Tridentine Mass Question

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Sorry for the pseudonym, but will I get spamed if I put in my real name/address? I get the idea that all catholics are welcome to post, so I thought I would. Well, here's my question:

In the Tridentine mass, during the consecration, the server rings the bell three times for the consecration of the bread, and three times for the consecration of the wine. This is while the priest genuflects once, then elevates the host/chalice and looks up, then genuflects again, the bell ringing at each action. During the elevation of the host/chalice, the server raises the edge of the priest's vestment (chasuble?) a few inches. Does anyone know why this is done? I'm sure it is symbolic of something, but not sure what. By the way, the tridentine mass is so wonderful, so beautiful, so sacred, that I have never, ever, felt the presence of God like I have at the Tridentine mass. Can anyone explain to me WHY the mass changed and who changed it? Did they (I assume some unidentified priests and bishops in the 70s, but surely not the pope) think there was something wrong with it? There must have been a purpose, but mass is so different now, and IMO not better. Please tell me the rationale for changing it after how many years? 2000? Do you think they might ever change it back? I have so many questions about this since I've been to the Tridentine masses and compared them to the other masses. I feel almost sad about the new masses, and wish we could "turn back the clock". Does anyone else have a similar experience, or have you been to a Tridentine mass? Were they always called Tridentine masses, because it seems like that is a recent term, and only heard it in the past year or so. Thanks, Jeanne

-- Galwitha Question (fakemail@dontspamme.com), July 21, 2004

Answers

Here is an excellent presentation that will answer the questions you posed about the Mass, and a lot of others you never thought to ask ...

A history of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in 12 parts



-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), July 21, 2004.


The Tridentine mass has been discussed at length many times.

I would urge caution to attend an approved Tridentine mass, not a mass celebrated by sectarian or schismatic groups.

God bless,

-- john placette (jplacette@catholic.org), July 22, 2004.


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