The Epic Saga of my Missale Romanum 1961 1/2

This was given to me perhaps tenth hand in the 1990s by a long time friend, Father D.O., while he was in the F.S.S.P., and before he founded his own religious congregation.

The Missal traveled with me to various residences in Italy, then to many places in America, then back to Italy, then Australia, to help out the epicenter of the Latin Mass Society of Australia, then Italy (what stories at Saint Peter’s!), then Lourdes. It was especially useful in Lourdes, where I used it as the Extraordinary Form Chaplain for two years, kick starting the T.L.M. after some 40 years of it’s being banned from the shrine’s official liturgical schedule. While in France, the second in charge of the F.S.S.P. at the time, confirmed the gift of Father D.O., saying I could keep the Missal. Great!

After this, the Missal followed me to Kentucky, and then to the Pontifical College Josephinum, where I was able to kick start a seminary course in the Extraordinary Form liturgy, that is, not only Mass, but baptisms, weddings, funerals, confessions, blessings, etc. Now, one year later, they have the Extraordinary Form Mass weekly.

While in Columbus, Father K.L. perhaps noticing the sad state of affairs with my Missale Romanum, generously offered me a new Missale Romanum that had been signed by Bishop Athanasius Schneider the Great, of Karaganda, Kazakhstan. YouTube his name and “Communion in the Hand” to be inspired by his humble reverence before Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. I turned this gift of Father K.L. down, but in favor of him giving it to a deacon who I knew would use it. He’s now ordained, in fact, and does use that Missale Romanum, and is especially appreciative of the signature on the frontespizio. I’m very happy about that.

My own Benzinger Brothers edition, with it’s layout that cannot be beat, then went with me to Kentucky, and then to North Carolina, and is here with me in full use at Holy Souls Mountain.

It’s had better days. I’ve already used many yards worth of Duck Tape (not duct tape, alas), but it has only gotten worse for the wear.

I wonder where I can find a 1962 Benzinger Brothers edition of the Missale Romanum for a reasonable price. And I’ll have to remember to get another Ordo for 2012 from the F.S.S.P.! Very useful, though there are still some mistakes to clean up, as it is with all such meticulously wrought works with a myriad details.

It’s the first Sunday of Advent. My introduction to the new corrected translation of the ICEL passed by without me knowing about it. I offered the Extraordinary Form Mass for the repose of the souls of all priests and bishops in purgatotry. Don’t forget that it’s still November, although praying for the dead is acceptable before the throne of the Most High every day of the year!