Letter to the Editor from Sandy Springs, GA

Published: November 18, 2004

To the Editor:

I found myself thinking of the traditional Latin Mass as I read Lorraine V. Murray’s wonderful article, “Discovering a New Flavor of Catholicism – Greek Style,” in the Nov. 11 issue of The Georgia Bulletin. I have “fallen in love” with the Latin Mass offered at St. Francis de Sales Church in Mableton. What a treasure we as Catholics have in this Mass. This is the same Mass that nourished the saints for at least 1,500 years. Some people from neighboring states travel hundreds of miles weekly to be able to attend this beautiful liturgy on Sundays. We are extremely blessed to have this Mass offered daily in our archdiocese. Thank you, Archbishop Donoghue.

It is a bit difficult to describe the traditional Latin Mass to someone who has never experienced its exquisiteness, but I will try. Imagine almost perfect, prayerful silence both before and after Mass. The overwhelming dignity and majesty of this Mass with Jesus in the Tabernacle at the very center of the altar, the wonderful choir singing in Latin, the sweet aroma of the incense rising to the Heavens, the ancient prayers which eloquently and humbly express our understanding that God is our Creator and we are His creatures, the edifying sermons preached in English by the priests, the awesome experience of kneeling while receiving Our Lord in holy Communion!

At 45 years of age, I have almost no memory of the Latin Mass from when I was a small child. After attending just a handful of traditional Latin Masses utilizing the side-by-side Latin–English translations provided, I quickly was right at home. When taking part in these celebrations, I feel somehow transported to the closest “place” on earth this side of Heaven. My spiritual life has been greatly enhanced by the Latin Mass. My husband and I take our five children and make the trip to Mableton every six weeks or so.

In closing, I highly recommend that all my fellow Catholics take advantage of this precious opportunity to attend the Latin Mass and savor this heavenly experience. It is a most special spiritual treat and well worth the extra driving time.

Denise Dale, Sandy Springs