Maynooth Theologian Neil O’Donoghue has applauded the “love of the liturgy” followers of the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, insisting that the Ordinary Form must be studied with the same zeal. However, he also cautioned against “throwing stones at other Catholics who celebrate an approved form of the liturgy”.
In an essay for the journal The Furrow, Mr O’Donoghue addressed many contemporary stances taken in the Church today regarding the liturgy, which often sees followers of one tradition or rite claim its supremacy over others.
‘Practical fit’
Likening the Extraordinary Form to a vintage car in terms of beauty, he said: “I can well understand those who like vintage cars and are willing to invest the time, talent and treasure to keep them on the road, but for my purposes (as well as for the vast majority of people) the Toyota Yaris Hybrid I drive is a more practical fit today.”
He emphasised the accessibility of the Ordinary Form as a key reason for its success today, while warning against the “gnostic” tendencies to believe that one form of liturgy is more suitable for “true Catholics” than others.
“Liturgical diversity is a wonderful thing but no particular liturgical rite or tradition can contain the whole Christian mystery,” he said.
He concluded by noting that there is much “we can learn from the followers of the Extraordinary Form. We ought to imitate their love of the liturgy and their commitment to its celebration.”
