The title about says it. The first Latin Mass I went to was one of the most boring experiences I’ve ever had during my Catholic journey.
What’s odd, in retrospect, is that I attended my first Latin Mass in one of the the most beautiful, devout shrines in these USA, The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
So what happened? Spoiler alert. I now find them to be one of the most sublime Mass encounters.
Here’s how I got to here from there.
Introduction
The Latin Mass, also known as the Traditional Latin Mass or Tridentine Mass, has been a cornerstone of Catholic liturgy for centuries. However, some critics say the Latin Mass is monotonous and difficult to engage with. This is what I thought when I first attended one. I just couldn’t connect.
In this blog post, I’ll explore some of the reasons why certain individuals find the Latin Mass boring and consider the perspectives that surround this ancient liturgical tradition.
The Language Barrier
One of the primary reasons people might find the Latin Mass boring is the language barrier. Most attendees do not understand Latin.
I’ve studied some languages, mainly Spanish, but I could only pick out a few words. This made it challenging to connect with the prayers and the overall meaning of the liturgy. For many, not being able to comprehend the language used in the Mass can create a sense of detachment.
Lack of Familiarity
In contrast to the Novus Ordo Mass, which is celebrated in the vernacular language, the Latin Mass follows a more traditional and structured form. This can make it appear less familiar to those who grew up attending the more contemporary Mass. The lack of familiarity with the Latin Mass can lead to a perception of it as dull or uninteresting.
Prior to going to La Crosse, I attended several Novus Ordo masses and I thought I would be able to generally follow along with the Latin version but I was completely lost. I found this distracting and frustrating and I found myself almost checking my watch during the Mass which I’m not proud of.
Limited Participation
The Latin Mass typically features less congregational participation compared to the Novus Ordo Mass. The priest often prays many parts of the Mass inaudibly, and responses from the congregation are minimal. This reduced involvement can give the impression of passivity and detachment, contributing to a perception of boredom.
I have to say, this is the one element of the Latin Mass I did like. No, “Let us offer each other a sign of peace,” shaking hands, awkward waves and head nods, and, in my opinion, a complete disruption to the worship experience.
I always feel pulled away during the sign of peace and found it refreshing that the focus of the Latin Mass remained on the Altar.
Complexity and Length
The Latin Mass is known for its intricate rituals and longer duration compared to the Novus Ordo Mass. Some individuals may find these complexities overwhelming or tedious, leading to feelings of boredom. The Mass’s length, especially for those unaccustomed to it, can also be a factor contributing to a perceived lack of engagement.
If I remember right, I attended the Latin Mass at La Crosse during the week and it was only about an hour but it still felt like an eternity. It was several years ago but I still recall the impression that I just couldn’t wait to get away and go back outside. In fact, I almost left!
Preference for a Contemporary Experience
In an era when many people are accustomed to more contemporary worship styles with music bands, multimedia presentations, and interactive elements, the Latin Mass may appear archaic and uninteresting to those seeking a more modern and dynamic worship experience.
This has never been my proclivity, but I can see how some who are accustomed to this style of worship would feel startingly unstimulated.
Misunderstanding of the Theological Significance
The Latin Mass is deeply steeped in tradition and rich theological symbolism. Some may find it boring because they do not fully understand or appreciate the theological depth and historical significance embedded in its rituals and prayers (#me). A deeper understanding of the theology behind the Latin Mass can enhance one’s appreciation of its beauty and purpose.
This encapsulates why I couldn’t connect to the Latin Mass. I didn’t know anything about it. I didn’t take any time at all to read about it or complete any level of research.
To be quite frank, I heard so many stories about the beauty of the Latin Mass and what a great experience it offered that I thought I would just walk in it and join in without any effort on my behalf at all and float on up to the ceiling, so to speak. This was a mistake and I almost got turned off to the Latin Mass completely due to my own ignorance.
How to More Fully Engage in the Latin Mass
To find the Latin Catholic Mass more engaging and meaningful, consider the following approaches:
- Learn About the Mass: Invest time in studying and understanding the Latin Mass. Explore resources like books, online articles, or attend educational sessions within your parish that explain the Mass’s structure, prayers, and symbolism. The more you comprehend its significance, the more engaged you’ll become.
- Follow Along: Use missals or guides that provide translations of the Latin prayers and readings. This will help bridge the language barrier and allow you to actively participate by reading and understanding the prayers being said by the priest.
- Attend Regularly: Consistent attendance at the Latin Mass can make it feel less unfamiliar and more comfortable. Frequent exposure will help you become more accustomed to its structure and rituals.
- Meditation and Reflection: Embrace the moments of silence and reflection during the Mass. Use this time for personal meditation and prayer. Connect with the profound spiritual aspects of the Mass, allowing it to deepen your relationship with God.
- Join a Latin Mass Community: Engage with a community of fellow Latin Mass attendees. Sharing experiences and insights with others can foster a sense of belonging and help you appreciate the Mass’s beauty and significance on a deeper level.
- Participate Actively: Even though the congregation’s responses are limited, strive to actively participate in the Mass by making the sign of the cross, genuflecting, and responding to the parts of the Mass where your participation is encouraged.
- Attend Sung Masses: Sung Masses, where the prayers and chants are sung by the priest and choir, can enhance the sensory and spiritual experience. The music and melodies can be deeply moving and help you connect with the liturgy.
- Practice Patience and Openness: Approach the Latin Mass with an open heart and a patient mindset. Recognize that it may take time to fully appreciate its beauty and depth. Be open to the possibility that the Mass can become a more engaging and spiritually fulfilling experience over time.
By taking these steps and seeking to understand the Latin Mass better, you can transform what may initially seem like a challenging or unfamiliar worship experience into a deeply engaging and spiritually enriching encounter with the Catholic faith.
I can say that learning and persistence helped me appreciate the Latin Mass tremendously. So much so, that one of the most sublime Latin Masses I ever attended was in a school gymnasium. The church was being renovated and the altar was some portable thing and the “pews” were metal folding chairs but I felt a connection that went back ages during those Masses. I always found this strange but a great testament to the power of the Latin Mass to move the soul.
Conclusion
The perception of the Latin Mass as boring is subjective and varies from person to person. While some may find it challenging to engage with due to language barriers, lack of familiarity, limited congregational participation, complexity, or a preference for more contemporary styles of worship, others find great spiritual depth and beauty in this ancient tradition.
It’s essential to recognize that the Latin Mass holds a significant place in the history of the Catholic Church and continues to be cherished by many.
If you find the Latin Mass boring, it may be worthwhile to explore its historical and theological significance, seek guidance from knowledgeable individuals, and approach it with an open heart and a willingness to delve deeper into its rich traditions. I don’t think you will be disappointed if you do.