This morning I attended a Mass to celebrate, and install, a good friend to the diaconate. I had never attended an ordination Mass before, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It truly was a wonderful and powerful experience. The Mass itself was exactly how I believe all of the Ordinary Form (novus ordo) Masses should be celebrated. Granted, there would have to be some changes made (the bishop can’t be at ALL the Masses), but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be celebrated with the same reverence and respect. I get the feeling sometimes that the Masses I attend are almost performances put on by the priest and music ministries. I’m in a music ministry, and I get the same feeling with many of our song choices.
But I didn’t begin this post to complain about lack of respect for the sacrifice of the Mass. I began it to tell you about the love that was displayed during the ordination of my friend. Sadly it is rare these days, but the Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and all of the Mass setting was sung in Latin. It’s amazing how much more reverent you feel just with a change of language. The incensing of the gospel and altar added to the atmosphere. The presence of the Holy Spirit was almost palpable during the ordination ceremony. The last time I recall feeling the presence of God that profoundly was when I attended Mass for the first time as an adult. And even then, this was different. I had seen Bishop Jugis celebrate Mass before, but this was something else entirely. I truly look forward to his being ordained to the priesthood next year. It’s something that I definitely won’t miss.
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