COMMENTARY: As states across the nation are slowly opening up and churches begin celebrating Mass with the faithful, Father Raymond de Souza offers lessons for us all.
By Father Raymond J. de Souza, National Catholic Register, 4/29/20
The coronavirus pandemic restrictions have meant that Catholics are no longer taking the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church for granted.
But when that liturgical life returns, what might be different? What lessons might have been learned — by both priests and the faithful — during the pandemic restrictions? I suggest seven, though there are surely more.
1. Masses for Various Needs and Occasions
The Holy See provided a special Mass for the pandemic — proper prayers and readings suitable for this time. Many priests have used this Mass “formulary” in recent days and found it comforting to all who are able to follow the Mass, live or remotely.
The “pandemic” Mass is a good reminder that the Church has more than 50 Mass formularies in the Roman Missal for “Various Needs and Occasions.” They are not, strictly speaking, “votive” Masses, which are celebrated in honor of the Lord or the saints. …
Read more here: https://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/7-lockdown-liturgical-lessons-for-post-coronavirus-catholics