Here is an example, for the sake of illustration:
Traditional PrideLet us focus again on the topic of passing judgment on issues of Catholic traditions and customs.
There are of course a sound number of "traditionalist Catholics" who have reached a more balanced viewpoint, who admit that there is more than one form of the mass.
They occasionally attend not only Eastern Catholic liturgies, but even mass at their local parish (a mass often referred to as "the Novus Ordo", a misnomer for the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite which finds its origin in the docuмent presented by the Papal Commission to Blessed Paul VI summarizing the reforms being proposed, called "Novus Ordo Missae", "the new Order of the Mass").
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| A Catholic priest celebrates a Catholic mass |
Yet, they still find it difficult to avoid finding issues that take their inner peace.
They are not so much distressed by the details, though. For example, in the picture above they probably will not notice or complain about the two candles having a drawing and being both on the right, or about the microphone, or about the flowers on the left, or about the style of the altar - all things that would never escape the keen eye of the well-trained ultra-traditionalist).
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| What the ultra-traditionalist considers a "proper" Catholic altar |
No, the issue of the "balanced traditionalist" consists mostly in policing the congregation's every whisper and the clergy's every move (or lack thereof - fault by omission). Even after attending Sunday mass in the rite of their choice, they may still criticize the sermon, because it was not "enough" for them.
Setting aside the issue of the congregation's behaviors and mis-behaviors, the issue of policing the clergy is most interesting due to the obvious contradiction.What do I mean? Well, some of these men and women place the ministerial priesthood on a pedestal. The immediate consequence (at least in the ultra-traditionalist mindset) is that it leads to considering laymen (let's not even mention women) to be far below, even "impure". They are not to step on the sanctuary or touch sacred vessels, unless first they wear a cassock and gloves, to "cover" their lay state. Then, according to the rubrics they often make as they go, these laymen are duly authorized to carry out (almost) every function reserved to the Acolyte. You see, once upon a time the Acolyte was a cleric, that is, no longer part of the laity. According to the existing norms of the Latin Church, the Acolyte is either a layman (or lay woman) authorized by the celebrant priest to serve as "extraordinary minister" for that one mass (a norm found in the GIRM and also true for the "Traditional Latin Mass") or an male lay minister instituted by the bishop. The Minor Orders (including "Acolyte [cleric]") were abrogated by Motu Propio Ministeria Quaedam (1972), and no longer confer entrance into the clerical state. They are allowed (but purely honorific) in Ecclesia Dei communities. And although this may come to a surprise to many, most "Latin Mass" altar servers (whether acolytes or crucifers or boat-bearers are actually extraordinary ministers and (despite the outer appearance that often makes the congregation mistake them for seminarians or priests) they are average Catholic laymen. Placing the secular priest on a pedestal, however is no obstacle in criticizing a his words, actions, and omissions.
Indeed, when it comes to criticism, no tree is too tall for the traditionalist axes. Where possible, they are swift in acquiring as much control of the forest as possible, so that they may tell the trees which way to bend and how far to stretch their branches, and the taller the tree, the higher their voices are raised. [Let he who has ears hear]
At times, they gather like a flock of little birds, wishing to unite their sweet notes in what they call a "filial petition" toward the tallest of all tree, on whose roots all others are firmed and on whose branches all rest (them included).However, their melody is rendered inaudible (as in "unbearable") by the disastrous dissonance of a joyful tempo paired to affronting lyrics. And when it does not work, they are ready to appeal to the nearby trees to gather together and depose the Tall One. |
| Sample Filial Petition |
At the same time, not a week goes by without the same people congregating, dressed in their finest clothing, eating and drinking the finest food and wine, at some of the best restaurants in the "safe" neighborhoods, or enjoying the fine classical melodies of a touring orchestra - all of which they are eager to share through social media for the benefit of the cognoscenti.
Please do not misunderstand us, rather, bear with us for a few more moments (and a few more posts!). The Christian tradition has never prohibited the enjoyment of fine food, drink, pleasant music and good company! The same tradition has always commanded us to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the most dignified manner possible, always offering our very best to God. Yet...
Topic: Healthy criticism of Traditional Catholics vs. total disdain for the movement (Read 1040 times)