The Liturgical Calendar Of 2015: A Year Of Faith And Tradition In The Extraordinary Form

The Liturgical Calendar of 2015: A Year of Faith and Tradition in the Extraordinary Form

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The Liturgical Calendar of 2015: A Year of Faith and Tradition in the Extraordinary Form

The liturgical calendar, a framework for the Church’s yearly cycle of worship, holds a profound significance for Catholics. It guides the faithful through a tapestry of feasts, fasts, and commemorations, each with its unique history and spiritual meaning. While the calendar of the Ordinary Form (the Mass celebrated in the vernacular) has undergone revisions over the past decades, the Extraordinary Form, commonly referred to as the "Latin Mass," retains a traditional structure rooted in centuries of liturgical practice.

This article delves into the liturgical calendar of 2015 as observed in the Extraordinary Form, exploring its structure, key events, and the enduring appeal of this traditional mode of worship.

The Structure of the Liturgical Year

The liturgical year in the Extraordinary Form begins with Advent, a season of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Christ. It culminates in the solemnity of Christmas, followed by the Christmastide season. The liturgical year then moves through the seasons of Ordinary Time, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, culminating in the celebration of Pentecost.

Key Events in the 2015 Liturgical Calendar

Advent:

• First Sunday of Advent (November 30, 2014): The season begins with a focus on Christ’s Second Coming and the need for vigilance and repentance.
• Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8, 2014): This solemnity celebrates the Virgin Mary’s preservation from original sin, highlighting her role as the Mother of God.
• Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 21, 2014): The readings and hymns of this Sunday emphasize the imminent birth of Christ and the joy of His coming.

Christmastide:

• Christmas Day (December 25, 2014): The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Feast of the Holy Family (December 28, 2014): This feast honors the Holy Family of Nazareth, emphasizing the domestic virtues of faith, hope, and love.
• Epiphany (January 6, 2015): The celebration of the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, symbolized by the visit of the Magi.

Ordinary Time:

• The Sundays after Epiphany: These Sundays focus on the teachings and miracles of Christ, leading up to the season of Lent.
• Septuagesima Sunday (February 8, 2015): The beginning of the liturgical preparation for Lent, with readings emphasizing repentance and renewal.

Lent:

• Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2015): The beginning of Lent, a season of penitence and reflection, marked by the imposition of ashes.
• Palm Sunday (March 29, 2015): The commemoration of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marked by the blessing and distribution of palm branches.
• Holy Thursday (April 2, 2015): The celebration of the Last Supper, with a special Mass commemorating the institution of the Eucharist and Holy Orders.
• Good Friday (April 3, 2015): The commemoration of Christ’s Passion and Death on the cross, marked by a solemn liturgy without a Mass.
• Holy Saturday (April 4, 2015): A day of waiting and anticipation for the Resurrection, marked by a solemn vigil service.

Eastertide:

• Easter Sunday (April 5, 2015): The celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, the central mystery of the Christian faith.
• Easter Monday (April 6, 2015): The Octave of Easter, continuing the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.
• Ascension Thursday (May 14, 2015): The celebration of Christ’s ascension into heaven, forty days after Easter.
• Pentecost Sunday (May 24, 2015): The celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, marking the birth of the Church.

The Importance of the Liturgical Calendar

The liturgical calendar provides a framework for the faithful to experience the life, death, and resurrection of Christ in a structured and meaningful way. It helps to deepen their understanding of the Church’s teachings and traditions, and to connect with the universal Church through shared prayer and celebration.

The Enduring Appeal of the Extraordinary Form

The Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, with its Latin language and traditional liturgical practices, holds a deep appeal for many Catholics. It offers a sense of continuity with the Church’s historical heritage and a profound experience of the sacred.

Benefits of the Extraordinary Form

• A Deeper Sense of the Sacred: The solemnity and beauty of the Latin language, the traditional chants and music, and the reverence of the liturgy create a sense of awe and reverence.
• A Strong Emphasis on Tradition: The Extraordinary Form connects the faithful with the Church’s rich liturgical heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for its history and teachings.
• A Focus on Prayer and Contemplation: The emphasis on silence, prayer, and contemplation in the Extraordinary Form provides a space for spiritual renewal and growth.

FAQs

Q: What is the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite?

A: The Extraordinary Form, commonly known as the "Latin Mass," is the form of the Roman Rite used prior to the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council. It is celebrated in Latin, with a traditional structure and rubrics.

Q: Why is the Extraordinary Form still celebrated?

A: The Extraordinary Form is permitted for celebration by the Catholic Church under the provisions of the 1988 Motu Proprio "Summorum Pontificum" issued by Pope John Paul II. It continues to be celebrated by many Catholics who find it spiritually enriching and a valuable part of their faith.

Q: How does the Extraordinary Form differ from the Ordinary Form?

A: The Ordinary Form is the form of the Roman Rite used after the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council. It is celebrated in the vernacular, with a revised liturgical structure and rubrics. While both forms share the same essential elements of the Mass, they differ in their language, liturgical practices, and overall atmosphere.

Q: How can I find a Mass celebrated in the Extraordinary Form?

A: You can find a Mass celebrated in the Extraordinary Form by contacting your local diocese or parish. The website of the Institute for the Formation of Priests (IFP) also provides a directory of Masses celebrated in the Extraordinary Form.

Tips for Attending a Mass in the Extraordinary Form

• Arrive early: The Mass in the Extraordinary Form often begins with a period of silent prayer and preparation.
• Dress modestly: It is customary to dress modestly for Mass in the Extraordinary Form.
• Be reverent: The Mass is a sacred act of worship, and it is important to maintain a reverent attitude throughout the liturgy.
• Follow the rubrics: The rubrics are the instructions that govern the celebration of the Mass. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with them before attending.
• Participate actively: While the language of the Mass is Latin, there are many ways to participate actively, such as singing the hymns, following the readings, and making the responses.

Conclusion

The liturgical calendar of 2015, as observed in the Extraordinary Form, offers a rich and meaningful journey through the Church’s year of worship. It is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the beauty of the sacred. For those seeking a deeper connection with the Church’s heritage and a profound experience of the Mass, the Extraordinary Form provides a unique and enriching path to faith.

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