The joys of my youth

Recently Pope Benedict XVI issued an Apostolic Letter "Summorum Pontificum" that liberalizes the use of the Roman Missal of 1962 called the Tridentine Rite or Old Latin Mass.

Vatican II of 1962 replaced the Latin Mass with the use of the local language. In his Apostolic Letter the Pope said, the Latin Mass was not abolished.

After 1962, the first Mass with Latin prayers I heard was in Westminster Cathedral in London, another at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, then at St. Peter Basilica in Rome on the canonization of San Lorenzo Ruiz.

I wrote here how I felt the holiness and solemnity of the Latin prayers. Westminster Cathedral is where the Catholic Pinoys in London go on Sundays to hear Mass. The Mass I attended was officiated by Cardinal Basil Hume.

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The Latin prayers brought back a flood of beautiful and sweet memories of my boyhood days as an altar boy where the priest approached the altar saying "Introibo ad altare Dei" (I go to the altar of God.) And I would answer, "Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam." (To God who gives me the joys of my youth.)

I hope Bishop Vicente Navarra revives the Latin Mass here for those who want to attend it. I will be there to be with my God who gives me the joys of my youth.

Many, especially those of my generation said they wept when they were reminded of the solemnity and the memory it evokes.

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I can still remember some prayers, like the "Confiteor" (I confess.) You strike your breast thrice "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa." (My fault, my fault, my most grievous fault.) or the "Credo" (Creed), beautiful especially when sang by a choir.

And the common prayer when the priest intones "Dominus vobiscum" (The Lord be with you) and the congregation answers "Et cum spiritu tuo" (And also with you.)

And the priest says "Sursum corda" (Lift up your hearts) and we answer, "Habemus ad Dominum (We have lifted them to the Lord.) Beautiful, touching! Especially when the choir sings the "Gloria in excelsis Deo" (Glory be to God in the highest) and the "Peter Noster" (Our Father).

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Let's go on with the modern Mass because it suits many. But for those who prefer the Old Latin Mass which may be few at the moment, they must be given a chance to have it.

There are criticisms that there are some words and actions not found in the Missal but inserted in the Mass. It is pointed out the testimony in the middle of the Mass, clapping and using secular music and the liturgical dancing.

They are all right with me. But there are people who do not agree, believing solemnity is diminished. They are distractive.

Yes, in communion the priest in giving the host says "Corpus Christie" (Body of Christ). No chance he can make a mistake and say, "Christ, what a body!" on seeing a beautiful bodied woman.

There are many other beautiful Latin prayers but I like most that prayer in approaching the altar, "Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam." Yes, to God who gives me the joys of my youth. Truly, the Latin Mass has given me the joys of my youth. The first Latin Mass I ask the Bishop to have will be televised for many to see the beauty of the Latin rituals.

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Starting August 2 and every Thursday thereafter from 6 to 7 p.m. the Diocese will have a program over Sunshine Channel "Rays of Light," according to Amado Villacarlos, manager.

This will be launched by Bishop Vicente Navarra to explain the gospel on the following Sunday and other announcements the Diocese wants to make. This is also the 75th year of the Diocese.

The program will be handled by Fr. Louie Galbines, Fr. Noli Que, Fr. Rene Gaylon, and Fr. Mao Buenafe.

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Tonight I will join Rolly Espina at Sugarland Hotel when his children led by daughter Mate stage a program "Gather 'round…. Hail the Diamond Dad!"

This is an advanced celebration because Rolly's 75th birthday is still far away. But the children take advantage that this is the time they are all here for a vacation from their work abroad.

Mate sent her cameraman to take a tribute from me. The problem was the cameraman told me to make it "very short."

I plan to write lengthily later on about Rolando L. Espina.

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I was impressed by the presentation of the Development Bank of the Philippines dubbed "DBP Bacolod Roadshow." DBP president Raynaldo David made a good explanation of the DBP's accelerating investments towards sustainable development. I believe this should be given widest publicity.*

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