Local News
Letter to the Editor from Woodstock, GA
Published: May 20, 2004
To the Editor:
I would like to address Peter W. Bardoul and all others who are not happy with Vatican II and want to go back to the ‘40s, ‘50s. We just visited a place that would be wonderful for all readers—especially the above-mentioned folks—Holy Spirit Monastery. There are various retreats, some of which are silent. There are Centering Prayer weekends, weekday retreats, and Trappist/Cistercian spirituality weekends. The monastery is lovely and in need of your financial help. However, the monks do chant, which I hope won’t be too disturbing to you.
As for the Mass in most churches, please note the article on page 7 of The Georgia Bulletin (May 13). Father John Catoir explains what the Mass is and how JOYFUL it should be. Have you never heard that the most perfect prayer is voiced in song?
My mother was 86 when she died in 1989. She lived through so many changes in the world and in our church. Whenever I am asked who I know has shown the most faith in God and the Catholic Church, immediately I answer my mother. I know many priests and nuns who are very faith filled and have been great influences on my keeping the faith, but Mom is still number. She embraced Vatican II changes with enthusiasm.
I also recommend adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for silent, contemplative prayer and getting completely in touch with you and God.
Finally, Jesus did not leave instructions for the ritual of the Mass other than “Do this in remembrance of Me.” He did instruct us to “Love one another.”
Marilyn Cantwell, Woodstock
