low mass (which I didn’t know) and the red missalette still wasn’t helpful to me. Again, I gave up. Finally, after continuing to read about TLM on the internet forums and someone painstakingly explaining the differences between the high and the low mass and informing me why the red missalettes didn’t have the propers for the masses (except one) I decided to give it a third go. Something in me knew this mass was worth figuring out although I wasn’t even Catholic yet. After my 3rd experience, eureka! I started to get it. I could follow along in the missalette.
Now, I go to TLM about 50% of the time on Sundays and sometimes during the week (usually on Saturday). I have 2 missals (a daily and a Sunday missal) and have collected a few mantillas. Although I can appreciate the novus ordo (NO) and have been to very reverent NO masses (such as at the National Shrine), I love the contemplative atmosphere at TLM. I really feel like I’m assisting Father with the mass. Now, at NO, I like to participate by singing, saying the responses, etc. However to me, the sacrificial aspect of the mass is more apparent and there’s a more reverent attitude from the attendees.
That being said, I don’t think I’ll ever totally stop attending the NO. I’m not one of those extreme Catholics who think Vatican II is heretical and should be disregarded. I do think some changes that took place because of Vatican II have led to some unfortunate consequences in the Church but that doesn’t mean the NO is invalid. My ultimate preference would be a hybrid novus ordo mass said in the vernacular but with Greek and Latin chants. There is so much beautiful sacred music out there that isn’t used anymore (such as Palestrina and Luis de Victoria). However, until that mass is offered at my home parish, I’ll continue to attend both masses.
