With current debates over the liturgy raging within the church, a new film is set to be released at the most apt time.
Mass of the Ages will offer a look into the Latin Mass communities of the United States of America, with cinematography that highlights the beautiful aesthetics. The makers of the film have stated that it
strives to reclaim the extraordinary mystery of Christ’s presence in the liturgy in the manner it has been celebrated for nearly 1600 years.
Rather than getting caught up in current debates:
Mass of the Ages approaches the debate by letting the beauty of the TLM stand on its own, so that it might be appreciated and understood by every Catholic. The film project was undertaken by a group of professional Catholic filmmakers two years ago in response to the staggering statistics of disaffiliation in the Church among young Catholics, gradual decline in the priesthood, and degradation of the family unit over the past 50 years. It also stems from the perspective that the TLM offers a solid foundation at a time when the world is in chaos and many Catholics are doubtful of Christ’s True Presence in the Eucharist.
Many Latin Mass Communities in Europe and North America will note that their membership transcends overall trends wherein young people have less the faith, Director and Producer Cameron O’Hearn states:
Millions have left the Church, but many flock to the Traditional Latin Mass which weathered the sweeping changes of the 1960s and retains its traditions. Families are rising up to be a part of it, and it isn’t what you’d expect. When you think of a ‘Traditional Catholic, you probably have someone very specific in mind. But the characters in Mass of the Ages will surprise you--messy families, courageous priests, and deaths that forge a strong faith.
Despite claims to the contrary made about Traditionalists in liberal Catholic media in recent weeks, the ‘filmmakers affirm the validity of both the Novus Ordo and TLM and do so in a spirit of reverence’.
Rather, in a timely fashion, they state:
Our main priority is to showcase the beauty of the Mass of the Saints--where Heaven touches Earth--and make it accessible to the average Catholic. Mass of the Ages will give you a deep appreciation for your Catholic faith, and we cannot wait to share it with you
There are significant reasons as to why Traditional Latin Masses have surged in attendance over the past 14 years. When people attend them, specifically young people, they find that it transmits beauty, reverence and piety with an immediacy that is not always readily present in the inconsistent nature of the presentation of liturgies within some local parishes. In its silence, majesty and heredity it stands as a portal to not just deeper Eucharistic comprehension but also to aspects of theology and history that they have been alienated from.
The Latin Mass might not be the solution to every problem within the church, but it is a solution to one, that is the loss of reverence for the Eucharist. Hopefully this film with be received with a spirit of charity by those hostile to the Latin Mass and its attendees.
