Observations On My First FSSPX Mass

[BrevisVir55]

This morning I attended Mass at Corpus Christi Chapel in Franklin, TN.

The building is plain and unassuming on the outside with a simple sign reading
"Corpus Christi Chapel
of the Society of St. Pius X
Roman Catholic Traditional Latin Mass"

I arrived 30 minutes before Mass started but the parking lot was already full. Upon walking into the chapel an elderly man was beginning the Glorious mysteries. The small chapel was packed, every pew was filled with as many parishioners as it could possibly hold. Every man was in a suit and tie and every woman in a modest dress or skirt and a mantilla. (a refreshing change from swim trunks and mini skirts!). After the rosary, Mass began. It was a Fr Daniel Themann's first Mass, he was ordained exactly a month ago. It was a Solemn High Mass and for a tiny chapel it was done beautifully! The priest had a wonderful clear voice, and said a homily about the dignity of man and the choice between God and creatures, and that man's ultimate happiness lies in God and not with creatures. Absolute reverence was shown for the Blessed Sacrament, there was no idle chatter in the sanctuary and everyone was very friendly. It was moving to see Father give his first priestly blessing to every parishioner after Mass. He seemed so very happy. It is too bad that they only have Mass there on 1st and 3rd Sundays but I guarantee that every 1st and 3rd Sunday I am able I will return.

Pax Vobiscum

Here are some pictures of the chapel

[Stubborn]

Great pictures - thanks!

I went to one of Fr. Themann's first Mass' Last Sunday in Louisville, KY and it was as beautiful a TLM as ever and it's good to see how you feel about it - welcome!!

At most SSPXs I've attended, confessions start an hour before, and the Rosary about 20 - 30 minutes before Mass.
Kinda funny - in Louisville, the confessionals are in the rear of the church so when you're in line, you are facing the Tabernacle while moving backwards in line. 

Did they happen to say that beautiful Prayer to St. Joseph at the end of the Rosary?

 

[matthew_talbot]

Typical SSPX congregation in terms of behavior, dress and reverence...Glad you were edified. 

[Mafalda]

Wonderful to hear! I'm happy for you.

[BrevisVir55]

Did they happen to say that beautiful Prayer to St. Joseph at the end of the Rosary?

 

Yes! That was a beautiful prayer!

[dymphna17]

Wow!  Your first SSPX Mass is one by one of our brand new Soldiers.  You can't get much more blessed than that.    I'm so happy for you.

[matthew_talbot]

Fr. Raymond Lillis, one of the newly ordained SSPX priests, is going to be at our parish next weekend. His sisters used to babysit our two youngest.

[CatholicThurifer]

That was very edifying - thanks for sharing!

[James02]

Brevis,

Next time you are there, notice all of the little rug rats, pregnant moms, crumb snatchers, and infants.  Try to estimate the age of the congregation, you will probably end up with a number less than 18.  Huge Catholic families with a plethora of future priests.  HOPE RISING.

[BrevisVir55]

Brevis,

Next time you are there, notice all of the little rug rats, pregnant moms, crumb snatchers, and infants.  Try to estimate the age of the congregation, you will probably end up with a number less than 18.  Huge Catholic families with a plethora of future priests.  HOPE RISING.

I noticed that! It was wonderful! I would say about a third of the women were in varying stages of pregnancy. Most families took up an entire pew. A lot of kids came in in 3's and 4's with their parents, most of whom were in their 20's. There was one family with 6 or 7 children who all made valiant attempts at genuflection and the sign of the cross before sitting!     Another thing I noticed is that at many NO parishes the father is not present at Mass, it's the wife and a child or two but at this chapel I did not see one family without a husband kneeling beside his wife. HOPE RISING indeed!

pax