Holy Rosary Chruch Celebrates Tridentine Mass

Holy Rosary Parish sits just to the southeast of downtown Indianapolis at 520 Stevens Street, just off of East Street, across from Eli Lilly. This has been the home of this Church since 1909 when it was founded as a home for the Italian Catholic community of the city. The church community is now made up not only of its traditional Italian base and a mixture of American families, but also is the central church location for a community of those who celebrate the Tridentine Mass. Tridentine was a term Blessed John XXIII, also known as the Tridentine or traditional Latin Mass.

I was invited to Mass on Christmas eve by a former co-worker. I had grown up Catholic and had know the Mass in Latin before it was changed to English. At that time I was taught that the Mass was in Latin because it was a dead language and the meaning of the word didn't change. Then the Vatican changed the Mass to English leaving many of my generation feeling confused.

So, off I trotted on warm Christmas Eve to enjoyed one of the three Masses that are scheduled on Christmas and All Souls Day. What has been dubbed "extraordinary," the Tridentine Mass has been celebrated daily at Holy Rosary for the past nine years. What make this High Mass even more extraordinary are the processions and the choir.

Besides walking into strains of traditional hymns in Latin, it is obvious that other almost lost traditions are alive at Holy Rosary. As a look about the Church I notice that most of the women are wearing chapel veils. A tradition that went out of most Church's when the Vatican no longer required that women had to cover their head to enter the Church. I reflected back to a time when ladies would bobby pin tissues to their head in order to meet the requirements. I wonder if there is anywhere to purchase these today or if they were all vintage. (I may still own one.)

As I glance about it appears that we have two priests: Monsignor Schaeded and Reverend Michael Magiera... Ah, we were going to ge the full treatment and have High Mass. A ritual relatively unchanged since the 6th century and adorned with copious incense. There is a full procession with Deacons and scores of Alter Boys. As the Great Doxology begins the choir sings the Gloria, (in Excelsis Deo) I and tickle to discover that some verses of the Latin come back. Just like riding a bike. The choir is fabulous. An my great apologies that the director's name has slipped by menopausal mind.

I am surprised that neighborhood remains largely Italian. One of the most famous things that the parish is known for is its annual Italian Street Festival, served up with "Everything Italian." This festival has Live music, dancing, and games for everyone. The festival starts with the traditional religious processional and participants dressed in traditional Italian garb. On this Holy day many of the ladies are dressed in the traditional black stockings and vintage hats.

Other striking things to notice are the young people in attendance. It was obvious that some had come alone and strictly for the love of this special Tridentine Service. The church also offers Mass in English and is one of the few Chruches to offer both.

The dismissal comes and as we respond "Thanks be to God" I am truly thankful to have the opportunity to participate in such a beautiful Sacrament on Christmas Eve.