Pictures of First Latin High Mass In 40 years in Lake Charles Louisiana

The Lake Charles Latin Mass Society has two greatlinks to a great write up and with awesome pictures of the First High Solemn Latin Mass the Diocese of Lake Charles has seen in 40 years!! Go see Gratias for more of the pics like the ones I have on here.

One of the links mentions that the the diocesan newspaper sent a reporter and a photographer to cover the story; the Mass was also video-taped for posterity. Sadly the Diocese of Lake Charles is one of the two Diocese in Louisiana that for some reason DOES NOT HAVE THEIR PAPER ONLINE!!!!!

However one of his links gives us details. I liked this part:

The history of the Gregorian Rite in Lake Charles in the past few years is a microcosm for the general movement of the Church in this time. The faithful there first had their long-standing "indult" Mass summarily canceled by their previous (and short-lived) Bishop; they suffered and agonized and prayed; and they then received -- in the space of a few months -- both the great gift of Summorum Pontificum and their present, and already much beloved, Bishop, who was ready to implement the motu proprio in accord with the mind of the Church.

With these graces, they have rebuilt their community rapidly, organized a fine choir, and now split their time between the Cathedral and a local parish church; though many of the regulars hope eventually to have a more permanent, and regular, home, they are thrilled and grateful for the far-sighted generosity of the Bishop.

The spirit of harmony and good will was much in evidence at the celebratory Mass. The Bishop offered his own matched set of fine martyr-red vestments for use during the ceremony -- how many Bishops have a spare set of Solemn High Mass vestments on hand, complete with maniples? The clerics were all diocesan priests. Fr. Rommel Tolentino -- a young pastor who is one of the three usual celebrants for the weekly EF Mass -- celebrated the Mass, chanting his parts with an aplomb born of enthusiasm and much diligent practice. The deacon was another young priest, newly ordained Fr. Nathan Long; while the role of sub-deacon was filled by a transitional deacon, the Rev. Mr. Scott Connor.

These last two clerics are the first wave of a growing group of seminarians who have volunteered to take extra instruction in Latin, with the Bishop's approbation and encouragement, from a classics professor at the local University -- and lover of the Gregorian Rite -- Barbara Wyman.The Mass ended with a beautifully chanted Te Deum, perfectly expressing, in the Church's traditional way, the great spirit of rejoicing -- and relief -- widely felt among the faithful that their Diocese is prospering under the piloting of its new Bishop, who himself is wisely responding to the guidance and spirit of Pope Benedict's leadership of the Church. Deo Gratias!




However we have other good news. See his entry New Masses! It should be noted that of Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hackberry, Louisiana was on the Churches effected by Hurricane Rita. However Catholics from Chicago have come to her aid!! See my recent post Chicago Catholic Choir Aids Louisiana Catholic Churches Ravaged By the "Forgotten" Hurricane





A Few thoughts. If a Church that was effected by a Hurricane can do it why not elsewhere. Also Hackberry is not exactly a High Society Urbane place!!! IT is filled with good hardworking faithful Louisiana Catholics. I used to go stay at a camp then there when I went water skiing on the Lake down there back in my lets drink beer all night and party on the Lake younger days.

However if it is occuring there why not elsewhere!!!