Mass of the Ages Returns to Southwest Virginia
After many years and many prayers, the Extraordinary Form of Holy Mass is finding it’s way to Southwest Virginia at Our Lady of Peace parish in Appomattox. Beginning November 7th 2010, Fr. Joseph Mary Lukyamuzi, O.S.B. the assistant Pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish in Richmond, offered the Mass in the area and there is a very strong belief this will happen on a monthly basis. Thus, the Latin Mass Community of Southwest Virginia has been formed.
Fr. Jim Gallagher has been most accommodating and helpful with the establishment of this apostolate according to George and Isabel Perry. The Perrys’ have worked unceasingly to get everything “just right” for the Mass. This included adding a removable extension to the Altar to accommodate the Mass Cards, Missale Romanum (1962 edition) and tall candles according to the rubrics prescribed. George is an accomplished carpenter who built this extension as well as a platform for the Ancient Mass when it was offered at St. Francis of Assisi in Amherst on May 15, 2010. He also made a Prie Dieu (single kneeler) for the sacrament of Penance which is held before Mass. Not to be outdone, Isabel has written and called local parishes with bulletin announcements and keeps track of the families who are regular attendees. She is diligent about contacting people if there are any changes due to weather. So far the weather has cooperated.
Each month the faithful gather to hear “Introibo ad altare Dei” (I will go to the Altar of God) said by the priest and make the familiar response to “Dominus vobiscum” (the Lord be with you) with “Et cum spiritu tuo” (and with thy spirit). There are as many, perhaps more, children than adults at this Mass held at 3:00 p.m. The average number of adults is about 25-30. Father Joseph Mary remarked about how well behaved the children were, many of which were toddlers or younger.
As the Latin Mass Community grows, it is hoped that a Gregorian choir will be formed under the direction of Delane Karalow. A Missae Cantata (sung Mass) is the goal in which the Propers (changeable parts of the Mass) are sung by the priest and choir.
For information on the Mass, please contact George and Isabel Perry at 434-352-7976. For information regarding the Gregorian Choir, please contact Delane Karalow at dkaralow@gmail.com or Thomas Dunbar at tdunbar@vt.edu.
