A Traditionalist Catholic Christmas
When I lived in Massachusetts, when I could (it was a bit of a drive), I attended Mass at
St. Benedict Center in Still River near Harvard (the quintessential New England town, not Barack Obama's alma mater).
The Center
consists of a Church, school, monastery, retreat and summer camp for kids. It is home to the men and women of a unique order called the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The astounding thing about the Sisters is that they are not old!!!--but wear the old penguin style outfits of old—it is very cool.
They only celebrate the Tridentine Mass (Latin). The Catholic Church made such a mistake when Vatican II adopted the vernacular Mass for general use. Not only was the symbolism of one universal language important—it is just a whole lot more impressive in Latin, with Gregorian chants, and plenty of incense. Of course, there are some theological distinctions, which I do not know.But, what I do know is that, though this would be described as an ultra conservative Catholic congregation—it is a place full of life and as hip spiritually as anywhere I have been.
Indeed women have to wear hats when attending Mass—or in my case I did these little dollies you pin on top your head (which are available at the door, as well as the gift shop)—and no short shorts or even long pants—just dresses or skirts below the knee. But, I must say I never felt that I was hijabing myself, though I know some of my friends thought so.
Beyond the Tridentine Mass, it is the spirit of the people and the place that is most profound. It is vibrant and full of life.Frankly, I felt more in touch with my Catholic faith at St. Benedict then I have when visiting and going to Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.
They have made some beautiful slide shows, which have never been distributed except on their web site.
I think this is a place the world should be aware of, so I uploaded Christmas—2007 to YouTube:
By the way, their gift shop truly has the highest quality Catholic stuff you can find anywhere—rosary beads, miraculous medals, etc.--as well as books. Of course, it is all available online as well.
There is no one that does kitsch better than Catholics. I just adore the 3D holy cards with the eyes that follow you, or the kind that change color with the weather. But it is also nice to have nice stuff—which is what they make and peddle--they don't offer St. Christopher Antenna Toppers.
The Miraculous Medal of Mary
I wear around my neck came from their gift shop.Anyway, everyone is always trying to find “the Christmas Spirit.”
You can't go wrong looking for it in Still River.
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