“It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do so without the Holy Mass.” – Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
One obvious aspect of formation in the seminary – almost too obvious – is that we are preparing to celebrate the mass as priests. We all go to mass every day and all the priests celebrate mass. Because there are so many priests, we are often called on for a special blessing: acolyting a private mass.
Every mass is celebrated “on the altar of the world” (John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia) and thus for everyone but a private mass refers to a mass without a congregation present at the moment. Usually, this means with just one acolyte who serves the mass. In the house, have 9 small chapels and 15 altars in a basement crypt where priests celebrate such masses every morning.
I really appreciate the opportunities to be that one solitary acolyte at these masses. I get to see all the motions really clearly; depending on the priest they might ask me to do the first reading – even though it is Latin, I usually understand. When the priest holds up Jesus, he is only five feet away; and then I think, in just a few years, he will be in my hand, that’s as close as a human being can get. What a Joy to be a priest!
Brother Matthew,
Christ is already in your hand every time you receive communion as it is in mine and then in you and in me. What will happen in a few years is that Christ will be in your hand for you to give Him to us. And in order for us to understand what it really means to receive Christ, you’ll have to explain it to us everyday of your life. That’s why i thank you to have accpeted that special mission.