Traditions

Anyone who was born and baptized in the Catholic Church remembers the second Vatican Council – known to everyone as Vatican 2. I was probably 11 or 12 when the Church began making the changes that were suggested from that Council. So I well remember Latin Masses, not being able to enter the church without something on our head (often Kleenex), three-hour fasts before communion, and no meat on Fridays.

For me, the changes were mostly good. I love being able to participate fully in the Mass. Bill and I distribute Communion, and this ministry is very special to me, and we wouldn’t have had this opportunity prior to Vatican 2. I must admit, however, I miss the pretty hats!

There was an article in the Denver Post this morning with the headline A new hunger for Catholic tradition. The article talked about how some of the old traditions that went out following Vatican 2 are coming back to parishes – traditions such as Eucharistic adoration (where the blessed sacrament is on display and there are worshipers 24 hours a day), group rosaries, Stations of the Cross, and old-fashioned fish fries on Fridays during Lent.

What came as sort of a surprise to me, however, is that the article said many Catholics (and not just the traditionalists) are finding comfort in some of these old practices. Apparently more people are praying the rosary, retreats are finding new attendees, and more Catholics are petitioning saints to pray for them. As for me, my rosary is well-worn and I don’t know what I would do without St. Anthony of Padoa (patron saint of lost items-Dear St. Anthony, please come round. Something's lost and must be found.). Retreats? Well, not so much.

In this crazy world, I think many people – at least those drawn to God – relish traditions. And you really can’t beat a quiet church for praying. Our parish added an adoration chapel a couple of years ago, and there has never been a time when I’ve dropped in to pray that there haven’t been at least three or four people in there. And it hasn’t been just old people. Many younger people are apparently finding the little chapel to be a place of peace.

I suspect that in some number of years (20?) the Catholic Church will have fewer members but the remaining members will be devout and traditional, and the Church will respond accordingly (or vice versa). I don’t think we will go back to a Latin Mass, though that option is available now and will likely remain available. Since I’m not on Pope Benedict’s speed dial, I could be completely wrong.

I remember when I was a small girl (I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade, and all of my friends were Catholic), I used to say prayers of thanksgiving to God for letting me be born Catholic. I’m still grateful that I am Catholic. It makes me happy to see that there are people who are drawn to the Catholic traditions that I love so much.