During the interview with Pints With Aquinas, Michael Gormley shared his thoughts on the future of the Novus Ordo in the Roman Rite in America. He expressed uncertainty about the future, acknowledging that the question is one that many people are asking. Gormley emphasized the need for a balanced approach, considering the traditions of the Church and the impact of the Novus Ordo. He mentioned the importance of proper catechesis and training for priests celebrating the Novus Ordo, as well as the preservation of certain elements from the Latin Mass. Gormley noted that the current state of the Novus Ordo Mass, characterized by a lackadaisical and “anything goes” attitude, is not sustainable. He suggested that enhancing reverence for the Eucharist through practices like ad orientem celebration, the use of altar rails, and the use of communion patents could contribute to a more reverent and meaningful Novus Ordo experience. However, he acknowledged that such changes may result in some people leaving the Church, highlighting the need for serious consideration and a gradual approach. Ultimately, Gormley emphasized the importance of love for God and love for one another, and how these aspects should be integrated into the celebration of the Novus Ordo Mass.
Michael Gormley shared a compelling story about the Syro-Malabar Indian nuns. Gormley recounted a significant event during which these nuns, who served at a bi-ritual church, were involved in a burial according to the Novus Ordo.
The incident took place in the presence of a deeply saddened parish community, gathered to bid farewell to a departed soul. As the nuns began to chant in the Syro-Malabar tradition, an extraordinary thing happened—everyone in the room, both within and around the gravesite, came to a standstill. Frozen in place, not a single person moved or left, as they realized that something truly holy was unfolding before them.
Gormley emphasized the significance of this moment and its connection to the power of Sacred Music. He explained that sacred music is derived from the Liturgy and is intended for the Liturgy itself. It holds a profound purpose in elevating and magnifying the glory of God. On the other hand, religious music stems from our personal religious experiences and aims to nourish our faith, though it may not be exclusively tied to the Liturgy.
Through this story, Gormley underscored the importance of preserving and cherishing the traditions of the Church. The Syro-Malabar nuns’ chant, deeply rooted in their rich tradition, stirred something within the hearts of those present, evoking a sense of the divine. It served as a powerful testament to the enduring value of tradition and its ability to create a sacred space where believers can connect with God in a profound way.
Gormley’s narrative sheds light on the beauty and significance of Sacred Music within the context of tradition. It reminds us that these customs and practices are not mere relics of the past but living expressions of our faith, capable of touching our souls and drawing us closer to God.
He narrates; “There’s a famous story of these Syro-Malabar Indian nuns. There were a burial according to the Novus Ordo, and the Syro-Malabar nuns, who were serving, they are bi-ritual and they’re serving at this church. They’re burying this man, and a lot of people were there, the parish, and they felt deeply saddened. The nuns began a chant in the Syro-Malabar tradition, and every person in the room just, or in, at the gravesite just froze… and no one moved, no one left because they realized something holy is happening here. And this is what Sacred Music is… sacred music is things that come from the Liturgy and are for the Liturgy. Religious music is things that come from our religious experience and as to foster our religion, but not necessarily the Liturgy. So chant and all these things, they’re all meant to be something that builds up and aggrandizes the glory to God.”
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