Sunday, March 22, 2015

Lenten Ritual Distinctions

In this area, the celebration of the Roman Rite Ordinary Form Mass is almost totally un-informed by traditional practices.  It is common practice to use instruments before, during, and after Mass in Lent and a 'hail-fellow-well-met' atmosphere has supplanted dignified restraint throughout the year, which is especially grating in this season.

The Ambrosian Rite serves as a vivid contrast and as a silent reminder of what 'penitential' really means.

...First of all, it should be noted that in the Ambrosian Tradition, the whole of Lenten time is “aeortological”, that is no Saint’s feast - apart from St. Joseph and the Annunciation, the latter only since 1902 - is ever celebrated during Lent. Thus, almost on every Lenten weekday, the Mass is de feria, with the only exception of the above mentioned feasts. Fridays are always aliturgical, and the celebration of the Mass in Ambrosian churches is strictly [forbidden], as is the celebration of Mass by Ambrosian priests in the Roman Rite churches of the diocese.

The liturgical colour for Lenten feriae is that of strict penance: black
....

Frankly, this should not strike us as "odd."  Were the OF Lenten Masses hewing to any resemblance of traditional praxis, the Ambrosian would appear to be only a few degrees more "Lenten" than the Roman.

Instead, it strikes one as other-worldly.

Would that the OF celebrations strike us in the same way!!  Orate!!!

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