During my time in Rome, I am staying at the Pontifical North American College. Today, the NAC 250 seminarians. I always enjoy my visits the to NAC. The seminarians are men of deep faith and have a great love for the Church.

Tonight, I had the privilege of attending Solemn Vespers (Evening Prayer of the Church).  It was so uplifting. Such a change from my days in the seminary, over 24 years ago. There was a procession of Incense, Cross Bearer, Acolytes bearing candles, deacon and priest celebrant. The hymn was Ad Cenam Agni. (Here is a version of it, but the scola did some beautiful choral in between verses). The antiphons were all in Latin and the Psalms in the vernacular, all chanted of course.

For those that think Pope Benedict’s Liturgical reform was short lived, they had better think again!

A video at the end, that expresses my thoughts on the change that has only just begun. The Liturgical hippies are on their way out, beauty, reverence and dignity are returning.

Chapel of the Immaculate Conception (taken after most had already left the chapel following Vespers)

You can find the lyrics here.

“Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don’t criticize
What you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin’
Please get out of the new one
If you can’t lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin’.”