Every single week
as I take my seat
at Latin Mass
one word springs to mind –
“authentic”.

The chapel I go to
is the simplest of chapels.
You won’t find any finery here
but what you will find
are all the essentials
for Holy Mass –
seats for the congregation,
an altar for the holy sacrifice
of the Mass,
altar rails for us to receive
Holy Communion,
Stations of the Cross and statues
to inspire us.

Nobody is drawn here
by grandeur
and yet every Sunday
this tiny chapel
is packed,
filled to capacity
by a devout congregation
that is steeped
in our Catholic faith.

In this tiny, cramped,
crowded chapel
we receive the Body of Christ,
truly present,
and we listen to the teaching
of the Holy Catholic Church
given to us
without compromise.

As I take my seat
on a simple, plastic chair,
the word “authentic”
springs to mind
and I give thanks to God
for bringing me
to this Latin Mass
celebrated simply, authentically
and uncompromisingly
every Sunday.

© Claire Murray, 24th November 2022