Categories: uncategorized
Date: 17 March 2005 20:51:34
I found myself near Lewisham yesterday evening, so I went to the Maternal Heart of Mary Community for the Thursday Mass. I had a bit of trouble finding the place, but I bumped into a parishioner who showed me the way. Before the service I had a chat with three Michaels [a popular name for that parish no doubt!] and was made to feel very welcome.
The Maternal Heart of Mary Community conducts its services in Latin and according to pre-Vatican II practices [for example, priests face the altar and not the congregation [as they do in Orthodoxy]]. It was wonderful to experience a form of worship I have not participated in before. A small number attended, but it did not feel empty. Six choir members were there as well as a very competent organist [the one thing I miss about Orthodoxy -- no musical instruments: but the human voice is a wondrous instrument in itself as I am learning], but given the great talents of the choir and the great acoustics, it sounded as if far more were present. It was also wonderful to hear the audience loud and clear: it was clear they loved to worship here.
I joined in where I, from my High Anglican experiences, knew enough Latin, and at the other times sat, kneeled or stood in silence as people offered up their praise and thanksgiving to God. Even though I did not know what to say at times [I had forgotten to pick up a missal(*) on my way in!], I did truly feel part of the worship of this parish community. Our prayers and praise were lifted up, as the incense [which was rather good I have to say; I can still smell it!] wafted up to the ceiling.
The sermon started off describing St Patrick's life and his mission to the Irish, moving on to the legacy he left with Irish missionaries going out to evangelise the world, and then moving on to the importance of us living and spreading the faith.
A beautiful experience, and a beautiful service. I was glad I decided to drop in.
(*) A book containing all the prayers and responses necessary for celebrating the Mass throughout the year.