Tridentine Latin Mass at Immaculate Conception, Old South End

Yesterday's Tridentine Latin Mass at Immaculate Conception went very well. I had expected a good turn out, but considering the low temperature, I wasn't sure how good. The fact that seventy-five people braved the cold surprised everyone. In order to hear better, I sat in the front row, where I wasn't able to check the crowd. My first indication of how things were progressing was the expression on Fr. Paul's face when he came out to welcome everyone. It was memorable, to say the least. Even without a large contingent from St. Joseph's, we'd have had at least three times the dozen or so everyone was hoping for.
Everyone involved deserves thanks. Fr. Paul already works more in his retirement than most of the workforce. It would have been completely understandable if he's said it was just too much extra work. He didn't, though. He took on the extra burden without complaint. Don't forget all the extra prayers the priest has to say in the Tridentine, not to mention the usual excellent homily. Add the fact that he hasn't done it in decades and you'll see it's not to be taken lightly. He did very well and seemed to be enjoying himself.
Kevin Foose, organist and choir director, outdid himself. Even brought in his mother to do a wonderful solo of the Pie Jesu.
Don't ever doubt how much extra work is involved in preparing the altar. It takes four strong men to move the people's altar to the side, and those candlesticks are heavier than you'd imagine. I know. I moved one. As usual, at Old Darby, parishioners were there to help.
I'd particularly like to thank Trevor Fernandes and the parishioners of St. Joseph's. They offered every possible assistance and brought a group of experience servers. I was very impressed by their generosity.
The next Tridentine Mass at Immaculate Conception will be at noon, on February 17. Everyone's welcome.