The Recovery of the Mass
The media and, especially, social networks point out that in several European countries, particularly among young people, the "Traditional Mass" is being lived with fervor, accompanied by numerous processions and pilgrimages. The youthful crowds that revived the traditional Paris - Chartres pilgrimage have drawn widespread attention, with an average age of 22. It is a recovery of Catholic tradition, which had been suffocated in those countries by liberalism, progressivism, and atheism.
The "Traditional Mass" can be called that because it dates back to the 7th and 8th centuries and remained in effect for centuries until at least the Council of Trent, which revised and reissued it so that it would reach our days. Essential to it is its identification with the Sacrifice of the Cross, established as the Sacrament of the Sacrifice at the Last Supper of Jesus with His Apostles. This Sacrament is the mystery of the Passion and Resurrection, consecrated by the Holy Spirit. The Mass is directed to the Glory of the Triune God, to whom it offers the Sacrifice of Jesus. In the Catholic Church, it is offered as an oblation of bread and wine, which, through the unalterable words of Consecration, become the Body and Blood of Jesus—the food of immortality for the faithful.
The Mass defined Catholicism from the Council of Trent to Vatican II. During the pontificate of Paul VI (Giovanni Battista Montini), who succeeded the brief pontificate of John XXIII (who had convened the Ecumenical Council), a new mass was invented. A few modifications here and there could have been introduced to the "Traditional Mass," as had been done during its multi-century existence. But no; Vatican II sought to retouch everything, and a new mass was meant to spring from its spirit. Always valid, certainly; but not lacking in ambiguities that were left to the discretion of the celebrants.
The author of the new mass was Archbishop Annibale Bugnini, recognized as a Freemason according to undeniable documents, though secret in accordance with the nature of Freemasonry. In it, the priest stands facing the people; biblical readings are multiplied, and over time, several Eucharistic Prayers were authorized, which recreate the single Canon of the "Traditional Mass." It would seem that in the mass of Paul VI and Bugnini, the priest offering the rite must strive to direct himself to God and ensure that the faithful do not become confused.
The purposes of the Mass are several, but the latreutic—the adoration and praise of God—is the primary one; undoubtedly, prayer and communion enrich the People of God. This mass is the one I celebrate, in which I was ordained nearly 54 years ago; I do so with the greatest devotion I can. But I remember that in my childhood, as an altar boy, I regularly attended the "Traditional Mass"—a rite that was never invalidated and has accompanied that of Paul VI until today, and which, as I said at the beginning, is being rediscovered with enthusiasm by youth.
Pilgrimages like Paris - Chartres, and those of Rawson - Luján (Argentina), Oviedo - Covadonga (Spain), Rome - Subiaco (Italy), and others that are emerging here and there, speak to us of something undeniable: orthodoxy and Tradition are in good health and are a guarantee for the future. Note should be taken, for example, by a certain bishop who entered Mass on a skateboard, or some priests who dress up as clowns when celebrating. Such outrages can only trigger a stampede effect. As the Church rightly teaches, "no one, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything" of what is established in the liturgical books. It is not about creativity, but about fidelity.
Feast of Saint Justin, Martyr.
