We sometimes think of liturgy as “pre-or post” Vatican II, but the Dominican Rite Mass crosses that divide. Both the Low Mass, celebrated the first Saturday of each month at 8 a.m., and the Sung High Mass with Cantores in Ecclesia on Feast Days and other special liturgical occasions, have remained little changed from the medieval age to our own. When the Council of Trent codified the Mass, it allowed for the continuation of those rites which had at that time been in existence for at least 200 years. We may glibly speak of “the dark ages,” but there is nothing dark about these reverent and illuminating Latin liturgies.

Our former pastor, Fr. Anthony Patalano, is an avid proponent of the Dominican Rite and did much to foster and encourage it during his years at Holy Rosary, observing that for the most part “the Dominican Rite had been sadly neglected, except in a few localities were it was celebrated for special occasion, e.g. anniversaries, etc. As a result of the generous indults of John Paul II, to celebrate the pre-councilor Mass, and in 2007 with the promulgation of Benecit XVI’s Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum, there is revived interest in celebrating the Dominican Rite.”

We are fortunate that Fr. Vincent Kelber continues in this venerable tradition; because of his dedication, this liturgy remains a vital part of our communal life. Low Masses are said monthly, and sung Solemn Masses with Cantores in Ecclesia are offered on many holy days though out the year. Watch for announcements of upcoming Dominican Rite Masses in the bulletin, and on fliers posted in the church vestibules and Siena Hall. Its relevance, reverence and great beauty has not dimmed over the centuries, but for many, it can be not an experience of stepping back in time, but stepping outside of time.