Today the Kenrick School of Theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary celebrated its first Mass in the extraordinary form, under the directive of Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Letter, Summorum Pontificum, issued Motu Proprio on July 7 of this year, and the directives set forth by St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke; namely, that Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, in order to ensure priests are prepared to celebrate Mass in the extraordinary form, will provide liturgical formation in both the Novus Ordo and 1962 forms of the Mass.
Today's Mass took a little over an hour. There are many differences between the old and new forms (too many to be expounded here), but most noticably, there seems to be a bit more of a 'reverent' atmosphere, in which those not serving at the altar have more time to contemplate and to reflect on the 'mystery' happening around you. This is not to say the 1962 form is better or worse than the Novus Ordo Mass (which is celebrated in almost every parish in the world today, in the vernacular, or local language, of the place it's being celebrated)--just different.
I have posted a ton of pictures from the Mass on the pictures page - check them out to see what your friendly neighborhood seminary community's been up to lately.
Also, as an aside, there will likely be a few blogs and other sources reporting on this Mass, as today is (I'm fairly certain) the first day Summorum Pontificum takes effect, and we're one of the first seminaries in the U.S. to have a Mass in the extraordinary form. I'll keep you updated with links in this post (if you know of any not listed below, let me know of them!).
Links:
- The New Liturgical Movement
- St. Louis Catholic (blog)
- Veritas Vos Liberat
- Catholic Highlights (Diocese of Superior) (September 14th Edition)
- Rzymski Katolik
- The Cafeteria is Closed
- What Does the Prayer Really Say?
- Quid est Veritas?
- Oak Leaves (blog)
- Ad Mentem Sancti Thomae Aquinatis
- Overheard in the Sacristy