Encouraging Extraordinary Form News

My old friend His Excellency Most Rev. Alexander Sample, Bishop by the Grace of God and the Apostolic See of Marquette in Michigan, recently ordained deacons and subdeacons for the Institute of Christ the King.

Today, we had a local Latin Rite pastor visit our Maronite parish. Father asked him to assist at the Divine Liturgy. The Maronite vestments are simple since it is of monastic origin. It's beauty resides in the liturgy. I watched the visiting priest's face throughout the celebration. His eyes lit up with amazement and awe, he bowed in reverence at the appropriate times. Afterwards, I had an opportunity to ask his thoughts. His face lit up with joy, his mouth extended into a large smile. "Simply beautiful!", he replied.

This is the 3rd Latin Rite priest to visit our parish in as many weeks. Each seems amazed at the communion line that wends its way up where the priest administers communion by intinction - no extraordinary ministers of holy communion, no communion in the hand - and all approach with great reverence, especially the children who are blessed by the priest touching the top of their heads with the chalice.

A beautiful liturgy moves hearts and draws us closer to our Lord.

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