I recently attended my first Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) and absolutely loved it. I loved it so much that I don’t have any plans on returning to my Novus Ordo parish. At least for as long as my new FSSP (Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter) is allowed to hold mass. Why have I made this change?
First, let me make it clear that I have absolutely no negative feelings toward the Novus Ordo Mass. I firmly believe it is a valid Mass and for the most part I also have truly loved the parish I’ve belonged to since 2009. While some aspects of it, mainly the sheer size of the parish has made it harder for me being somewhat of an introvert. In addition, I’ve always felt things were just a bit too modern for my tastes.
I’ve prayed a lot over the past few months about what all this means and what I should actually do about it and I believe the heavenly guidance I’ve been given is what has led to this change.
As I have shared in previous posts and have mentioned in my About page, I converted to Catholicism from a background of a mixture of Baptist, Church of Christ and non-denominational Bible Church upbringings. But from a very early age I’ve always been drawn to the Catholic Church as I’ve known this was the church started by Jesus Christ. It was just unfortunate that it took me over 40 years to make the decision to become Catholic.
When I made this decision, and one I believe was the most important decision I ever made in my entire life back in 2009, I knew very little about the Catholic Church and much of what I learned in the first few years (including RCIA) was from my local parish. I only heard about TLM parishes a few years ago and much of that led me to believe they were not valid. Of course, with more research and even more prayers I’ve since learned at least within the FSSP the mass is 100% valid and the FSSP parish I attend is just as much a part of the local diocese as the Novus Ordo parish.
As I’m still relatively new to the TLM, I’ll wait until I have more experience before speaking directly on the differences between TLM and NO masses. But one of the things that inspired me to visit a TLM parish at this time as to do with tradition.
I’ve always considered myself a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to things in my life. I love history, especially medieval history and hearing the mass in the same way that so many of our great saints heard it is very inspiring to me.
Again, while I firmly believe the Novus Ordo mass is 100% valid, if you have the opportunity to visit a Traditional Latin Mass parish I would encourage you to attend mass and experience the difference yourself.
Until next time…
Fratus tuus in Christo,
Jerry