Mother Angelica's Take On The Traditional Latin Mass

Thanks for visiting the site. I know many of you have dropped by in recent days to read my piece on the Pope's decree concerning the Latin Mass. Several of you have asked what Mother Angelica thinks of the Old Rite of the Mass. Well wonder no more. As it turns out I had included a quote from Mother commenting on the traditional Roman Rite of the Mass in "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality." Here is the quote. And there is much more where that came from. Hope you are having a great summer. Yours, Raymond"


THE TRADITIONAL ROMAN MASS
Latin was the perfect language for the Mass.
It’s the language of the Church, which allows us to pray a verbal prayer without distraction.

See, the purpose of the Mass is to pray and to be associated with the crucifixion and with that glorious banquet that we partake of in Holy Communion. He is there. But so much is spoiled in the vernacular.

During the Latin Mass you had the missal if you wanted to follow it in English. It was almost mystical. It gave you an awareness of heaven, of the awesome humility of God who manifests Himself in the guise of bread and wine. The love that He had for us, His desire to remain with us is simply awesome. You could concentrate on that love, because you weren’t distracted by your own language. You could go anywhere in the world and you always knew what was going on. It was contemplative because as the Mass was going on you could close your eyes and visualize what really happened. You could feel it. You could look to the east and realize that God had come and was really present. The way it is today with the priest facing the people, its something between the people and the priest. Too often it’s just some kind of get-together and Jesus is all but forgotten.

THE EUCHARIST
Every time I receive the Eucharist it is more God in me. The Lord Himself said, “If you do not eat the flesh of the son of Man you will not have life in you.” Your capacity to receive grace grows each time you accept His Body and Blood. If you give God a pint jar, you can’t expect him to put the ocean in it. The Eucharist broadens your ability to receive grace.
- From "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality" (Doubleday)

Decree on Latin Mass WSJ Article

Thanks for stopping by. There has been so much confusion about what Pope Benedict's intention was in issuing his recent Decree on the Latin Mass. Here's what I think is happening, from the Wall Street Journal. For the unedited version (which makes a few critical points), click here. Thanks for dropping in and see you soon. Raymond

China and the Latin Mass

Hope everyone is having a grand summer. So many of you are reading the paperback of my biography of Mother Angelica... in fact just the other day someone wrote to me complaining that I had caused her to be sunburned. Apparently she started reading the book at the beach and didn't want to put it down. Advice: read the book indoors or under shelter please!

Wanted to give you a heads up of what we'll be discussing on the World Over this week. Father Robert Sirico of the Acton Institute is joining me to talk about entrepreneurship, but we'll also be discussing the Pope's recent letter to China, the democracy march that took place this week in Hong Kong, and the forthcoming Papal document on the Latin Mass. Hope you can join us. The show premieres at 8PM Eastern Time on EWTN this Friday night. More later.... Raymond

A Chinese Cardinal Meets the Real Bush

Raymond's exclusive report on private White House meeting mentioned in Bob Novak's Column. Read it HERE!

Mother Angelica's Little Book Bestseller

Hey Gang,
I have some great news. Months after "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality" was released, the book is still holding firm on bestseller lists. This week Publisher's Weekly has Mother's book as number 9 on the Religious Bestseller List. It is simply amazing, and all due to your devotion to the book. Thank you and may you find great inspiration on those pages.

And just in time for Summer: Mother's biography is now available in softback at your local bookstore. Go pick up a copy and take Mother along on vacation. The audio versions of both books are also available for those long drives. Have a great summer.
Raymond

May, 2007

While traveling out west a few weeks ago a lady approached me at an event. She told me that there was one line she heard Mother Angelica say that left a deep impression upon her. It was: "Don't let anyone take away your peace. God gives you many beautiful gifts, but perhaps none is as precious, or as beautiful as your peace."

As we approach Mother's day, I am thinking of the amazing way that Mother Angelica has mothered millions around the globe with her wit and compassionate practicality. She teaches us the importance of keeping things in perspective and the value of faithfulness. So this Mother's day I hope you'll give your mother my mother--or at least her "Little Book of Life Lessons."

And some news: "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons" is now available as an audio book from St. Anthony Messenger and the softback edition of "Mother Angelica," the biography hits bookstores on May 15th from Doubleday. More later. Looking forward to seeing you on the road (check out the events lineup for my latest schedule).
Yours,
Raymond

Thanks & Happy Easter

Holy Week, 2007
As Easter nears I wanted to first thank all of you for the outpouring of affection and support you have shown me during the last few months. It has been such a joy to meet some of you in person during the book tour.
And I am particularly touched by the way people have been sharing "Mother Angelica's Little Book of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality" with others. The other day I was dashing through an airport and there was a lady reading the book, weeping. At this sacred time of year, it seems appropriate to give Mother's words of hope and humor to those who need them most.
Thank you all. May you and yours have a peaceful and blessed Easter. Talk to you soon...
Yours,
Raymond