In Peter’s Footsteps: Papal Mass in DC

The bad news is, that yours truly did not get to the Papal Mass at Nationals Park today. The good news is, that one of his rosaries made it.

I dropped it off in a colleague's mailbox last night. Had I been able to give it to her in person, it would have been my maternal grandmother's old rosary. But I wasn't taking any chances. What has been handed over was held out in the open, shortly before the final blessing, when people were given the opportunity to have objects of devotion blessed "en masse" (get it?) by the Holy Father himself.

I've been watching the Mass on the local Fox affiliate, myfoxdc.com. What is seen in the image here, is the "minor elevation" at the end of the consecration ("Through Him, with Him, and in Him..."). Notice the traditional arrangement of crucifix and candlesticks on the altar, even as the celebrant faces the people. This practice was revived for the reformed liturgy by Pope Benedict, and so is referred to in liturgical circles as the "Benedictine arrangement." The focus on the crucified Christ at the axis of worship, as opposed to the personality of the priest, is part of the Holy Father's overall strategy to restore the sacred to Catholic worship. Note the seventh candle behind the crucifix, which is customary for a bishop in his jurisdiction, or a Pope anywhere he wants. Then there's that fellow just to the Pope's left in surplice and cassock. He is what is known as a "master of ceremonies." I assist the priest in that way every Sunday. You don't miss much from that angle.

The music was very well done, and made for good performance. As an act of worship, it was a bit of a hodge-podge, presumedly to underscore the "diversity" of American Catholics. There are those who would eschew this approach to such a degree (myself among them), in favor of the unitive approach of Gregorian chant as actually called for by the Second Vatican Council (if anyone takes the time to read what the Council said instead of just yammering about it). But it makes for a colorful event just the same. I heard petitions in English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Igbo.

I also heard a Zimbabwean call to worship during the prelude. I don't get it.

Then there were these songleaders after Communion wearing what appeared to be stoles draped loosely on the left shoulder. I've seen that at St Aloysius on North Capitol Street, a Jesuit parish, wouldn't you know. Somebody wanna tell me what's that about? Is that like a "semi-priest" thing or whatever?

Fortunately, they were followed by Placido Domingo singing "Panis Angelicus." And on that cheery note, "Ite, missa est."

[THIS JUST IN: Blow-by-blow commentary from the indefatigable Father Z.]
.