Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross. A painting by Philipp Schumacher in the church of St Matthew, Berlin. Photo: Renata Sedmakova/Shutterstock.comSimon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross. A painting by Philipp Schumacher in the church of St Matthew, Berlin. Photo: Renata Sedmakova/Shutterstock.com

In my younger days in the churches of Valletta it was the practice to administer Benediction with the singing of the Tantum Ergo and Pange Lingua in Latin, even after Mass had been said and ended.

In many modern parishes this has become anexceptional occurrence which is rarely practised.

The same can be said about the Way of the Cross – one rarely sees it taking place nowadays. Could these devout practices be revived in our churches? Or has Vatican Council II  caused us to do away with not only Latin and holy hymns, but with the salutary practice of Benediction as well?

Mass, Benediction, the Way of the Cross and the Holy Rosary exist also as a form of prayer.

Sadly, with the loss of Catholic practice of the Roman or Latin rite, much that was good has been discarded, lock, stock and barrel. Our churches are less spiritual as a result.

Returning to some of our traditional religious practices could be a step in the right direction.

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