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The Latin Tridentine Mass is
truly the Mass of the ages. Its development is a series of links in an
unbroken chain beginning with very first mass given by Christ 2,000 years
ago when He commanded us to partake of His body and blood in His
memory. Beginning with that fateful evening, on every single one of
the over 700,000 days that has since passed, this has been done millions of
times for billions of people just as He asked.
On a spiritual level, the
blessings from God to His children through the Mass are immeasurable. On a
temporal level, the humanity altering results of the Mass cannot be denied
nor overstated. Without its catalytic influence civilization of the world
as we know it would not have been possible. It has seeded the conversion of
countless souls to Christianity and has spawned literally every modern
Christian service in existence. Its mystery and beauty has been the
inspiration of artists, leaders and saints great and small
alike.
The Traditional Latin Mass
of today is the traditional Latin Mass of yesterday. It has remained
mostly unchanged since the Council of Trent five centuries ago and is rich with history and culture. Certain elements are derived from
Jewish customs dating back to before our Lord walked the earth. Other
parts are the result of works of the Church fathers, saints and popes - such
as Saint Gregory who instituted the Kyrie Eleison and the sacred chant
during his papacy The vestments, (the clothing
the priest wears) have changed little since they were developed - mostly during Roman
empire.
What has been described as
"the most beautiful thing this side of heaven" continues as it
always has. May God's great blessings be with you and yours always.
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