The traditional Latin Mass, often revered for its solemnity and adherence to centuries-old rituals, holds a profound significance within Catholicism. Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, in his book “They Have Uncrowned Him,” fervently defends the traditional Latin Mass while expressing concerns about the changes in the Church following the Second Vatican Council. In juxtaposition, the biblical parable of the Pearl of Great Price from Matthew 13 sheds light on the value of something so precious that it surpasses all others.
Archbishop Lefebvre passionately advocates for the preservation of the traditional Latin Mass, emphasizing its intrinsic value and sacredness. He echoes the sentiments of the faithful who cherish the Mass as a priceless treasure within the Church, akin to the invaluable pearl mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. Just as the merchant in the parable discovers a pearl of exceptional worth and sells everything to possess it, Lefebvre illustrates the significance of the Latin Mass, portraying it as a spiritual jewel that embodies the richness of Catholic tradition and theological depth.
The traditional Latin Mass, with its intricate ceremonies, ancient prayers, and adherence to prescribed rubrics, mirrors the concept of the precious pearl. Lefebvre underscores the Mass’s profound beauty and time-honored sanctity, asserting that it stands as a cornerstone of Catholic identity. His concerns about the post-conciliar reforms center on preserving this treasure, guarding against dilution or alteration that might compromise its authenticity.
Moreover, just as the Pearl of Great Price holds an immeasurable value surpassing all other possessions, Lefebvre’s reverence for the traditional Latin Mass surpasses any contemporary adaptations or alterations within the Church. His unwavering commitment to preserving the Mass resonates with the parable’s message, emphasizing the incomparable worth of something spiritually significant, even amidst societal changes or modernization efforts.
Signs of seeking the Pearl of Great Price:
According to a survey conducted by the Fraternity of St. Peter, which is a society of apostolic life that celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass, the weekly attendance rate of the Latin Mass among adults aged 18-39 was 98% 1. This is a significant increase from the average weekly Mass attendance rate of 39% among American Catholics from 2014-2017 2. The same survey also found that 99% of Traditional Latin Mass Catholics said they attend Mass weekly 3.
In contrast, a survey conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University found that the weekly Mass attendance rate among American Catholics was 39% from 2014-2017 2. However, the survey did not differentiate between those who attend the Novus Ordo and those who attend the Tridentine Mass.
Another survey conducted by Fr. Donald Kloster of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Norwalk, Connecticut, in cooperation with a statistician and Brian Williams of LiturgyGuy.com, found that 99% of Traditional Latin Mass Catholics said they attend Mass weekly, compared to 22% of Catholics attending the Novus Ordo Mass3. The same survey found that the rate of giving among Traditional Latin Mass Catholics was nearly six times the amount of giving as NOM parishioners 3.
In conclusion, Archbishop Lefebvre’s defense of the traditional Latin Mass in “They Have Uncrowned Him” aligns with the essence of the Pearl of Great Price from the Gospel of Matthew. Both convey the incomparable value of something precious that transcends temporal considerations. Lefebvre’s stance reflects the belief that the traditional Latin Mass remains an invaluable spiritual treasure within the Catholic Church, deserving preservation and reverence in its purest form.