The author of the following letter has given us permission to post it here. We hope that this person’s experience might help to alleviate any fears some might have about attending the TLM in a language they cannot understand.
As we continue to work and pray for the full restoration of the TLM in our community, we make this plea, through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Joseph:
Et sit splendor Domini Dei nostri super nos,
et opera manuum nostrarum dirige super nos,
et opus manuum nostrarum dirige.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dear Fr…….,
I am writing this letter to tell you that I attended the Latin Mass on…… and that I was truly blessed by the experience. This was my first experience at a Latin Mass. I will forever be grateful to…….. for giving me the date and time of this Mass. I was one of those people who wondered why anyone would want to attend a Mass in which they wouldn’t be able to understand the language. I discovered that I didn’t need to understand the language because it was all about the worship of God which transcends mere words. It was by far the most reverent, most beautiful and possibly the closest experience I’ve had thus far to heaven. I left knowing that I had to have more of this. Even the reception of the Eucharist kneeling at the altar was so much more reverent and respectful…I just can’t say enough of how wonderful it all was.
I only hope that there will be many more opportunities for more people to discover the wonderful rituals of the Latin Mass here in Kankakee County. I’ve shared my experience with many others since the Mass and know that they too are interested in attending the next one.
I’ve heard that there is usually a Latin Mass offered at…….. in May and October and that is wonderful, but if it is at all possible to have a Mass once a month or even better (dare I hope for this) once a week, I think you would eventually see an increase [my note: We have had from between 103 to over 130 faithful.] in attendance. I think part of the problem is publicity. People just don’t know about the existence of a Latin Mass in this area – I didn’t. I thought Latin Masses were only said up north.
Anyway, I just had to express my appreciation for your allowance of the Traditional Latin Mass to be said in our area. Most priests would not be open to this and I feel very strongly that in doing so, they are denying a rich treasure of the Church to many who would otherwise have no opportunity to access this pearl of great price. The Latin Mass is one way of helping to satisfy this insatiable thirst for God that many of us have. When I left that Mass I felt for the first time in a long time, that I had truly worshiped God at Mass!! [emphasis by the author of this letter.]
I end this letter with sincerest appreciation for your efforts and may God continue to bless all your endeavors……
In Christ’s Peace,
[Name withheld]
