Here's the rear altar at Immaculate Conception - Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD.
The Sunday evening masses here employ a guitar - and after attending these numerous times, I can alter my opinion of the use of guitars at mass. Now, there's a big difference between employing a guitar at mass and a "guitar mass". There's also a small choir that joins in, along with a violin and a piano. I think only the most ardent Traditionalist would object to what they hear.
Considering that the University mass is predominately college kids, with a few of us old farts thrown in to mix things up, the reverence they show is quite impressive. Before I went, I was thinking "This is going to be some sort of hootenanny".
It's a testament to the University and to the parents of these kids.
The ol' CCB can be tough on modern life, but I'll give credit where it's due. I'll miss this place over the summer, that's for sure.
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15 comments:
Hey! With an altar like that, why is there a "front", altar?
Can't keep the bitter ones out of here, I suppose.
The comment bomber was deleted again.
Some interesting characters at St. Peter's College - wonder why he goes there if he hates the Church so much?
Pope Pius X Apostolic Letter, "Tra Le Sollectudini" prohibits the use of piano and guitar at Mass:
"19. The employment of the piano is forbidden in church, as is also that of noisy or frivolous instruments such as drums,guitars cymbals, bells and the like"
This is part of the Ordinary Magisterium and is binding on all Catholics.
If it's binding, then I'm left to wonder how it's used at all. Of course, considering all of the other things that have occurred in the last 40 years, it almost seems minor in comparison.
I'd still be in favor of a complete ban, because those instruments lend themselves to be used inappropriately. A respectful employment of those instruments is still by far the exception.
"If it's binding, then I'm left to wonder how it's used at all."
Mr Nichols,
Many liturgical laws are binding on all Catholics, but are ignored.
Such as the absolute prohibition on using clay or glass chalices.
The Vatican Council II document "Sacrosanctum Concilium", that called for Mass to be offered "Ad Orientem", just to name a couple.
Many priests break the law and use non-metal chalices, and the majority of Masses are offered Versus populem, which is against the norm of law of the Church.
Latin is lawfully to be used for the Ordinary parts of the Novus Ordo, yet it is very rare that this law is obeyed.
etc.
Many liturgical laws are binding on all Catholics, but are ignored.
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You won't get an argument from me on this, that's for sure.
That altar is quite pretty. It kinda reminds me of the altar where I go to church.
That altar is quite pretty :)
hey just wanted to let you know i enjoy your blog! keep up the good work :) Also, I'm a seminarian up at the mount and during the school year, if you would like a more traditional Mass, the seminarians have their Masses at 7 am. Sung Solemn Vespers at 5pm on Sundays as well
Thanks Matt! My daughter went to one of the afternoon Seminarian Masses and she said that it was a wonderful experience!
I'll have to make it to one!
Beautiful! I have saved it to a folder so I can have it on my desktop! Thanks for dharing the photo!
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